KJ Thomas, a freshman at Randall High School, was an unassuming basketball player at 5'5'' and 125 pounds, but now he leaves the program as the all-time leading scorer and heads into the next part of his high school journey. I am. University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP).
Thomas, who joined the varsity team as a freshman, averaged just over three points per game, but as a sophomore he grew rapidly, reaching 6 feet tall and earning himself a chance to be a starter. Thomas ran with his minutes and showed the potential to be a special player for Randall, averaging 21.5 points and 4.5 assists per game and was named the Amarillo Globe News' 2022 Rookie of the Year.
As a junior, Thomas led the team to the first state semifinal in program history against Oak Cliff Faith Academy. Randall lost 67-47, but Thomas scored 33 points in the game. That season, he averaged 22.9 points and 3.7 assists per game and was named the Amarillo Globe News Player of the Year. As a senior, he led his team to the state semifinals and became Randall High School's all-time leading scorer. He holds the record for most points and three-point shots in a single game.
Scouted by multiple Division I teams including Louisiana Tech, Texas State and Drake, Thomas signed a letter of intent to play with the UTEP Minors last September. Thomas is known for his all-around play, ability to involve teammates with his passes, and prolific outside shooting.
During Monday's ceremony to name the gymnasium after longtime Randall High School coach Leslie Broadhurst, Thomas reflected on his playing career at Randall High School and his future in college basketball with the Miners.
“The last two years have been very special to me,” Thomas said. “My junior year, this was the first time the team went to state. We had a great team that really struggled at the beginning of the year, but we really bounced back. Just making the trip there was amazing. That continued into my senior year. It was great to go to state again. We fell a little short of our goal, but I wouldn't want to do that with any other team.”
Thomas has grown as a player over the years, and he credits Broadhurst with helping him grow as a person.
“I've grown so much since my freshman year. Coach Broadhurst and I always talk about my freshman year and how he believed in me and I've just grown as a leader,” Thomas said. said. “Being under Coach Broadhurst really helped. I worked extremely hard to get it done, but when you have teammates and coaches like me, it's a lot better,” he said. It will be easier.”
Thomas said the deciding factor in choosing UTEP was that it felt like home when he visited.He cited assistant coach Jeremy Cox as the main reason for choosing him, but the entire UTEP staff has impressed him.
“I loved the coaches and the players. It felt like a second home where I could see myself for the next four years,” he said. “I love playing in El Paso. The entire staff showed me so much love and made me feel right at home.”
When he first visited El Paso, Thomas said he was very impressed with the campus and the surrounding city. He also said he didn't know about the history of the basketball team before his visit.
“I didn't know much about El Paso, but when I went there I was so surprised at how nice it was. I absolutely loved it,” Thomas said. “I didn't start learning about the history until they started talking about national championships and Don Haskins. It's a huge honor to be at that school. They have a lot of tradition and I loved it. I want to pass it on.”
According to Thomas, the atmosphere and fan support were also big factors.
“The second time I visited UTEP, I really became interested in the school,” he said. “The team really is like a family, and you can see it in how they play on the court. You can see it in how far they've come this year toward a conference championship. I was really impressed by the continuity of the team, the atmosphere, and the love and support from the fans and coaches.”
Thomas cited former minor leaguer Thule Baum as his favorite UTEP player. Thomas said he watched video of Boom's play by Cox and was really impressed.
Thomas explained his commitment and expectations as a freshman at UTEP. He plans to attend UTEP in the summer to pursue a business degree. He feels his biggest strength is his passing ability, but his defensive strength is something he wants to work on.
“I can say I'm a leader, I can get my teammates involved and score when I need to,” he said. “I'm an all-around player, I'm a winner. I wanted to go somewhere where I could play right away, so I feel like they offered me that. If you work hard and do what you're supposed to do, you'll definitely get there. I have a chance to play quite a bit. I just want to bring the winning culture to UTEP that they already have.”
James Harden was named as Thomas' favorite player to shape his game. “He can score with the ball in so many ways and pass the ball,” Thomas said.
Thomas hopes that when people look at his accomplishments at Randall, he will be remembered for more than just being a great basketball player.
“It's an honor and a privilege. I want to thank God for this opportunity,” Thomas said. “I want my legacy to be, first, that I was a great and honest human being, and second, that I was a man of God.”