Former University of Hawaii hoops standout Michael Thomas joins Rainbows Warriors as assistant

STAR-ADVERTISER / 2015
Hawaii Warriors forward Michael Thomas (25) fights his way to the net against Coastal Carolina Chanticleers forward Tristian Curtis (21) in the first half of the University of Hawaii Warriors against the Coastal Carolina Chanticleers men’s basketball game in the Outrigger Resorts Rainbow Classic at the Stan Sheriff Center in Manoa on Sunday, November 15, 2015.

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STAR-ADVERTISER / 2015

Hawaii Warriors forward Michael Thomas (25) fights his way to the net against Coastal Carolina Chanticleers forward Tristian Curtis (21) in the first half of the University of Hawaii Warriors against the Coastal Carolina Chanticleers men’s basketball game in the Outrigger Resorts Rainbow Classic at the Stan Sheriff Center in Manoa on Sunday, November 15, 2015.

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Michael Thomas has learned that rest does not accompany a dream job.

After being named an assistant coach with the University of Hawaii basketball team on Monday, Thomas met with the players and then prepared for this week’s recruiting trip.

“It’s been a whirlwind,” said Thomas, who passed the test certifying him as an NCAA-approved recruiter. “But I’m ready for every opportunity.”

Thomas’ hiring is a homecoming of sorts. As a 6-foot-7 post, Thomas was a key starter in the Rainbow Warriors’ 2016 NCAA Tournament run. With 87 victories, Thomas is the winningest player in the program’s history.

Two weeks ago, Thomas applied for one of the coaching vacancies created when Chris Gerlufsen and Jabari Trotter departed. Gerlufsen became San Francisco’s associate head coach. Trotter returned to Dartmouth, his alma mater, as an assistant coach with an emphasis on defense and West Coast recruiting. Thomas was working for Athletic Gaines, a sports-performance company that helps NBA and NFL players in offseason training, as well as develops prospects for combines.

“Really, it’s love for the team, the game, the program and this island that went into the decision-making to go forward (with the application),” Thomas said.

During discussions with head coach Eran Ganot, Thomas recalled saying: “If Kentucky offered me the job, I wouldn’t take it. It’s Hawaii, man. I care about being here.”

Thomas will work with the frontcourt players while also being involved in recruiting, player development, scouting and strength training.

During the 2015-16 season, Thomas started all 34 games in helping the ’Bows win the Big West title and upset California in the opening round of the NCAA Tournament. It was the first NCAA Tournament victory in the program’s history.

Thomas redshirted because of a wrist injury in 2016-2017. As a senior in 2017-2018, Thomas averaged 13.0 points and 6.0 rebounds in being named the winner of the Art Woolaway Most Outstanding Player Award.