Thomas has scored in double figures in all ten games and has 20 or more points in eight of ten contests.
Matt Thomas, a 6-foot-4 junior guard from Onalaska who has a Minnesota scholarship offer, played in the Minnesota Timberwolves Shootout this past weekend. The Hilltoppers ranked No. 1 in Wisconsin’s Division 1 rankings, lost for the first time, losing to Apple Valley 66-64, despite his season-best 33 points.
Thomas has scored in double figures in all ten games and has 20 or more points in eight of ten contests.
GopherHole.com caught up with Thomas to learn the latest on his recruitment and his junior season and will watch him the next two Saturdays as well.
GH: You picked up a couple of offers recently from Virginia and Northwestern. How many offers are you up to now?
Matt Thomas: Nine. (Boston College, Creighton, Green Bay, Iowa State, Marquette, Minnesota, Northwestern, Northern Iowa and Virginia).
GH: Obviously, a tough loss against Apple Valley, but you have been playing well and beat your big rival La Crosse Aquinas and are ranked number one in the state. How pleased are you with the team’s play so far this season?
Matt Thomas: We have had our ups and downs, but generally, we have been playing pretty well. We just need to be a little more consistent at times.
GH: You beat Aquinas Friday, a team that beat you twice last season and played a very good Apple Valley squad Saturday. Are those the kind of games that can help you get ready for the postseason?
Matt Thomas: For sure. That is what we want to do. The coach took us down to Mequon (for the WBY Shootout) over Christmas break and here (the Target Center) and then we play at the La Crosse Center next weekend against good teams and that will help us in the playoffs, for sure, by playing teams of this caliber.
GH: How about your own individual play this season? You are averaging around 21 to 22 points per game and had 33 versus Apple Valley. How pleased are you with that?
Matt Thomas: I am pretty pleased. Sometimes at times, I am not too consistent. Sometimes, maybe not playing the whole game. I didn’t think that the first half I played very well (against Apple Valley), but I turned it up in the second, but just play more of a complete game all-around.
GH: Friday night, Wisconsin was at your game. What are you hearing from the Badgers?
Matt Thomas: I was actually supposed to call them. I’ll call them back. We have been playing phone tag. I haven’t talked to them yet.
GH: What about the Gophers? I know that they offered you a scholarship last summer and coach Smith and Coach Jirsa were here to watch you at the Target Center. What are you hearing from them?
Matt Thomas: I’m still keeping in touch with them. They are still interested, for sure.