Prior to becoming a Bulldog, junior forward T.J. Thomas (Stone Mountain, Ga.), attended Tyler Junior College. During his career with the Braves 2015-2016, he averaged 7.7 points per game and led the team in rebounds and blocks. 

What does it mean to play Division I basketball?
"Playing at a D1 school is a really good experience. When you love basketball all of your life, it's the dream you dream of. It's a blessing to have the opportunity to play here."

What made you decide to attend Drake?
"My junior college coach had a good connection with the coaching staff at Drake. He persuaded me to visit and I liked the school and we have great coaches. I was looking at a couple of other schools that were flirting with me throughout the year, but Drake was the one that was the most consistent."

What are some aspects of Drake and the basketball program you enjoy?
"When it came to basketball, I liked the challenge. Coming in, I knew we were rebuilding the program, so I was up for the challenge."

How did you develop a love of basketball?
"I started playing basketball when I was younger. I never looked at it like a big deal. I would just go outside and play for fun with all of my other cousins and family. My favorite part about basketball is being on the court. When you're on the court you don't worry about anything else. You could say it's like therapy."

What are you majoring in and how do you plan to use that degree in the future?
"I'm majoring in sociology. I'm interested in that major because as a kid I liked to observe and see how people act. Sociology definitely helps me understand how people act in a more business-like aspect. I'm a big dreamer and a degree in sociology will help me get a job in any field I feel. I could be in the business field, film or design, anything. My dream job is, of course, basketball, but I also want to make music and art and maybe own my own business.

What other activities do you participate in off the court?
"Music, art and nature. I don't play instruments but with the technology today, I know how to put music together electronically and I sing and rap. I like all kinds of music. With art, I mostly draw. I'm really just getting back into drawing. I also enjoy poetry. I've written it since I was young." 

What are you looking forward to this season?
"I'm looking forward to winning. I'm excited because I know we have the capability to make some noise through the end of the year and I'm ready to help us do it."