LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Little Rock redshirt freshman guard
Joseph Thomas has been named Ohio Valley Conference Freshman of the Week after delivering a pair of breakout performances and emerging as a key contributor for the Trojans at a critical point in the season.
The Portal, Ga., native had seen limited action for much of the year but stepped into a larger role over the past week and responded with confidence and production. Thomas averaged 15.0 points per game while shooting 43.5 percent from the field and 46.7 percent from three-point range (7-of-15), providing a major offensive spark.
Pressed into the starting lineup in a must-win game against Southern Indiana, Thomas delivered the best performance of his young career, scoring a career-high 19 points in a career-high 37 minutes while knocking down 5-of-10 from beyond the arc. His perimeter shooting helped Little Rock build early momentum and secure a decisive victory.
He opened the week with 11 points in 25 minutes against Morehead State, connecting on two three-pointers and showing the confidence that would carry into his breakout effort.
"Joe has stayed ready all season," Little Rock head coach
Darrell Walker said. "I have coached him hard for two years, and he works hard every day, never complains, and when his number was called, he stepped up in a big way. That's what you love to see as a coach. He gave us a huge lift offensively and played with great confidence. I am very happy for Joe."
Thomas' emergence has added valuable depth and perimeter scoring for the Trojans heading into postseason play, as Little Rock looks to carry momentum into the Ohio Valley Conference Tournament.
"I am glad to be contributing. That is a good feeling," Thomas said. "I've worked hard, and I am going to do my best to help us win in the tournament."
Thomas is the son of Bill Thomas, who played at Indiana from 1979–83 and won a national championship under legendary coach Bob Knight in 1981. The elder Thomas went on to a four-year NBA career while also playing in minor leagues and internationally until 1994, and later worked as an NBA scout and assistant coach.
Little Rock will face Lindenwood at 8:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Ford Center in Evansville, Indiana, in the opening round of the Ohio Valley Conference Tournament.
