Eduprize Prep's terrific 6-foot-3 junior guard prospect AJ Thomas continues to soar on the basketball court, and is worthy of much higher college recruitment. Thomas has been consistently on fire, after another terrific high school season for himself, and then a strong performance this spring and summer on the Nike EYBL circuit. After more strong performances this fall, which included an excellent performance in last weekend's Arizona Preps Fall Showcase, this young man is on the rise in Arizona's 2025 Class, and is a guard prospect that college programs need to pursue immediately.
This week, Thomas received another Division-I offer for himself from Western Carolina University. He also possesses an offer from Seattle University currently. I would expect many more college programs to recruit Thomas during his junior season, so many more offers for him should be expected over the next year.
Thomas flourished this spring and summer on the Nike EYBL circuit while playing for his Arizona Unity 17U EYBL team. 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. Thomas also led his Eduprize Prep program to a strong finish in this fall's AZ Compass Prep Fall League, and then a championship performance at the recent Border League event in Las Vegas.
Thomas previously made the decision to change graduating classes - moving from the 2024 Class to the 2025 Class, and it was an excellent decision for him, as he is flourishing on and off the basketball court. 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 last 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 this high school season, as they should have no problems winning it all again in the CAA this season. The Eduprize Prep program is very strong and battle tested, and can compete with any team in this state, whether AIA or CAA.
I will continue to watch Thomas' recruitment closely, and look forward to bringing you recruiting updates for him as his recruitment continues to develop.
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.
