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WSU senior Thomas hard to miss

Thomas is Raiders’ ‘best post defender,’ says coach Brad Brownell.

Teesha McClam/Wright State's Ronnie thomas against Central State University during an exhibition game at the Nutter Center Thursday, Nov. 5.

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By Marc Katz, Staff Writer Updated 9:16 PM Thursday, November 26, 2009

FAIRBORN — At 6-foot-9, 240 pounds, Ronnie Thomas is tough to miss even as part of a basketball team.

He was tough to miss even though he was the only starter who did not score for Wright State against Central Michigan on Tuesday, Nov. 24.

Thomas can score, but that’s not his real value to the Raiders, who play at Northeastern on Saturday afternoon, Nov. 28.

“He’s our best post defender,” WSU coach Brad Brownell said, “which is significant. A lot of teams try to run their offense through the inside. He’s also our best help defender. He understands how to get out on ball screens. He fills the lane on penetrations.”

Thomas, a senior, sat through a transfer year after one season at Duquesne and knee surgeries. He has been a starter for more than a year on a team that relies on others to score.

“I just try to guard my position as best as possible,” Thomas said. “We’ve got a lot of talent on this team. A whole bunch of talent. I’m just trying to do what’s best.”

Thomas has a little hook he uses inside, but can also shoot the 3. Against CMU, he took only two shots, one inside and one outside. He missed both. He also had three turnovers, negating them with six rebounds, an assist, a block and a steal.

“Being experienced helps out, and there’s a lot more energy on the team this year,” Thomas said.

A year ago, the Northeastern game came toward the end of the season. This year, it’s at the beginning, where the change in the Raiders has been most obvious.

WSU lost its first six games last season before recovering to finish 20-13. Already this season, the Raiders are 3-1 with a three-game winning streak after losing the season-opener to No. 14 Washington.

“We know we’re good this year instead of wanting to find out,” Thomas said. Northeastern is coming off a 69-64 overtime loss Wednesday to city-mate Boston University.

Already, six different Raiders have scored in double figures, including Todd Brown, Troy Tabler, N’Gai Evans, Cory Cooperwood, Cooper Land and Vaughn Duggins.

Thomas has come close, with eight- and seven-point games, and he remains a dangerous threat if opponents leave him alone.

“If we work the ball, we can get any shot we want,” Thomas said.

Even for him, a defensive specialist.

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2157 or mkatz@DaytonDailyNews.com.

Next game

Who: Wright State (3-1)  at Northeastern (1-2)

When: 2 p.m. Saturday

Radio: WONE-AM (980), WIZE-AM (1340)

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Ronnie worked SO hard in the CMU game, loved his hustle and dedication. BB is much more than how many points you post, and it's been great to see Thomas' development to this point. We'd sure miss him and I hope he gets the credit he so obviously deserves.

WSU Gma
6:52 AM, 11/28/2009

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The kid is finally healthy for the first time this season. He plays his role well. He's not needed to score for us. He sets solid screens, rebounds, and plays good defense. I just wish he was a little more agile and athletic. Keep it going Ronnie

WSU Matt
1:21 PM, 11/27/2009

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Im not a fan,... has shown flahes of good basketball,....but kinda like a Ben Gordon anytime he takes a shot you hold your breath, becasue you know his staple is defense.

agree to disagree
10:17 AM, 11/27/2009

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Ronnie has been playing well but lets hope his knees hold out the entire year. This team needs his post defense.

Corrie
8:38 AM, 11/27/2009

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In the email you called him Ronnie Smith?????

Rockwsu
7:27 AM, 11/27/2009

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