Kristian Ferrell
Will Thomas is a basketball player who rose to fame as a standout senior at Mervo High School. He started his basketball career at Mount Carmel before transferring to Mervo in his junior year. Thomas faced several obstacles, including a broken foot that required surgery and kept him away from the sport for over six months. Diagnosed with ADHD and dealing with anxiety and depression, Thomas overcame his mental health struggles with the support of his family and coaches. Known for his versatility, size, and ability to score with either hand, Thomas went on to play for George Mason University, becoming their eighth all-time point scorer. He then played professionally for various international teams before retiring in July 2024.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| School | Mount Carmel, Mervo High School |
| College | George Mason University |
| Height | 6-foot-5 |
| Position | Guard |
| Ambidextrous | Yes |
| Points per game | 17 |
| Assists per game | 5 |
| Rebounds per game | 4 |
| Points | 1,564 |
| Rebounds | 993 |
| Games played | 131 |
| Professional Clubs | Pınar Karşıyaka, Sidigas Avellino, Unicaja, Valencia Basket, Zenit Saint Petersburg, BC UNICS, AS Monaco Basket |
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What You'll Learn
Will Thomas's mental health struggles and subsequent bounce back
Will Thomas, the Mervo basketball star, has had a challenging journey with mental health struggles but has shown remarkable resilience and a bounce-back to his old self. Diagnosed with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in grade school and dealing with anxiety during middle school, Thomas opened up to his mother about his struggles with depression. He described feeling anxious about various aspects of life, which led to a lack of motivation and a decline in his grades. Thomas's mental health challenges affected his passion for basketball, and he even considered leaving the sport.
Thomas's mother, Allyson Wynn, played a crucial role in his journey by providing encouragement and support. She listened to his concerns and reassured him that it was okay to feel down but emphasized the importance of not staying in that state. Wynn also applauded the NBA for its increasing focus on mental health awareness, which has helped players like Thomas feel more comfortable seeking help.
Thomas faced additional obstacles during his basketball career, including a broken foot that required surgery and sidelined him for six months before his senior season. Despite these challenges, he excelled in his junior year at Mervo, averaging 17 points, five assists, and four rebounds per game. He transferred to Mervo from Mount Carmel and quickly made an impact on the team.
After a trying year, Thomas bounced back stronger than ever. He shared that he starts his days with natural sunlight, goes on walks without his phone, and journals about his experiences. Thomas is now a redshirt senior wing at Morgan State University, where he has scored over 1,100 points across four seasons and continues to be a key player for the Bears.
Thomas's resilience and willingness to seek help for his mental health struggles have not only contributed to his success on the court but also inspired others. He hopes to share his story with other college athletes facing similar challenges. Thomas's journey serves as a testament to the importance of prioritizing mental health and seeking support when needed. His bounce-back demonstrates the power of perseverance and the ability to overcome adversity.
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Thomas's transfer from Mount Carmel to Mervo High School
Will Thomas, a basketball star at Mervo High School, had faced numerous challenges before his transfer from Mount Carmel in his junior year. Thomas's family home, located minutes away from Mervo on York Road, caught fire in the middle of the night in February 2017, leaving him and his mother displaced for over a year. Prior to the fire, Thomas's grandmother, Janette Wynn, who had helped raise him, was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease.
Thomas had also been dealing with mental health issues. Diagnosed with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in grade school and having experienced anxiety during middle school, he later confided in his mother that he felt depressed. This led to a decline in his motivation and grades, and he began arriving late to school. With the support of his mother, father, coaches, and teammates, Thomas was able to persevere and eventually bounce back.
Thomas's transfer to Mervo High School marked a new chapter in his basketball career. However, just before the start of his senior year, he suffered a Jones fracture in his foot that required surgery and sidelined him from basketball for six months. Despite these setbacks, Thomas remained resilient and worked hard to improve his skills. He returned to the Mervo court for the Mustangs' season opener, showcasing his talent and determination.
Thomas's size, handling skills, ability to score with either hand, and vision made him an exceptional player at the wing position. His experience with injury taught him not to take basketball for granted, and he approached every practice and game with renewed dedication. Thomas's hard work paid off, and he became a leader on and off the court, beloved by his teammates. His return to form brought joy to those around him, and he inspired others with his resilience and positive attitude.
