Scouting and Highlights: Jalen Thomas (2019)
Jalen Thomas is a 6’9″ big man who plays his high school ball with University of Detroit Jesuit and his AAU ball with Reach Legends. Last year, he played behind a pair of D1 big men, so he is just now starting to blow up as far as recruiting goes. In fact, he received his first offer just a few days ago, that being a D2 offer from Ferris State University. The potential is endless for Thomas, as he has the size, athleticism and versatility that are so important in today’s game of basketball.
He’s already a D2 player as of this recent offer, which is about the level he’s at right now. He’s young yet, as he has two full years of high school and another full year of AAU in front of him; therefore, I believe he will go D1, as long as he continues the success he found this AAU season. He has all the physical tools needed to play at any level, so his skill development will determine whether he goes low-major, mid-major or high-major D1.
Here’s my take on Thomas’ game:
Strengths:
Size/Length – At 6’9″ with long arms, there aren’t going to be many players who are more gifted physically. You can’t teach/develop this, which is why it’s such a valuable skill. It’s fairly self explanatory, but being this long and tall helps Thomas with his ability to block shots, rebound, defend, finish around the rim and score in the post, among other things.
Rebounding – A combination of a good motor, great size/length and good timing allow Thomas to be an effective rebounder. He is capable of going up and grabbing the ball at it’s highest point with the best of them. One aspect of rebounding that Thomas does well is securing the ball; when he gets his hands on the ball, he will grip it tightly and protect the ball from being stripped.
Shot Blocking – Many scouts in the state of Michigan have said positive things about Thomas’ ability to block shots. With his size and length, he can really go up and get his hands on opponents’ shots. However, he doesn’t just rely on athleticism to block shots; he does a nice job timing his jumps as well. Thomas’ presence in the paint on defense helps his team’s overall defense tremendously, making him a valuable piece on any roster.
Versatility – In addition to Thomas’ good size, length and ability to play vertically, he also has quick feet and is mobile for a big. It doesn’t take him long to run up from the low post and set a screen above the three point line – then roll hard to the rim. He’s capable of defending on the perimeter as well; though not an elite perimeter defender, he won’t be a liability if he gets caught in a switch onto the perimeter. Also, Thomas has shown the ability to grab a defensive rebound, dribble the ball up the floor comfortably, and make a pass or finish all while maintaining control.
Areas For Development:
Shooting – This is the next step for Thomas to take if he wants to realize his full potential as a player. In today’s game, big men who can’t shoot have a limited ceiling as rebounders/defenders only. However, big men who can do the aforementioned but also hit the open jumper – whether that be midrange or the three – are a valued commodity for most coaches. Also, the ability to make free throws can get a big an extra 4-6 points a game, which is the difference between a win and a loss in a close game. If Thomas could become a threat to score from midrange or the three point line, he would become one of the best prospects in his class.
Lower body strength – This is the only aspect of rebounding that Thomas does not excel at. If he could become just a little more solid in his core, he would be a force on the glass, as he’d have the ability to push opponents away from the basket as well as elevate and go get the ball. This would also help him offensively and defensively as well.