Malcolm Thomas, the next Michael Jordan?

Malcolm Thomas, a 20-year-old sophomore at San Diego City College weighing 228 and standing 6 feet 9 inches tall could be well on his way to becoming the next Michael Jordan.

Basketball is not the only thing Thomas has to deal with. He is a full-time student and another priority he has is keeping his grades up, which he says is not an easy task.

“I get a lot of homework and with basketball practice everyday it can be stressful at times,” Thomas said.

Nothing came easy to Thomas; he would ride the school bus every morning, which meant getting up extra early to get to his high school across town in City Heights.

“I think the way I’ve lived and struggled has also shaped me into who I am now, a strong-minded individual,” he said.

Thomas grew up in El Cajon, where he attended Crawford High School. As a sophomore in high school Thomas discovered his great talent and passion for basketball.

Thomas said his sister has been a great inspiration for him. He grew up watching her play basketball and with this he was exposed to the world of the sport.

Thomas’ father was also an inspiration. Like him, Thomas also plays the forward position, this way he was able to acquire most of his skills from his dad.

“I consider my sister and dad an inspiration, because they gave me the push to start playing, and they have supported me ever since then,” Thomas explained.

As Thomas got to college his skills in basketball improved to a more professional level.

While at City, Thomas was selected to attend Pepperdine University in Malibu, California where he continued playing basketball but with a higher level team.

After one semester at Pepperdine he returned to City where he once again joined the City College Knights.

“Malcolm always shows determination and perseverance,” Coach Mitch Charlens said.

On Feb.18, Thomas received the Most Valuable Player Award, and he was also named one of the All-PCC First Team, along with Jamel McGuire and Marquintice Davis.

Thomas has showed great talent out in the court and his coach says that he should be in the NBA in about three years.

Coach Charlens said he is confident that with the way Thomas is playing, he will have great success and many opportunities to play professionally in the NBA.

Teammate Jamel McGuire mentioned, “Malcolm Thomas was off the hook tonight!”

McGuire said he was impressed with Thomas’ sportsmanship during the playoff game. Thomas is always interested in getting the team ahead, whether it’s him the one that scores or its one of his teammates.

Thomas is planning on obtaining his associate’s degree in 2010-11 from City, while maintaining his basketball career. He plans on continuing his studies and sport at Pepperdine University.

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Malcolm Thomas, the next Michael Jordan?