All Things Basketball with GD - Week 13 Player Spotlight, Isiah Thomas

Isiah Thomas (00:30)

6'1", 180 lb; played PG

Born April 30, 1961 in Chicago, IL; family of 9 children (7 boys, 2 girls)

Grew up in roughest & poorest part of town (Chicago's West Side)

His mother Mary Thomas had a TV movie based on her life

Went to St Joseph HS in the Westchester area; led them to state finals as a junior

As a top prospect, goes to Indiana University; many thought the combo of coach Bob Knight & Isiah would clash

Finished freshman year being named 1st team All-American

Selected to US Olympic team in 1980; US boycott those Olympics

Led his team as a sophomore to a NCAA title over UNC; named tourney's Most Outstanding Player

After declaring hardship for 1981 Draft, 2nd overall pick by DET (#1, friend Mark Aguirre of DePaul to DAL)

In 1981-82 the drafting of I ...