Boston University

Thomas was the first "big man" to play for BU at 6-foot-8. He was Boston University's all-time leading scorer during his varsity career with 1,138 points, a record that stood for 11 seasons.

At BU, he earned three varsity hoop letters and co-captained the 1955-56 Terrier team. During his senior season in 1956, he was named an All-American honorable mention and an All-District I player by two national magazines. In 1956, he was named the BU News' Athlete of the Year.

After two seasons with the Philadelphia SPHAS, the team that toured with the Harlem Globetrotters, Thomas returned to Boston University as freshman and assistant basketball coach for the 1958-59 season. That team won 20 of its 27 games and competed in the NCAA tournament.