Tom Pecora's midseason decision to change his starting backcourt continues to reap positive benefits for Fordham's third-year coach as the Rams have become more competitive since inserting Mandell Thomas into the lineup over Jermaine Myers, as the freshman was honored this morning with his first Atlantic 10 Rookie of the Week award.
Thomas, whose 16 points this past Saturday in a losing effort to VCU followed consecutive 17-point outings against Rhode Island and Saint Joseph's in each of Fordham's two prior contests, becomes the first Ram to win this honor since Bryan Smith captured it a year ago. Thomas may be averaging just 7.5 points per game this season, but since being reintroduced to the starting lineup on December 29th against Georgia Tech, he has scored in double figures over seven of Fordham's last nine games and is averaging 10.3 points per game as a starter and 12.4 in Atlantic 10 play, (along with over five rebounds per contest in the A-10) compared to just 3.8 points per contest coming off the bench.
Thomas' first game since winning the award will come Wednesday night when the Rams welcome a resurgent Saint Louis squad into Rose Hill for an 8pm tipoff that can be seen on the CBS Sports Network, the first of three Fordham games to be broadcast on the outlet.
Thomas has high potential. Do you hink he'll stay at Fordham? A kid like this has to be a transfer risk. He might look at Gaston and think "do I want to be the best player in a weak program"?
ReplyDeleteI would hope so. Someone of Thomas' caliber is definitely a risk to transfer up, but right now I see him staying. After next year with Frazier graduating and this program about as close as it's ever been to the next level, Thomas may want to stay and lead the charge. Besides, if he transfers up, he's a role player at best on a high-major roster.
DeleteInteresting. I'm thinking a winning mid-major program would be the real threat to take him away from Fordham. You know, a move down in conference but a move up in program.
ReplyDeleteI'm not really sure he would move down at this stage...he's getting too many minutes, but like you said as far as being one of the better players on a weaker team, if Fordham has another year like this one and the year before, it might come up but it's a real longshot in my opinion.
DeleteMandel I am very, very proud of the effort you are making to 'beat the game'. Keep up the good work especially in the weight room and classroom. Aunt Gussie is leading your cheering squad!!!
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