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- Title:
- Assistant Coach
Bio
After an 11-year NBA career, Kenny Thomas joined the American River College Men’s Basketball staff officially in 2019. Thomas served as a specialty coach for the 2018-19 Beavers, a campaign which matriculated six Sophmores to the four-year level. Coach KT is tasked mainly with player development and recruiting. Thomas brings a wealth of knowledge to the program and a heart for developing young men, on and off the court.
Kenny began his professional career with the Houston Rockets, being selected 22nd pick in the 1999 NBA Draft. During his rookie season, 1999-2000, he led the team in rebounds, one of only two NBA rookies to do so. Being an undersized Power Forward at 6’7” tall, Thomas was consistently among the team leaders in rebounds and blocked shots and was valued for his high motor, work ethic and integrity as a teammate and person. He was traded to the Philadelphia 76’ers during the 2002–03 season and went on to average a double-double in points and rebounds during his time in Philadelphia. In 2005, Kenny was acquired by the Sacramento Kings in a trade that sent Chris Webber to the 76’ers. He helped lead the Kings to the playoffs in 2005 and 2006. Thomas finished his NBA career playing six seasons with the Kings, averaging 10 points, 7 rebounds and 2 assists in 632 NBA appearances.
Prior to being drafted, Thomas chose to attend the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque in 1995; one of the highest-profile recruits in school history. He is embedded in the Lobos’ record books as the second all-time scorer with 1,931 points, the all-time leading rebounder with 1,032, and the all-time career block leader with 239. Kenny led the Lobos to four consecutive NCAA Tournament first round wins. UNM was an amazing 71-3 in The PIT during Kenny's four years with the Lobos, including 41 consecutive wins. Thomas was the first player in WAC history to log 1,800 points, 1,000 rebounds and 200 blocks. He played in 123 games with 119 starts, had 34 career double-doubles - 10 his senior year. Kenny earned NCAA All-American honors in 1998.
Thomas was also a member of the U.S. Olympic team that won the gold medal at the 1997 World University Games in Trapani, Italy.
As a youth, Kenny attended Austin High School, in El Paso, Texas, for three seasons before moving to Albuquerque, New Mexico to play for Albuquerque High School during his senior season. Averaging 25.2 points and 16.9 rebounds each game, Thomas helped Albuquerque to a 22-3 record and Class 4A state title. Thomas was named a high school All-American in 1995.
Kenny currently resides in Sacramento and serves as a professional basketball trainer and local entrepreneur. He specializes in mentoring aspiring basketball players and businessmen from the inner-city.