Highlights: Bristol Flyers 92-72 Plymouth Raiders
Posted: Tuesday, October 15th 2019
Author
I've heard nothing but great things - Thomas
Wednesday, July 31st 2019
Gentrey Thomas says former guard Doug Herring played a part in his decision to make the switch to Bristol Flyers.
The 26-year-old combo guard joins Coach Kapoulas’ squad from the Moncton Magic of the Canadian NBL, where he played alongside Herring, after earning NBLC All-Rookie honours last season, posting 9.2 points, 3.2 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game.
He follows in the footsteps of fan favourite Herring, who made 12 appearances for the Flyers in 2014/15, before a season-ending injury cut his time short in the West Country.
He follows in the footsteps of fan favourite Herring, who made 12 appearances for the Flyers in 2014/15, before a season-ending injury cut his time short in the West Country.
“Doug is my guy - I spoke to him before I signed and he gave me a lot of insight into the club, which helped me lean towards the Flyers,” Thomas revealed.
“He said that it will be a great opportunity for me to develop as a player so It seemed like my kind of place.”
Signing with the Flyers is just the latest achievement in an incredible rise to stardom for Thomas. After graduating high school, his cousin Dillon Brooks, who plays his trade in the NBA with the Memphis Grizzlies, brought him along to a summer tournament in Nevada against some of the top recruits in the country. It was at one of those tournaments that Thomas was offered a scholarship to the prestigious Orangeville Prep and Athlete Institute.
“He said that it will be a great opportunity for me to develop as a player so It seemed like my kind of place.”
Signing with the Flyers is just the latest achievement in an incredible rise to stardom for Thomas. After graduating high school, his cousin Dillon Brooks, who plays his trade in the NBA with the Memphis Grizzlies, brought him along to a summer tournament in Nevada against some of the top recruits in the country. It was at one of those tournaments that Thomas was offered a scholarship to the prestigious Orangeville Prep and Athlete Institute.
"Me and Dillon grew up together. My mum and his dad are brother and sister, so we’ve been around each other my whole life,” said Thomas.
“We used to spend summers together just playing basketball and he was one of the guys who got me playing against top Canadian players like Andrew Wiggins, Tyler Ennis and Xavier Mays. I’ve played with a lot of NBA guys throughout my life and Dillon helped me get there.
"He still helps me to this day - I talk to him here and there when he’s not too busy with the NBA, because he’s trying to get his body right for next season.
"He called me when we won the championship last year in Moncton and we’re really close. I haven’t told him that I’ve signed with the Flyers just yet. But he knows that it’s always been an ambition of mine to play European basketball.
“We used to spend summers together just playing basketball and he was one of the guys who got me playing against top Canadian players like Andrew Wiggins, Tyler Ennis and Xavier Mays. I’ve played with a lot of NBA guys throughout my life and Dillon helped me get there.
"He still helps me to this day - I talk to him here and there when he’s not too busy with the NBA, because he’s trying to get his body right for next season.
"He called me when we won the championship last year in Moncton and we’re really close. I haven’t told him that I’ve signed with the Flyers just yet. But he knows that it’s always been an ambition of mine to play European basketball.
Thomas went the junior college route to obtain a NCAA Division One scholarship, playing two seasons at Snow College in Utah before earning offers from Division One schools.
Following a two-year spell with UC Riverside, he signed with the Magic in 2018 and went on to play a key role in last season’s championship-winning team, making 46 appearances, featuring 10 times in the starting line-up.
Thomas now faces a new challenge with the Bristol Flyers, as he fulfils a lifelong ambition to play professionally in Europe.
Following a two-year spell with UC Riverside, he signed with the Magic in 2018 and went on to play a key role in last season’s championship-winning team, making 46 appearances, featuring 10 times in the starting line-up.
Thomas now faces a new challenge with the Bristol Flyers, as he fulfils a lifelong ambition to play professionally in Europe.
Also from Bristol Sport
Robins on international duty
Ten City players have been called up to represent their countries during the international break and here's how they're getting on.
Posted: Tuesday, October 15th 2019 • Football
Cast your vote for Friday's matchday music!
The new Premiership season is BACK and we're letting you decide what music will be played around Ashton Gate at Friday's bumper clash with Bath Rugby (7.45pm KO).
Posted: Tuesday, October 15th 2019 • Rugby
Capon shortlisted for Premiership Cup Breakthrough Award
Following an exciting Round Four of Premiership Rugby Cup action, Will Capon has been shortlisted for this season’s Premiership Rugby Cup Breakthrough Player Award.
Posted: Tuesday, October 15th 2019 • Rugby
Mates rates offer for Wigan Athletic
Season Card holders can claim two mates' rates tickets at £10 each for City's Sky Bet Championship clash with Wigan Athletic.
Posted: Tuesday, October 15th 2019 • Football
Winters predicts thrilling derby encounter
Club legend, Roy Winters is expecting another intense battle when Bristol Bears take on Bath at Ashton Gate on Friday night.
Posted: Tuesday, October 15th 2019 • Rugby