Author

Joel Osborne writes

Posted Wednesday, July 25th 2018 @BristolSportJO

I’ll be at home with the Flyers - Thomas

Wednesday, July 25th 2018

Fred Thomas has revealed the reason behind his decision to join Bristol Flyers.

The versatile guard has put pen to paper on a one-year deal with the club after agreeing a switch from Kongsberg Miners in the Norwegian top flight.

Last season Thomas led the Miners to a second-place finish in the league, before going on to triumph in the 2018 BNLO play-off final in a three-game series against the Asker Aliens.

"I felt like Bristol was the best offer for me,” said Thomas when asked the reason behind his decision.

"Playing in Kongsberg was a great experience and I felt like my goal last season was to win a championship.

"Throughout my career I’ve been a great defender and to be named defensive player of the year was an honour.

"I spoke to Coach around three times before I signed and he told me that he’s planning on having a bigger lineup this year.

"Everywhere I’ve been so far I’ve been playing the three spot, but he really wants me to be more of a two this year and he sees that at my primary position - and I agree with that.

“He really made me feel comfortable and I think I fit right into the system that he wants us to play.”

Thomas is the second player to join Bristol Flyers from Kongsberg Miners since Brandon Boggs in 2016

Thomas has scored more than 1,000 career points in NCAA Division One, averaging 8.4 points and 3.2 rebounds during his four-year spell at Mississippi State University.

The 6ft5in American had a stint in the Slovenian SKL, before becoming the second player to join the Flyers from Kongsberg since Brandon Boggs in 2016.

"I actually talked to Brandon last week over the phone and he said that his time in Bristol was really great,” added Thomas.

"He told me that the Flyers fans were amazing, so I’m really looking forward to playing in front of them.

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

"I like to 'run and gun' - that’s my style of play and I’ve been playing that way my whole life. I’m one of those guys that brings a lot of energy to the team."

Thomas will link up with his new Flyers team-mates at the end of August, as preparations ramp up for the club’s fifth season in the British Basketball League.