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SJSU forward DeVonte Thomas attempts to shoot over Duke University forward Josh McRoberts at Cameron Indoor Stadium in Durham, N.C. on Dec. 31, 2006. Thomas scored six points in a 70-51 Spartans loss against the then-ranked No. 5 Blue Devils.

'Big brother' watches team through changes

By: Marcos Blanco

Posted: 12/3/08

DeVonte Thomas would play whenever lunchtime would come around.

Born on Nov. 20, 1986, in Los Angeles,Thomas started playing basketball when he was in the sixth grade.

Now, he is a senior sociology major and a foward for the SJSU men's basketball team.

Thomas started playing on a team for a church league at Our Lady of the Rosary in Union City.

"It was fun, but the league was shaky," he said. "Our team was like a family. I started liking basketball more and more."

From there, Thomas went on to play basketball and football, as well as sprint for the track and field squad while at Kennedy High School in Fremont, according to SJSU Athletics.

Now in his fourth season at SJSU, Thomas is on his way to becoming the first Spartan since the 2004 season to earn four varsity letters in men's basketball, according to SJSU Athletics. Thomas said he feels like the "big brother" on the team, which he has seen go through many changes and players.

"We still all like brothers, even though it's a different group of guys," he said. "When you become a Spartan, you're taken in."

Chris Oakes, a junior center for the team, said he first met Thomas when he was 12 years old and got to know him in high school.

"When I heard (DeVonte) was going to SJSU, I thought that was a great move," he said. "He's developed a lot since I've been here."

Oakes said Thomas cares about all of his teammates.

"DeVonte is a really good teammate, not just on the court, but off the court as well," he said. "He's one of those glue guys. He would be one the first guys I would go to if I needed help."

Head coach George Nessman said he recognizes the role Thomas has taken when it comes to being a team player.

"He's a real positive person," Nessman said. "He's a very popular member of our team and has asserted much more of a leadership role."

"Trying to help the team, it was one of those things I was good at in high school," Thomas said.

In transitioning from high school basketball to college basketball, Thomas said he had to play a lot harder and condition differently.

"I had a college body and I had to be a lot smarter," he said.

Thomas said Nessman has been a good source of guidance for him during the last three years that they've worked together.

"Coach Nessman has helped me grow as a person and helped me out when I was struggling," he said.

Nessman also recognizes Thomas' strength and athleticism on the court.

"He's very athletic and very strong," he said. "We rely on his strength and his explosiveness."

Oakes agreed, calling Thomas "a strong enforcer."

Thomas also said he feels like he has more room for improvement in his game.

"I try to get better every day," he said. "If I don't get better every day, then I'm wasting my time.

"(I've) never gotten worse since I've been here. (I've) only gotten better."

"He understands what he can and can't do," Nessman said.

Thomas said he was thinking about playing for the SJSU football team in 2009, but is more centered on basketball and his academic goals.

"I'm just focused on the season," he said. "Our team this year - we have a good chance at doing something."

Oakes said Thomas keeps things to himself, referring to his desire to play football next fall.

"He's about the team and wants to finish up and get his degree," he said.

"He has his academic goals together," Nessman said. "I think he will be successful in what he wants to do."