Miners sign Steve Thomas
February 8, 2008 - Continental Basketball Association 1 (CBA 1)
East Kentucky Miners News Release
PIKEVILLE, KY. - Another CBA All-Star has joined the East Kentucky Miners professional basketball organization. East Kentucky - one of four CBA expansion teams - has signed forward Steve Thomas (6-8, 235).
A native of Carrollton, Ga., Thomas has enjoyed hardwood success throughout his basketball career. He played three seasons at Georgia before moving on to Middle Tennessee State for his senior campaign. As a junior at Georgia during the 2002-03 season, Thomas averaged 10.2 points and 7.3 rebounds per game. After sitting out the 2003-04 season per NCAA rules, Thomas finished strong at Middle Tennessee. He averaged 10.5 points and 7.5 rebounds while shooting 48.5 percent from the field in 24 games for the Blue Raiders. Thomas helped to lead Georgia to the 2002 SEC Eastern Division Regular Season Championship.
The former Georgia Bulldog has been active in professional basketball across the United States and overseas since 2005.
His professional basketball accolades have included: All-WBA 1st Team (2005), Polish League All-Star (2006), Eurobasket.com All-Polish League Defensive Player of the Year (2006), Eurobasket.com All-Polish League 2nd Team (2006), Eurobasket.com Polish League All-Imports Team (2006), Eurobasket.com Polish League All-Defensive Team (2006) and CBA All-Star (2008).
Earlier in the season, Thomas starred for the Atlanta Krunk, an American Conference rival of the Miners. He averaged a double-double of 12.7 points and 11.1 rebounds in 20 games for the Krunk.
"Steve (Thomas) was a very productive player for the Atlanta franchise earlier in the season, averaging a double-double for a talented team," said East Kentucky Coach Kevin Keathley. "We're looking for him to bring a bigger interior presence on a more consistent basis. He's an individual we hope will play big on the inside. We're excited to have Steve Thomas onboard with the East Kentucky Miners."
In another move, East Kentucky has waived forward Byron Allen. In 28 games, Allen averaged 3.1 points and 2.3 rebounds. Thomas filled Allen's spot on the East Kentucky roster. He will wear jersey number 30 for the Miners.
Thomas is expected to make his debut for the Miners on Saturday, Feb. 9 when American Conference leader Minot visits East Kentucky for the first of two key games. Tip-off for Saturday's East Kentucky-Minot game is set for 7:05 p.m.
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