After spurning a few Big 12 and Big 10 schools, Elijah Thomas has decided to attend Texas A&M, he announced on Tuesday.
Thomas, a 6-9 power forward prospect from the Lone Star state, chose the SEC's A&M over the likes of Oklahoma State and Illinois because of academics and relationships, according to comments he made during a local press conference.
"On my official visit, when I saw their academic system, I loved it,” Thomas said during the press conference. “I felt the system, relationship with the committed players, coaches -- especially head coach Billy Kennedy -- and the current players...They're a huge family, and I want to be a part of something special.”
Last week, Admon Gilder, a close friend of Thomas, committed to the Aggies leaving many to think that the two would remain together.
The pair gives Kennedy two more top 100 recruits for 2015. Thomas is #29 in the ESPN 100 while Rivals.com rates him at #20. Gilder, a guard comes in at #64 on the ESPN rankings. Further, Kennedy has landed the #20 and #35 players in the class of 2015, namely Tyler Davis and D.J. Hogg. The overall haul gives the Aggies a top 5 class coming in next season.
"I feel I will fit in perfectly. We plan on winning the 2016 national championship," Thomas said. "We're going to change things by winning, making it an all-around school instead of a football school. A&M is not only on the rise, we are tip-toeing to the top."
These are strong words from a group of players yet to put on a college uniform, but if nothing else, it ushers in a change of attitude in the otherwise football-crazy state of Texas.
Indeed, the Texas Longhorns have a top 20 class this season, and SMU is back on the national scene with Larry Brown at the helm. While losing Emmanuel Mudiay to China hurts, SMU’s overall mark, the Mustangs will be a force in the AAC this season. Both Texas and SMU are ranked in the preseason Top 25 poll.
Along with Texas A&M, the Lone Star state will provide plenty of basketball storylines this season and for seasons to come.