Here's our weekly segment titled, "Across The Waters" where the top athletes from Dayton area and beyond will be featured on their sports journeys across the world in different sports.
THOMASSON TAKES ROAD LESSER TRAVELED, WINS ANOTHER TITLE IN RUSSIA
By Deon Cash
Joe Thomasson, one of the top players to wear a Thurgood Marshall uniform, had a banner year last season in Spain in his 5th season as a professional basketball player.
When the season was over, Thomasson would spend time with his family, then come back home to play with the Red Scare in the TBT Championship.
He also would win a title in the Kingdom Summer League, which featured the likes of Trey Burke (Houston), Xavier Simpson (Orlando) Jared Sullinger (Toronto) and other known ballers in the NBA.
Thomasson name was a hot topic in the basketball world. So much so, that he would have a talk to a reputable NBA Agency as he looked at all his options. And when we say reputable, we mean a big time agency.
And yes, Thomasson did have NBA options after his last season in Spain.
However, Thomasson knew he had unfinished business before testing the NBA waters, as he has said he will try to do, "When the time is right and if the situation is right."
While Thomasson was white hot as far as having opportunities at this stage of his career (28 years old), he also really enjoyed the overseas life, as he has taken his wife and kids with him on the journey the last couple of seasons.
Last season was magical for Thomasson, and with it came the real possibility of getting to the NBA.
But for Thomasson, heading back overseas felt like the best play - for now.
"At this point in my career, I want to make sure I take care of my family for the rest of our lives. I know the NBA is a possibility, but Zenith showed me that they really wanted me to be a part of their family and to help them win championships and were here for that. I'm very grateful and blessed to be here and I'm excited for what the season holds." Thomasson stated.
While some people feel like Russia is not a smart place to go for athletes with the Brittany Griner situation (finally resolved), Thomasson shrugged that off.
"They (Zenith) are taking care of me and my family. We are being treated well. We understand the assignment, and I'm focused on one thing: winning championships and enjoying life with my family."
Earlier in the season Thomasson and his team won a Cup championship, and with it came another title.
He has racked up title after title on 5 of the 6 teams he has been with. Last year his Spanish team was one win away from the Champions League title. They would win a cup title as well.
Once the season is over Thomasson will be a hot commodity again, and the NBA will look enticing once again. No matter what, Thomasson is in complete control and has continued to level up and win titles, doing it in a way that most wouldn't be able to do. And as far as the NBA?
The NBA is still watching. Believe that.
Up NEXT ON ACROSS THE WATERS:
Teddy Hawkins
A.J. Harris
D'Mitrik Trice
Travis Trice
Nate Sheppard
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