NFL Tickets
Ever since his freshman season, Houston Cougars big man TaShawn Thomas has made one thing clear: he is a beast. Playing 28.2 minutes a game as a freshman, he averaged 10.7 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks. During his sophomore season, he played 32.4 minutes a game and improved offensively, scoring 16.9 points to go with 9.8 rebounds and 1.7 blocks. This season he has improved even more, currently averaging 17.5 points, 9.3 rebounds, and a remarkable 3.8 blocks per contest. Yep, he’s a beast.
A 6-foot-8 forward, Thomas uses his weight, listed inaccurately at 215 pounds, to the best of his ability and has been extremely effective both offensively and defensively in the post. Offensively, he is shooting 64.4 percent from the field despite taking an average of 11.3 shots per game.
Defensively, his 9.3 rebounds and 3.8 blocks per game were already noted, but the fact that he stays out of foul trouble, only averaging 1.7 fouls per contest, might be most impressive for a big man who averages 32.9 minutes per game.
In American Athletic Conference play, Thomas should continue his dominance in the post and certainly gives Houston a chance against top opponents like Connecticut and Memphis.
Right now, the Cougars sit at 7-5 after getting off to a perfect 5-0 start. Their two embarrassing losses came against San Jose State and Louisiana-Lafayette. Let’s see if they can make the necessary adjustments and make an impact in the landscape of the AAC.
Dan Karpuc is an American Athletic Conference basketball writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @dan_karpuc, “Like” him on Facebook and add him to your network on Google.
Share 
