Jalen Thomas

Men's Basketball

Behind The Mask: Jalen Thomas

ATLANTA – Sophomore Jalen Thomas understands what it takes to succeed on and off the court. He will be the first to tell you that he hasn't let the challenges of the last 10 months effect what is ultimate goals are nor will he allow excuses to derail him along his journey.

What has it been like being a member of a 7-2 Georgia State men's basketball program that is off to one of its best starts in program history despite the challenges faced from COVID-19? Thomas summed it up concisely.

"Traveling and practicing this year has been extremely different compared to my freshman season last year," Thomas said. "Prior to leaving (on a trip), we must all take a COVID test the day before in order to make sure that no one has the virus. Even while we travel, we must all wear our mask on the bus ride to the hotel, which is at least a few hours.

"In terms of practice, we have not been provided with the luxury to go for a long period of time as we did last year. Due to the short pre-season, we only got about three weeks to prepare for the first game compared to about three months last year. The year overall has taken some time to get used to and it has been a unique experience to say the least."

Thomas has made the most of that experience so far averaging 6.6 points and 5.2 rebounds despite missing a pair of games due to injury. When the opportunity came to start the first two games of conference play, he jumped at the opportunity, just missing his first career double-double in the second of those two starts.

"There is not much of a difference with me either starting or coming off the bench," Thomas said. "My job is the same every game, come out and compete to the best of my ability. However, I do believe that I have a larger role this year and there is much less room for error. I prepare the same way every game - my mindset is to come out and dominate both offensively and defensively to the best of my ability.

"Coach tells me personally (and the team as a whole) to always play the hardest you can the longest you can, no matter the outcome. I am just glad to be back on the court healthy and able to help my team achieve what we have planned."

There is no doubt that head coach Rob Lanier and the staff have had a major impact on Thomas in his 18 months as a Panther. It coincided with Lanier's arrival at Georgia State and over that time, 'his system' has now become 'our system' if you listen to Thomas and his teammates.

"The biggest difference for my teammates and I being in the second year under Coach Lanier is that we know what it takes to win basketball games now," Thomas said. "We understand the things that we can and cannot do as a team if we want to win not only a Sun Belt Conference Championship, but a National Championship.

"Last year, we bought into his system, but we did not trust it, nor did we trust one another which led to a 19-13 record and us dropping four of our last five games. I believe that this year we have a completely different team and a new sense of trust amongst ourselves. With the addition of a few new pieces, I definitely believe that this year we have what it takes to be special."

The special – and unique – season has a long way to go and there are many challenges ahead, but as Thomas and his teammates have shown, teamwork can go a long way to accomplishing the goals set forth by this group.  

NEXT UP:
Georgia State hosts Coastal Carolina this Friday and Saturday at the GSU Sports Arena.

Our weekly 'Behind the Mask' segment is presented by Ford. Visit buyfordnow.com to learn more.
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Players Mentioned

Jalen Thomas

#25 Jalen Thomas

F
6' 10"
Sophomore

Players Mentioned

Jalen Thomas

#25 Jalen Thomas

6' 10"
Sophomore
F