Recruiting Report: Jhalen Thomas (2016)
It’s easy to slip through the cracks in the Richmond basketball scene because of all the talent at each level. However, it’s hard to imagine a 6’5 wing that’s a knockdown shooter to be as under recruited as Varina senior…
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Continue ReadingIt’s easy to slip through the cracks in the Richmond basketball scene because of all the talent at each level. However, it’s hard to imagine a 6’5 wing that’s a knockdown shooter to be as under recruited as Varina senior Jhalen Thomas is.
Thomas has some interest from a host of division two and division three schools, including Virginia Wesleyan, Wheeling Jesuit, Virginia Union, Virginia State and Livingston. His shooting prowess is what has put him on the map, but his work ethic and mentality has him thinking he could be a better all-around player than most people think.
“Shooting is going to be a major part of my game going to the next level, but I think I’ll be able to develop more to become a bigger and better player,” Thomas said.
Jhalen Thomas commitment to the game is evident in his improvement the last few years.Thomas was a big part of Varina’s post season run last season, as they struggled during the regular season but turned it around in the conference tournament to upset top seeded Cosby to win the Conference 3 Championship. They were reclassified down to 5A before this season, and while it seems like that would be in their benefit, it put them smack in the middle of the toughest region in the state in 5A South.
Earlier this season, Thomas scored 18 points as Varina took Conference 12 favorite LC Bird to the wire in a 92-88 loss in double overtime. After a performance like that, and the experience of the late season run last year, he believes the sky is the limit for his team.
“We’re definitely hoping to have a shot at states, but finishing our season last year as conference champions, we have to improve way more just to get beyond that.”
As for now, Thomas is focused on what he has to do to improve his stock and chances at the next level.
“I know I need to get bigger and stronger to be able to compete better at the next level, so I look forward to working hard during the summer to increase my strength.”
The possibility of prepping has crossed his mind, but with more interest coming in from division two schools, there is a chance that Thomas could land an offer if he continues to play the way he has this season.