Prep Hoops Circuit Program Profile: Texas Impact

Program Context

Residing primarily in the Dallas metro area, Texas Impact looks to turn heads this year by creating opportunities and exposure for all their athletes. Director, TJ Thomas was generous enough to discuss the organizational philosophy and some key athletes to keep an eye on through the upcoming few months. One of the Thomas’ most incredible hoops memories are the 2016 Fab-48 in Las Vegas, when the Impact won the tournament. Going even farther back, Thomas started helping with the club back in 2012, eventually leading to high school organizations in 2016. In part thanks to his brother playing, TJ was especially active building out Impact, where they are now at 11 teams, three of which are in Oklahoma City.

Pillars

Impact is based on a six pillars of J.O.Y. aka Jesus, Others, Yourself. These six pillars are humility: thinking less of one’s self, discipline: doing the right thing even if it is tough, servanthood: modest beginnings, team: team needs first, attitude: grateful for what is learned through adversity, and brotherhood: referenced in Proverbs 17:17. 

NCAA Ready Alumni

The impact boast a potent group of division 1 athletes ranging from low to high major schools. The list includes Zurich Phelps, SMU, Jalen Lake, Colorado State, Jonathan Aku, Texas A&M, Jeffrey Mills, Air Force, Micaiah Abii, Liberty, Samuell Williamson, Louisville, Imo Essien, Old Dominion, Tay Mosher, East Carolina, KJ Cunningham, Weber, Trazarien White, UNC-W, Drake Muller, DU, and Cameron Christon, Boise State.

A few guys who have the potential to be in similar footsteps of the aforementioned names are Caden Powell Caden Powell 6'10" | C Waco Midway | 2022 State TX who signed with Wyoming. Robert Jennings Robert Jennings 6'8" | PF TACA Storm | 2022 State TX , signed with Texas Tech. TJ Miller signed with North Dakota State. TJ Johnson TJ Johnson 6'6" | SF Belton | 2022 State TX who committed to Lipscomb. Anariss Brandon Anariss Brandon 6'0" | PG Judson H.S. | 2022 State TX who signed with Texas A&M Commerce.

Down the Pipeline

For the future classes, there are a variety of names worth looking out for. Race Herr out of Odessa Permian is a 2023 6’10 pick and pop big. He is advanced on offense for his size, thanks to his shooting form and simple yet effective post game. Interior defense will be an area of improvement down the line. Grant Rein Grant Rein 6'0" | SG Grapevine Faith Christian | 2023 State TX is a 6’ 2023 shooting guard out of Grapevine Faith. Rein is capable filling up stats with his high IQ paired with even higher shot-making skill level. Zach Day out of Midland Christian is a 6’3, 2024 shooter who can make you pay from distance in a variety of ways. While he primarily plays the catch and shoot role, there are budding skills as a playmaker, although he needs to gain strength to fully realize his potential. Jacob Campbell out of Howe High is a 2024, recently pulling in his district MVP. Campbell is excellent getting to his spots thanks to his mid range pullup, overall mobility through his first step and lateral movement are areas to improve.

A few underrated names are Tyler Long, the 6’5 2023 shooting guard from Ponder. His length and ability to flow into movement jumpers allow him to be an intriguing name down the road. Chase Collins at Frisco Legacy, 6’3 2023, a shooter who can heat up fast where he boasted 7+ three point makes multiple times. Luke Cheatham, 6’1 2023, Hallsville, he is a volume shooter who does not lack confidence.

Long run goals for the Impact and TJ are to become the one of the nation’s largest scholarship programs, in turn helping the recruits as much as possible.