Anthony Thomas
6-7, 195 Forward
14.8 ppg, 7.2 rpg, 68% FT, 38% 3P
Hutchinson CC
Coming out of Winston-Salem Prep in 2010, Thomas had impressive season averages of 24 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists per game. He was recruited by teams like Buffalo and St. Mary's but eventually signed with Socon rival Appalachian State. In his lone season in Boone, Thomas played sparingly in just 8 games and made his collegiate debut (ironically enough) against Tulsa. The big knock on Thomas coming out of high school (according to ESPN recruiting) was inconsistency. He had "skills to play at a high level but didn't seem to bring it every game".
Concluding the 2010-2011 season, Anthony transferred to Hutchinson CC in Kansas where this past year he led the team with nearly 15 points per game and also contributed 7 rebounds and some timely three point shooting. I would predict he'll be in contention to step into the small forward spot vacated by Antwaine Wiggins. The up-and-down play and turnovers (he led the team with 109 last season) are certainly an issue but it seems like the guy has gotten it together during his year at Hutchinson. Given Wojcik's academic standards, Coach had to see something in this kid that others did not. Detroit, Fresno State and UNCW were also in contention for Thomas' transfer this season.
I'm usually not a fan of bringing in Junior College players, but the team lacks a legitimate playmaker with some length on the wing. Thomas is not a star but he's had a lot of playing time in the past year and can help the team in a couple different ways. He'll be eligible immediately and will be a junior.
Theo Johnson
6'5, 185 forward
14.7 ppg, 7.7 rpg, 75% FT, 30% 3P
Franklin HS
Seemingly out of nowhere, Wojcik has also plucked Franklin High School small forward Theo Johnson from the left coast. When it comes to Johnson (or most recruits this late in the season) the word that gets tossed around most is "upside". Like most tall and athletic 18-year olds, Johnson is still growing into his body and finding his game. He is however showing a lot of growth and has all the physical tools to play right now. His per game averages and highlight plays had gotten the attention of a number of West Coast teams including Colorado, Fresno State and UC Davis.
Mostly regarded as a shot-blocker and rebounder, Johnson takes a lot of pride in his defense and genuinely enjoys crashing the boards. From the YouTube clips I've watched of game footage, he still needs work on his court awareness and fundamentals but the video above certainly speaks to his potential. He has openly stated that he needs to work on his shooting if he's to play on the perimeter in college, but he is a competent free throw shooter and was able to convert on 60% of his shots from the floor this past season. Besides getting in transition, Theo also has a quick first step and is really fluid moving to the basket and using his length to get by opponents.
He's definitely a project, but Doug Wojcik loves guys who can defend and rebound. Hopefully he can develop Johnson into the type of player CofC needs.
