"The moment you give up is the moment you let someone else win" - Kobe Bryant. A quote that has deeply resonated with Will Thomas for as long as he can remember, and one that has fueled his resilience and commitment to becoming the best version of himself day in and day out. For this Baltimore, Maryland native, it all started at the age of just six years old. After being introduced to the sport by his parents, Will immediately fell in love with basketball and became determined to embark on a journey of his own playing the game. This was only the beginning. Throughout his time in high school, Will continued to strengthen his skills on the court and expand his knowledge of the game.
It wasn't all smooth sailing though. During his junior year, he suffered a Jones fracture that put his future in limbo. Would this be it? Would this be the end of his journey in basketball? Where would he go from here? All questions Will pondered on as he navigated through his injury, but ones that served as personal motivation to come back stronger than ever. Sure enough, he did just that. After coming back from injury, Will ended his senior year entering the 1,000-point club before beginning his collegiate career at Morgan State University. He hasn't looked back since. As he gets ready to begin his fourth season at Morgan State, Will is excited to work towards a MEAC championship this year, elevate his game on the court further, and inch closer to his dreams of playing basketball professionally.
Take us all the way back! How did you get started playing basketball?
I really started playing basketball at the young age of probably six or seven. I was playing rec basketball, and my mom and dad really put me on to the game. Honestly, I just fell in love with it. Growing up, I felt like everybody that played basketball, their goal was to make it to the NBA. So I've always had that goal (as well). I've always had good people around me. I've always had the confidence in myself that I could do it too. So it was just putting two and two (together): the people in my circle and myself (instilling) that confidence to just keep going.
How do you think your game elevated during your time in high school to prepare you for your journey now in college?
The one thing about my game is that I've always gotten better from the prior year. Every single year, I've always taken a step up. I just honestly think it's from the work and the people surrounding me. I got a good (support) system around me, and then (myself). The confidence…that's where it really comes from: me.
During your time in high school, you came back from an injury and expanded your game on the floor further—even entering the 1,000-point club. Could you take us through that journey?