PG Stephen Thomas Passes on SMU

[MrMustang1965]

from The Indianapolis Star newspaper:

Cathedral High School point guard Stephen Thomas had planned out the final stage of his recruiting process with official visits scheduled for Dayton University, Marshall and Southern Methodist.

But the senior found everything he needed at Dayton -- academics, athletics and location -- and opted to cancel his other trips and commit to the Flyers last weekend.

"I thought I'd take my other visits, but (Dayton) felt comfortable," Thomas said. "I was there with the other two recruits, and it was a good fit. I felt like I knew the guys (on the team).

"The academics there jumped out at me, and it was good to stay close to home."

Thomas will be about two hours from his home in Wayne Township, so his friends and family still will be able to see him play regularly. He can study sports medicine and plans to be an athletic trainer.

Thomas has started all three years at Cathedral, averaging 14.8 points and 5.5 assists per game during his career. He averaged 15.7 points, five assists and 3.3 rebounds in leading the Irish to a 17-6 record and the City Tournament championship last year.

With all five starters returning, Cathedral will be looking for its first sectional title during Thomas' career after battling three-time Class 4A state champion Lawrence North and 7-footer Greg Oden the past three seasons.

"I wanted to get (my college commitment) out of the way so I could play ball and not have anything else to worry about (during the season)," Thomas said. "That sectional looks a lot smaller without Greg Oden."