Recruiting Report: Kalil Thomas (2019)
Both publicly and privately, I have been saying for quite some time that in my eyes, the most underrated player for the 2019 class in Louisiana is Kalil Thomas. Thomas is a really talented, ultra smooth off guard that has improved his game every time that I have seen him. He has really long arms to go along with a 6’4 frame and moves his feet really well, making him one of the best on ball defenders that we have to offer in the state. He has worked hard to become a good 3 pt. shooter, and a really solid ball handler, both aspects of his game that were lacking when he was younger.
This offseason, he spent the summer off with Texas Pro of the Adidas circuit, and ended up finishing the summer with Team Faith, also on the Adidas circuit, and played really well on both squads. He had his biggest game of the summer with Team Faith the first weekend he played with them, going for 39 points, including knocking down 11 3s in that game. (you can check out his highlights in that game HERE)
Since July, it’s no surprise that Thomas has been spending a lot of time in the gym working on his game. “I’ve been working on my ball handling, and trying to improve my IQ. I’ve gotten better at creating for others. I’m also putting weight on. I need to get stronger and more physical. I also need to work on being more vocal and keep working to get my ball handling better.”
As we get closer to the start of his final high school season, Thomas has high expectations for his Holy Cross squad this year. “We’re going to be good, real good. If we do all of the little things, we are going to be very successful. Jason Chan and I are going to be our two biggest players, but I think all of our seniors are going to be huge! Everyone can help us in their own way. Aaron Ursin (2020) will be huge for us too.
With a big seniors season, Thomas is hoping it translates in his recruitment at the next level as well. His recruitment has begun to pick up, but it isn’t at the level it should be for a player of his talents and skills. While I was talking to him, he was on an unofficial visit to Southeastern, and also says that he has been in contact with Northwestern St., UNO, and UTRGV, but the only school that has offered him so far is Loyola (New Orleans). When I told him I thought it was crazy that he hadn’t picked up any D1 offers yet (which it is), he told me “I think it’s crazy also, but I’m also grateful, because it gives me more motivation to go even hareder, and I know God has something planned for me in the end. It’s going to make this season even better.” And with an attitude like that, who can argue with him.
Thomas has been just as impressive in the classroom as he is on the basketball court, and currently sports a 3.4 GPA and scored a 21 on the ACT.