Is Matt Thomas the most improved player?

[Cyclonepride]

Never be a Big 12 role-player and glue guy? Please. Thomas came in with a lot of hype and many refused to believe what he really was.

I'm still not willing to limit his definition as a player as the last chapters have yet to be written.

Going into his senior year, many would have questioned his ability to be Big 12 first team or especially player of the year.

 

[heitclone]

The problem was many were saying he would never be that guy. As he was, was all he would ever be. A lot of shortsighted people on this topic.

No one, especially his biggest supporters would admit that maybe he wasn't the pure shooter, 3pt specialist that Fred had pegged him to be, there were people on both sides of this that were way off. I don't think its that Matt's game has improved, maybe his rebounding but the biggest change in his game is his confidence and that he seems to have a much better idea of what kind of player he is supposed to be. Coming off the bench as guy who is expected to score points just wasn't his role, he was set up to struggle.

 

[LindenCy]

If junior Thomas could play for freshman Thomas you'd have a point. Most knew he would be better as an upperclassman, but you don't judge what his play then by his play in the future. He has improved into a good Big 12 role player and glue guy, which is what the Thomas fan club always expected, right?

The book isn't closed on Thomas yet, but even if he doesn't do any more, he is doing great work as a starter in the Big 12. I agree that coming in there may have been more expectations, but considering the expectations that most recruits have coming in, he's done better than many.

 

[Dingus]

The problem was many were saying he would never be that guy. As he was, was all he would ever be. A lot of shortsighted people on this topic.

I'll admit I thought Matt's offense would click at some point but I also always thought he would be mediocre at best on defense.

Thomas' defensive improvement is one of the most impressive improvements I've ever seen out of any player. Players often improve their shot, offensive moves, decision making, ball handling, and rebounding.

Thomas improved his defense not just by effort and learning what to do but he's defending in a way he flat out didn't look physically capable of last year.

Eg Burton could make huge improvements on D next year but he clearly already has the physical capability to do so, it's simply a matter of focus, effort, and knowing what to do.