DraftExpress: Everyone knows that youre down to Rutgers and Duke. Have you set a timetable as to when youre going to make a decision?
Thomas: Im looking to make my decision shortly after this game. Probably within the next week or two.
DraftExpress: Tell me about the pros and cons that Duke and Rutgers offer respectively.
Thomas: The pros for Rutgers are the chance to get immediate playing time and if I go there, you know Eugene Harvey would come with me. We play really well together and we play in New Jersey and would play in front of our state and could turn the program around. Im inspired by that. The cons are that theyre not really established yet and Id be taking a big risk, but it takes special people to do things like that and I think pretty capable of it, but right now Ive gotta do whats best for me.
For Duke
You cant really pinpoint anything bad about Duke. I really cant think of any cons that come to mind. People say Duke and Rutgers, its a no brainer, but when you look at it from different angles and different prospective, you see things through a different light. Thats why Im waiting to make my decision.
DraftExpress: Are you waiting to see who Rutgers announces as their head coach before making a decision?
Thomas: I think Fred Hill is the head coach right now. Basically, whoever it is doesnt really change things for me. If Gary Watters were still there, itd still be the same. Fred Hill? is a great recruiter. Hes recruited me for a very long time and I think the world of him. As the same for Coach K. I think the world of both those coaches. This is a very crucial decision because its the next four years of my life, thats why Im taking my time and making the right choice.
DraftExpress: Your versatility is going to allow you to develop into a three or a four at the next level. What position do you think youll play in college?
Thomas: I just want to play. The 3 or the 4. Im going to do what it takes to win. Im not on the floor for numbers or anything. I played for a winning program under Coach Hurley. Winning is in my blood. Ill do the little things to win. I dont have to score points to effect the game, but I can score. Whatever position they put me in, Im going to play.
DraftExpress: So one of the main reasons that youre considering Rutgers is because of the immediate playing time youd receive?
Thomas: Playing time is critical. Freshman year, you could be a diaper dandy or you could be in the shadows. I dont want to be a mediocre player because I think Ive worked too hard for that. My drive for greatness is very strong. Itd be an underachievement for myself not to have a good freshman year.
DraftExpress: What aspects of your game are you looking to improve upon most?
Thomas: Everything. Most importantly, my perimeter game. Ive been working out really hard with Coach Hurley in the morning before school We work out after school. Were just going through his workout plan and its really helping me a lot with my game. He sees how motivated I am and he knows that I want to be a pro. Hes giving up his personal time waking up extra early. He lives about an hour and a half away from the school, and he wakes up every morning to work out with me on my game. I just want to be the best player I can be.
DraftExpress: Speaking of going pro, what are your thoughts on the NBAs new age limit?
Thomas: It doesnt effect me because I never thought I was going pro out of high school, and I never had my mind on that. I think it is holding some players back. Guys that could come in and have an immediate impact on the league. What can two years in college do to detriment your game? I think it can only help you. Im going to use it to my advantage, so just make the best of it. Further your education and youre going to further your game, so just make the best of it.
DraftExpress: Thanks a lot Lance and best of luck in the game Sunday.
Thomas: Youre welcome. Thanks for interviewing me.
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