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Joel Osborne writes

Posted Wednesday, July 25th 2018 @BristolSportJO

Flyers land Thomas from Kongsberg Miners

Wednesday, July 25th 2018

Bristol Flyers have completed the signing of 6ft5in American guard Fred Thomas on a one-year deal.

The 25-year-old joins the club from Norwegian top-flight outfit Kongsberg Miners, where he made 34 appearances last season, averaging 18.4 points and 5.2 rebounds per game.

Thomas also posted 1.6 steals and 1.7 blocks per contest on his way to being named Norwegian BNLO Defensive Player of the Year.

"I really appreciate the opportunity that the Flyers have given me,” Thomas told bristolflyers.co.uk.

"I felt really comfortable with the way that Coach Kapoulas was talking to me. He made me feel like I’m going to be at home with the Flyers and that meant a lot to me.

"He said he’s planning on having a bigger lineup this year and he really wants us to be a 'run and gun’ team. The plan is for us to go further than we did last year.

"I’m one of those guys that brings a lot of energy to the team - I approach every game with a defensive mindset.

"I know the BBL is a very physical league and I think that fits my description perfectly."

Last season, Thomas led the Minors to a first-place finish in the BNLO, with a record of 29-5 and a place in the qualifying round of the FIBA Europe Cup.

Thomas previously played NCAA Division One basketball at Mississippi State University, where he made 125 appearances during his four-year college career, averaging 8.4 points and 3.2 rebounds per game.

"Fred is able contribute to the team in so many different ways and you can tell that from the impact that he made in Norway last season,” said head coach Andreas Kapoulas.

"His playing experience and leadership qualities will be valuable to our team.

"He can certainly fill up the stat sheet, but most importantly he will do whatever it takes to help the team win - whether it’s scoring the ball, grabbing rebounds or guarding the opposition’s best player."

Andreas Kapoulas

"He compliments our roster very well and I am certain that he is a player that everyone will look forward to seeing in action."

Thomas becomes the fourth player to commit to Bristol Flyers for the 2018/19 campaign, joining Daniel Edozie, Tevin Falzon and Justin Gray.