UDM's Derek Thomas was ranked the top men's basketball assistant coach at a Division I mid-major school today by Hoop Scoop, a college basketball publication and web site based in Louisville.
Only two other Horizon League assistants appeared on Hoop Scoop's annual Top 50 list for 2010.
Thomas is a well-respected basketball veteran who came to UDM in the spring of 2008, shortly after head coach Ray McCallum was hired by the Titans. Thomas is regarded as one of the best recruiters and basketball minds around and brought a wealth of experience with him to Detroit.
“I'm definitely proud to receive this honor and I'm glad people are aware of my contributions here at the University of Detroit Mercy,” Thomas said.
“But I really think it shows what Ray and the staff he has put together are doing. This is as much for the rest of the staff as it is for me. People are aware that we're all doing a good job here.”
The 2010 Titans were among the most improved teams in the country, having vaulted from a 7-23 record in 2009, the staff's first year together, to a sparkling 20-14 this season. Like all of McCallum's assistants, Thomas' contributions were many, including recruiting, scouting and on-court coaching.
Thomas is a veteran of 22 years in the basketball coaching business. He came to UDM after five seasons as head coach at Western Illinois. He also served as an assistant on the staffs of UNLV, Illinois, Minnesota, Saint Louis and Missouri State, and helped coach both of the latter two schools in post-season play while also helping develop future NBA players Larry Hughes and Joel Przybilla.
In addition to coaching, Thomas has also served since 2008 on the prestigious NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Ethics Coalition, which promotes ethical conduct among men's coaches through education, leadership and mentoring.
-Detroit Titans-
