The Golden Heart Of David Thomas
12/6/2000 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
Dec. 6, 2000
You can call him Martin Scorsese Jr. If senior wingman David Thomas could write a movie script for his career, he might call it the "Hitman". It reflects his love for the mafia movie genre and his all-around play-making capabilities. His role is one of a versatile player that is lethal from any position on the court.
"Everyone on the team knows their roles and what it takes to win," said Thomas. "If it takes me playing many different positions to be successful than that's what I am going to do. That's the kind of contribution that I can make to help us win."
A self-proclaimed movie buff, Thomas holds a special affinity for mobster movies. "My favorite by far is Scarface," explained Thomas. "Goodfellas, Hoodlums, there's nothing like a good gangster flick."
And there's nothing like good defense. That's one thing that playing the guard position last season taught Thomas.
"When Mateen (Cleaves) went down last season, and I had to start playing guard, it really forced me to adjust," said Thomas. "I improved my defense significantly because many of the players I was guarding were little and quick and could get underneath me. I definitely learned how important staying low was and that you can't go for every ball fakes or they'll blow right by you. "
Thomas, a.k.a. The Golden Boy, has been wreaking havoc for opposing teams with a cool release and a work ethic that is second to none. He was tagged with the nickname in high school, as those that watched his game could think of only one thing. Silence is golden.
"I think my style of play is a direct reflection of my personality," said Thomas. "I have a real laid-back approach to the game and would choose to be more of a leader by example rather than by being vocal, but I can be vocal and intense if the situation calls for it."
As a senior, Thomas will have numerous opportunities to raise his voice. In previous years, he could defer leadership responsibilities to teammates like Antonio Smith or Mateen Cleaves. Coach Tom Izzo is now looking to this year's senior group to provide direction to the Spartans.
"Coach Izzo is always talking about us five seniors putting our stamp on this program" Thomas said. "In the past, this team has been known by Mateen (Cleaves), Morris (Peterson) and A.J. (Granger). But, now it's our turn and time for us to leave our mark on the program."
It's not as if Thomas has not accomplished anything. He's been a contributor on three-consecutive Big Ten Championships, two Big Ten Tournament titles and a National Championship. But in his final season, he is looking for even more jewelry.
"After we won last year's championship, everyone was so excited and we had the ring but it wasn't enough for us as a team," explained Thomas. "We celebrated for a couple of months, but now it's like we have another job to do, another title to win. We just want to go out there play hard, and win it all again."
Although his basketball family is vital and important in Thomas's life, there's nothing that can replace his own.
"I love my family so much. I don't get to go home often so when they come and see me, everything except basketball stops for them," said Thomas. "I love spending time with my niece and nephew. Being with them is such a huge thing for me, I just can't explain how much I love them."
His love for children doesn't stop with his family. This spectacular athlete extends his big heart to the local classrooms as well. Thomas is completing an independent study this semester, working in a local elementary school, to help children develop both academically and socially.
"I just play with them, read to them. I want to show them that people like me are willing to take time out to listen and show they care," Thomas said. "I did it in the summer and when I came back for the school year, they all remembered me and had made little cards and a big banner for me. I still have it in my room. It's just touching and something special that these kids can see you as a role model and that small time you spend with them means so much."
He's not the gangster hero that he likes to watch on the big screen, but Thomas is a tough player that is willing to put forward any effort to help with the team, or in the community. If you ask kids at one local school it's not his game that makes him golden, it's his heart.
