Hawaii men’s basketball power forward Joston Thomas is leaving the team to pursue a pro career, giving up his senior season, UH announced today. 

Thomas, who scored 13.7 points per game as a junior on 52.7 percent shooting from the field, was the Rainbow Warriors’ third-leading scorer in 2011-12. The 6-foot-7 player from Washington, D.C., put up a team-best 16.9 ppg in Western Athletic Conference play. 

"I want to thank my ohana here in Hawaii," Thomas said in a UH news release. "From the coaches, administration, fans and the team — all 15 of them. This was an amazing opportunity for me and I look forward to my future. None of this would be possible without the support I’ve had here."

Thomas had the game-winning basket against then-No. 14 Xavier in the Hawaiian Airlines Diamond Head Classic. He put up a career-best 29 points and 12 rebounds in a win at San Jose State, earning him WAC Player of the Week honors.

"It’s been a lifetime goal of Joston’s to be a professional basketball player," UH coach Gib Arnold said. "I fully support him and his desire to achieve this goal. Joston has made great strides both as a person and as a player while affiliated with the University of Hawaii. I am proud that we’ve been able to act as a springboard for Joston and his career. I wish him and his future coaches and teammates the best of luck."

He averaged 11.7 points and 5.3 rebounds in 53 career games after arriving from the College of Southern Idaho as one of Arnold’s first recruits in 2010.

Thomas’ departure frees up a scholarship for the upcoming spring signing period, which begins April 11.