Growing up in a family of six, Thomas was first introduced to the game of basketball at the age of 15 from his older brothers. He quickly excelled and made the varsity team as a freshman at West Carteret High School in Morehead City, NC. Thomas played at West Carteret for three years and received the “News Times Player of the Year” award before transferring to Greensboro Day. Continuing his success in athletics, Thomas led Greensboro Day to two Little Four championships and one State Championship, only losing two games in the two years that he attended. In addition to being a star athlete, Thomas also managed to make As and Bs which allowed him to be accepted into the National Honors Society. 

 

     After being scouted by numerous Division I schools, Thomas accepted a scholarship from NC State University. Unfortunately, Thomas sustained a season ending injury on the first day of practice. After the injury, he was told that there was a possibility that he would never be able to play basketball again.  At this time, he took it upon himself to develop his mind even further. While playing collegiate basketball at NC State, Thomas was named to both the 2008 and 2009 All-ACC Men’s Basketball academic team. He later graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in only two and a half years. Thus allowing himself the opportunity to further his athletic and academic career at Marshall University. While playing at Marshall, he worked on his Master’s degree and was named to the Conference USA All-Academic team in 2011.

 

     Thomas then decided to take his talents to the next level and was drafted #17 by the NBA D-League in 2011. After suffering an injury, he was forced to take the remainder of the season off and wait to return until the following year. In 2013, he accepted a contract to go play in Giessen, Germany. After leaving Germany, Thomas was offered an opportunity to play with the world famous Harlem Globetrotters. Being featured several times on ESPN Top Plays.  Known as "Hawk" on the court he became one of the most spectacular dunkers around the world completing five seasons with the Globetrotters. Thomas traveled to 12 countries  and had the opportunity to help youth on and off the court by helping to develop their MIND, BODY, and SKILLS. Thomas truly believes that by developing these three key components, in return you will achieve greatness. 
   

     At Rising Pros Training, LLC we believe that it is important to develop the youth in our communities. It is our goal to reach as many youth as possible and help them achieve their dreams, whatever those dreams may be. Whether it is high intensity training in hopes of one day competing professionally or just wanting to get fit and be active, Rising Pros Training, LLC offers a multitude of services.

 

Contact Johnny Thomas for more information at 919-441-3077 / risingprostraining@gmail.com

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