By Mike Lehman, TTU Sports Information
COOKEVILLE, Tenn. – The Tennessee Tech men's basketball team added another piece for its future, announcing the recent signing of South Doyle High School senior guard Miles Thomas.
Thomas represents the second signee of the 2016-17 class for the Tech squad, joining Colton Blevins of York Institute as the newest additions to the Golden Eagle program.
"We're excited about Miles' potential to be a good player here," head coach Steve Payne explained. "He has a very high level of athleticism and he's a good shooter. He's a bright basketball player who's just kind of learning right now as he goes. He has a very high upside; he's the ultimate high-ceiling kind of guy. He'll have a lot to learn, but we're looking for him to have a super career here at Tennessee Tech."
Miles Thomas
6-6 – 175 – Guard – Chattanooga, Tenn. – South Doyle HS
Last season, Thomas averaged 16 points, eight rebounds and nearly four blocks per game for South Doyle High School, earning him a spot among PrepXtra's Players to Watch for 2015-16.
He has more than lived up to hype in his senior season thus far, averaging 28 points and 13 rebounds through his team's first three games of the year.
Thomas on why he chose Tech:
I just truly felt like they wanted me. I felt the coaching staff and players would give me the best chance to help develop my game and enable me to keep playing basketball for a very long time.
Thomas on what he hopes to bring to the table next season:
I plan to bring my ability to score and make things happen on the offensive side of the ball. I also have good length, especially for the guard position. I know I also possess the potential to be a lockdown defender and I plan to work hard on that when I get there.
Thomas on what he's looking forward to most in his first year at Tech:
I'm really looking forward to the family atmosphere they have there. It was one of the biggest factors in my decision to go there. I also love the desire to win everyone has. Tech has a good thing going and I just want to part of it.
South Doyle High School head coach Brian Stewart on Thomas:
It's been a privilege coaching Miles. He's definitely one-of-a-kind in terms of what he can do for you as an athlete. I think he's one of the best athletes in the country with his ability to run and jump. He's done wonders for our program here.
He has tremendous upside, good size, good length and that great athleticism. He is nowhere near topped out as far as developing as a basketball player goes. As long as he continues to work, the sky is the limit for how good he can be.
As a person, Miles just has a good heart. He's respectful, well mannered and an all-around good kid. As a player, it's hard to pick just one thing to single out as my favorite, but the speed he's capable of bringing to the game is special. He just has a whole other gear he can hit when it's time to go and that's something that most other teams can't deal with. It makes us a whole lot better.
Photo by Jessica Tezak, Knoxville News Sentinel
