Four Questions with Tyler Thomas

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Pride in his game

Nobody had a better Feast Week than Hofstra’s Tyler Thomas.

The senior guard averaged 30.3 ppg — including a D-I high 40 (!) against High Point that clinched the Gulf Coast Showcase title on Wednesday. He scored in a variety of ways, a nod to the guys he watched growing up.

He’s third in the nation in scoring (25.0 ppg) and shooting 38% from beyond the arc. Hofstra will end up back-to-back-to-back CAA Players of the Year at this rate. So we caught up with him for Four Questions.

Q: You’ve played in 224 of the 245 total minutes this season for Hofstra. Only 7 guys have played more minutes. And this is coming off a three-games in three days stretch where you went back-to-back 45 and 40 minutes! At this point, are you surprised when coach Claxton subs you off?

Tyler Thomas: I would definitely be surprised if he subs me (laughs). I’m ready for it. I’m in shape. But I think every player doesn’t want to come out. Playing’s when you get into a real rhythm. Play through your missed shots, and get the confidence from the coaching staff.

Kinda like the other night. I didn’t know how many I had. I actually started the game slow; think I only had seven at halftime because I was missed some shots I probably shouldn’t have. In the second half, I got into a rhythm, and knew I had a big game, but didn’t know it was 40.

Q: How would you describe your game? Are there guys you pattern some moves off of, or anyone that you idolized growing up that you tend to play like?

Thomas: My two favorites all time are Kobe Bryant and Paul Pierce. I’m not he most athletic guy, and Paul Pierce, I don’t want to say was unathletic, but he got his shot off whenever he wanted to. Kobe was amazing with his footwork.

But if there’s a guy now, it’s Steph. You watch how he gets how gets his shots by relocating and coming off picks, that’s what you want. You’re never gonna be more open than on the catch.

Q: When you heard Aaron Estrada was transferring to Alabama, what did you think it meant, both for the team and for yourself?

Thomas: He’s one of my guys. When he left … I mean, last year, I think people thought of me as Robin to his Batman. But during conference play I thought we were just two guys who could go get you one. When he left, I knew that going into this year, the work ethic and practice would pay off.

My mindset hasn’t changed. I just think I get a few more play calls.

Q: You guys have challenging set of games coming up: South Florida, at Iona, at Saint Louis, and then at Duke. That’s a helluva stretch. Think Cameron will be the loudest place you’ll ever play?

Thomas: Every one of the guys on the team wants to challenge themselves and see what the game is at the highest level. We all want to showcase what we can do. It’s a little test for yourself, and you can hopefully get some upsets.

I think Providence may be the loudest place I’ve ever played. I was there my junior year with Ed Cooley. They have some crazy fans. Rutgers also was pretty loud. Actually, Purdue was pretty loud. They’re arena seemed kinda small, but it’s steep, so everyone just feels like they’re stacked on top of you.

Thomas and the Pride next play at South Florida on Thursday.