Khyri Thomas (#2 | 6-3 | 200 | G | Fr.)
Khyri Thomas is impact player from the word go. A late addition to the 2015 recruiting class, Thomas signed in mid-April, and by the end of July he was a serious candidate to crack the starting lineup as a true freshman. In practice, his 6-foot 10-inch wingspan wreaked havoc on other Creighton guards who tried to drive by him or pass around him. He even got a few blocked shots against Bluejay big men throughout the summer. In Italy, he led the team in rebounding, and finished second in points, assists, and steals per game over the course of the three overseas contests.
Once practice resumed in October there were a few days where he looked like a freshman, but his willingness to learn helped him catch back up. He’s by no means a finished product, but his athleticism and competitive drive helps him stand out. That’s why he’ll get a chance to make an impact right away when the Bluejays tip off the regular season against Texas Southern. The knock on him coming out of Omaha Benson High School was that his offense needed some work to catch up to his athleticism and ability on the defensive end of the floor. However, his slashing and ability to finish at the rim makes him a dangerous scoring option with the new rules that are once again a point of emphasis in college basketball. He’s also shot the ball very well from the perimeter throughout practice.
Fans will love his game and his personality, and the rest of the Big East will figure out sooner rather than later why the Creighton coaching staff has been so high on this 19-year-old guard since he came on board last spring.
Check out our Khyri Thomas photo gallery!
Omaha Benson High School & Fork Union Military Academy (Omaha, Nebraska & Fork Union, Virginia)
- averaged 18.0 points and 7.0 rebounds per game in only season at Fork Union Military Academy
- led Nebraska’s Class A with 19.2 points per game as a senior
- scored more than 1,000 points in high school career
- named captain of 100th Omaha World-Herald 2014 All-Nebraska Team
Head Coach Greg McDermott on Thomas:
“Khyri has been very consistent; one of the more consistent freshmen I’ve ever coached. There really isn’t any part of the game that he has a glaring weakness. He’s pretty good at everything, and has a chance to be outstanding in some areas down the road. He’ll be someone that will be on the floor a lot for us this year.”
5-on-5 with Khyri Thomas
Q: What were the factors in why you decided to come play at Creighton?
A: “Being in Omaha is home, so that was one thing — just being around familiar faces and people. Another thing is that you always hear that Creighton is a really good school to get an education. Everybody graduates and ends up with a very good job, so that part of it, too — that was probably the main thing. After I graduate I want to have a decent job and not be struggling.”
Q: What has been the most difficult part of the transition from high school to college?
A: “Time management. In high school you could kind of lollygag and be a little late to things, and you would barely get in trouble, because you’re the best player. Here, you have to be everywhere on time at the right time, and you can’t be late for anything. That’s how you turn into a man by being able to manage your time.”
Q: The team was picked ninth in the preseason poll. What are your thoughts on that and what are your expectations for this group this season?
A: “Being a freshman I have high expectations, so of course I want to go to the Final Four. Hopefully we can beat every team with a good pace and be consistent all year. No ups and downs or close games. I try not to think about the [preseason poll], because that’s going to be in the back of my head every time we play anyone in our conference just to prove them wrong. That’s pretty low for us.”
Q: Which game on the schedule, or trip, are you most looking forward to this season?
A: “Villanova or Providence — those are two of the big schools I want to play. I know Villanova is always good every year. I’m pumped to play them, and of course Georgetown. That’s probably the big three.”
Q: When your time at Creighton is over what will you have hoped to accomplish in your career as a Bluejay?
A: “Win the Big East Tournament at least two times, if not every time. That’s a high expectation, but we’re capable of winning two Big East championships. And I want to win Big East Freshman of the Year. That’s about it. I kind of think about that in the back of my mind, but that’s a long way to go. If I do everything correct this year then hopefully I’ll get it.”
