Michael Thomas wasted little time making up his mind.

After initially saying he’d decide his college destination by the end of the month, Thomas had an answer the day after returning to Los Angeles from his official visit to Hawaii over the weekend.

"I’m just excited to be a part of the ohana," the 6-foot-6, 200-pound senior wing from El Camino Real High said in a phone interview soon after orally committing to play for the UH men’s basketball team.

He is the first such commitment UH has received for the 2013-14 season. Thomas can sign a National Letter of Intent in the early period starting Nov. 14. UH coach Gib Arnold cannot comment on him until then.

According to El Camino coach David Rebibo, Thomas averaged 16 points, eight rebounds, four assists and three blocks per game as a junior, when he went on to take first-team all-league, second-team all-city and a CIF (state) honorable mention. He operated primarily in the post out of team necessity last season, but is transitioning out to the wing as a senior preparing for college.

"We’re excited because, Michael’s a guy who, potential-wise, the sky’s the limit," Rebibo said. "He’s only gotten better and better, and he’s only going to continue to get better and better.

"His length, his athleticism, his versatility, he is a great kid, a matchup nightmare, and somebody who we’re really happy for."

Thomas chose UH after taking official visits to Northern Arizona, UC Santa Barbara and Boise State and from among eight or nine total offers. He had interest, but no offers, from Pac-12 schools.

"It was ultimately team chemistry," Thomas said of his decision. "How well they interact with each other and get along. And it was the church, definitely. I’m in the Church of Christ and we have a great campus ministry at UH. And then the basketball was really serious, the workouts, everything. It just seemed like a great fit."

He said his main goal his senior year is a state title as El Camino transitions up to CIF Division I from D-II for the upcoming season.

Rebibo said Thomas’ versatility is one of his greatest assets.

"If you’re a small guard, he’ll post you up. If you’re big, he’ll go around you. He has a great mid-range pull-up. He can catch and shoot from 3 with consistency. And he’s ambidextrous. He shoots with his left hand, but he can finish with both. He has no problems finishing around the rim. And obviously he’s an athletic freak (36- to 38-inch estimated vertical leap)."

Academic concerns on Thomas should be, well, academic. He’s enrolled in advanced placement and honors classes and posted a 3.8 GPA the last semester of his junior year, Rebibo said.

"(On taking tough classes) I think just challenging myself and making sure I’m getting the most out of high school. Going forward to college, so I know what I’m doing and expect some challenges," Thomas said.