Eduprize Prep's talented 6-foot-3 junior guard AJ Thomas is a problem for opposing guards to defend. After another terrific high school season for himself last year, Thomas has flourished this spring and summer on the Nike EYBL circuit while playing for his Arizona Unity 17U EYBL team. Thomas previously made the decision to change graduating classes - moving from the 2024 Class to the 2025 Class. He has still played at the 17 & Under level this spring and summer, and recently received a nice honor at the amazing Nike Peach Jam event held earlier this month in Augusta, South Carolina.
The Nike Peach Jam is regarded as the premier basketball event in the country, especially for Nike-sponsored teams that work diligently all club season for the opportunity to be selected for the honor. The Arizona Unity program is now regarded as one of the best overall programs in the country, as Thomas' team earned a spot in this year's 17 & Under Division for the Peach Jam. Thomas would average impressive numbers in the event - putting up 9.8 points per/game. As a result of his strong play, Thomas would be selected for the All-Underclassman Team for this year's Peach Jam - a tremendous honor for Thomas. Such an honor has to help his college recruitment go to another level, which is very well deserving.
Currentl;y, Thomas has an offer from Seattle University on the table for himself, but I expect many more offers to soon follow. Thomas has amazing numbers and plays for a high-powered club program, which he has excelled with. It is just a matter of time for college programs to take notice.
Thomas led the state's Canyon Athletic Association (CAA) Division in scoring last high school season - posting amazing numbers as a sophomore. Thomas returned for his junior season, a season which he will now repeat, while playing for his father, Head Coach Ashton Thomas, and had another tremendous season for himself - earning back-2-back Region Player of the Year honors this past season. Thomas poured in strong numbers, while leading Eduprize Prep to an almost undefeated season - averaging 21.2 points, 5.4 rebounds, 5.1 assists and 2.9 steals per/contest.
Thomas is set to have another huge season for himself and will lead a loaded Eduprize ballclub again next season, as they should have no problems winning it all in the CAA next season.
I will continue to watch Thomas' recruitment closely, and look forward to bringing you recruiting updates for him as his recruitment continues to take shape.
Arizona Hoop Review Scouting Report: Thomas is an athletic and quick point guard prospect with an excellent feel for the game, and a prowess for scoring the basketball. He has a very good handle of the basketball and can get to where he wants on the floor, while also having a nice shooting stroke with range on his shot, which allows him to set up defenders for his dribble drives. He has excellent quickness and explosiveness off the dribble, and can get into the lane and finish strong at the basket. He is a strong passer of the ball as well, and likes to get the ball to the open teammate on the floor. He pushes the ball up the floor to the open man as well. He is also a slick defender with quick hands and feet that plays passing lanes and gets his hands on the ball quite often. A high-energy guard prospect that also loves the game. Resembles NBA guard Dennis Smith Jr.
