Johnny Thomas

Biography

Growing up in a family of six, Thomas was first introduced to the game of basketball at the age of 15 from his older brothers. He quickly excelled and made the varsity team as a freshman at West Carteret High School in Morehead City, NC. Thomas played at West Carteret for three years and received the “News Times Player of the Year” award before transferring to Greensboro Day. Continuing his success in athletics, Thomas led Greensboro Day to two Little Four championships and one State Championship, only losing two games in the two years that he attended. In addition to being a star athlete, Thomas also managed to make As and Bs which allowed him to be accepted into the National Honors Society.

"Rising Pros gives me the opportunity to work with kids to improve their skill level but also their confidence level. My goal is to teach kids the value of hard work and how you have to continue to push past obstacles.”

2016

Built on his life long passion for basketball, Johnny founds "Rising Pros Training, LLC to help youth develop in MIND, BODY and SKILL.

2011

Thomas then decided to take his talents to the next level and was drafted #17 by the NBA D-League in 2011. After suffering an injury, he was forced to take the remainder of the season off and wait to return until the following year. In 2013, he accepted a contract to go play in Giessen, Germany. After leaving Germany, Thomas was offered an opportunity to play with the world famous Harlem Globetrotters. Being featured several times on ESPN Top Plays. Known as "Hawk" on the court he became one of the most spectacular dunkers around the world completing five seasons with the Globetrotters. Thomas traveled to 12 countries and had the opportunity to help youth on and off the court by helping to develop their MIND, BODY, and SKILLS. Thomas truly believes that by developing these three key components, in return you will achieve greatness.

2008

After being scouted by numerous Division I schools, Thomas accepted a scholarship from NC State University. Unfortunately, Thomas sustained a season ending injury on the first day of practice. After the injury, he was told that there was a possibility that he would never be able to play basketball again. At this time, he took it upon himself to develop his mind even further. While playing collegiate basketball at NC State, Thomas was named to both the 2008 and 2009 All-ACC Men’s Basketball academic team. He later graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in only two and a half years. Thus allowing himself the opportunity to further his athletic and academic career at Marshall University. While playing at Marshall, he worked on his Master’s degree and was named to the Conference USA All-Academic team in 2011.

Photo Credit: Sholten Singer photo, The Herald-Dispatch