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Thomas's physical attributes and skills
Will Thomas, a 6-foot-5 guard, is an ambidextrous player with impressive physical attributes and a versatile skill set. He has played for various teams, including Mount Carmel, Mervo High School, George Mason University, Pınar Karşıyaka, Sidigas Avellino, and Unicaja.
Thomas's physical attributes include his height and ambidexterity, which make him a versatile player on the court. He has the ability to score with either hand and the vision to distribute, making him a nightmare for opponents at the wing position. Thomas's size and handle further contribute to his dominance on the court.
In terms of skills, Thomas is a talented scorer and playmaker. During his junior season, he averaged 17 points, five assists, and four rebounds per game. He also demonstrated his ability to step up in crucial moments, scoring 34 points in a close game against Perry Hall.
Thomas's work ethic and dedication to improving his game are also notable. He spent extra time in the weight room and after practice, ensuring he could handle the physicality of the game. Thomas also identified specific areas for improvement, including his jumpshot, ball handling, rebounding, and defense.
Thomas's versatility and all-around game have made him a highly sought-after prospect. He received offers from multiple colleges and was ranked as a top 20-prospect in 2019. Thomas continued to develop his skills and played professionally in various leagues, showcasing his adaptability and talent.
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Thomas's career in professional basketball
Will Thomas started his basketball career at Mount Carmel before transferring to Mervo High School in his junior year. At 6 feet 5 inches tall, Thomas played as a guard and averaged 17 points, five assists, and four rebounds per game during his junior season. He was also a top 20 prospect in the 2019 player rankings.
Thomas went on to play collegiate basketball at George Mason University, where he became the eighth all-time point scorer with 1,564 points and the third all-time rebounder in men's basketball history with 993 rebounds. He also holds the record for the most games played in team history, with 131.
In July 2012, Thomas signed his first professional contract with Pınar Karşıyaka of the Turkish Basketball League. He then signed with Italian league basketball team Sidigas Avellino in August 2013. Thomas continued his career in Europe, playing for various teams in Spain, Russia, and France. He signed with Unicaja of the Liga ACB in July 2022 and retired from professional basketball in July 2024.
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Thomas's career in collegiate basketball
Will Thomas, the Baltimore native and Mervo High School graduate, went on to play collegiate basketball at Morgan State University. Thomas, a 6-foot-5 guard, is known for his versatility and ambidexterity on the court, often shooting left-handed on the left side and right-handed on the right.
Thomas's collegiate basketball career at Morgan State has been highly successful. He has been a key player for the Bears, leading the team in scoring (80.6 points per game) and adjusted offensive efficiency. Thomas's strong performance has earned him recognition as the heart and soul of the team by head coach Kevin Broadus. In his time at Morgan State, Thomas has accumulated over 1,100 points across four seasons, with his highest-scoring game being 16 points against Delaware State in his final season.
Thomas's dedication to his craft extends beyond just game strategy; he has invested significant time in improving his physical strength and conditioning, ensuring he can match the physicality of the game. This commitment to his body was especially evident during his time at Mervo, where he focused on weight training and practice to prepare for the demands of collegiate basketball.
Thomas's impact on the Morgan State Bears extends beyond the court. He has fostered a strong connection with his teammate Hobbs, referring to him as "my brother." This bond has contributed to the team's success, with the pair being regarded as the heart and soul of the team. Thomas's emotional investment in his collegiate basketball career was evident during his final season, where he expressed his honor at representing Morgan State and the unique support he received from his family, who attended every home game.
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Frequently asked questions
Will Thomas is a basketball player who played for Mervo High School's varsity boys basketball team. He later played for George Mason University, becoming their eighth all-time point scorer.
Will Thomas plays the guard position.
Will Thomas is ambidextrous and plays with versatility. He is also a strong leader, with his teammates loving to be around him and play with him.
Will Thomas received offers from Towson, Quinnipiac, UMBC, Loyola (MD), Dayton, and VCU.
Will Thomas has played for Pınar Karşıyaka, Sidigas Avellino, Unicaja, Valencia Basket, Zenit Saint Petersburg, BC UNICS, AS Monaco Basket, and more.
