Malik Thomas: Wadleigh’s Beacon of Hope
Words. Brandee Sanders
With a shy, reserved demeanor, you would never think that Malik Thomas, the slender 6-6 Wadleigh High School wingman would be a beast on the court. But when the lights go on, he’s always ready to perform. And his double-double stats can back that up. The son of New York City streetball legend, Gerald “Doogie” Thomas, Malik was born with basketball in his genes.
Throughout his high school career, he’s added three point shooting, attacking the basket and rebounding to his repertoire, making him an exceptional player. But Thomas’ ability to not only get it done on the court but in the classroom as well, has allowed him to make history as Wadleigh’s first Division I scholarship player.
“I’ve seen a lot of good players come through our school, so being the first to go straight to a Division I school is a great feeling,” says Thomas.
Upon entering high school, the Harlem-bred ball player had a solid support system behind him. Wadleigh head coach Mike Crump saw potential in Thomas early on, and was determined to get him where he needed to be.
“From freshman year, we made a track for academics and basketball and he’s followed it to a science,” says Crump. He refused to let Thomas end up like previous players who he’s coached with the talent, but not the grades. “I’ve had about 10 to 15 kids that could’ve gone to Division I programs, but their academics weren’t strong enough,” says Crump. “It was like they got to the well, but couldn’t drink.” With the guidance of his parents and Coach Crump, Thomas has had a strong foundation to succeed.
Thomas’ game began to blossom his sophomore year of high school, when he earned a starting spot on the Wadleigh squad. After adding new facets to his game, he watched his dream of playing Division I basketball transform into reality. Thomas received offers from schools like St. John’s, Hofstra and Seton Hall.
In his senior season, he’s put up solid stats for the Tigers, averaging 18 points and 13 rebounds per game. Thomas has been featured in the NY Post and has garnered several honors including MVP honors in the Wheelchair Charities High School Classic, and was a McDonald’s All American nominee. “I would say that my versatility is one of my strengths,” says Thomas. And it was his versatile style of play that caught the attention of Pat Chambers, the head coach of Boston University where Thomas will be headed next fall.
“I decided to go to Boston University because they have good academics, I like their style of play and I have the opportunity to play right away if I work hard,” says Thomas. Even though Thomas is excited about playing for the Terriers, basketball isn’t his main priority. “I want to get a good education,” says Thomas, who plans on majoring in business at BU. “That’s first and foremost.”
Although he’s accomplished his dream of going D-I, his mission isn’t over yet. “I want to play in the NBA or overseas after college,” says Thomas. So as he prepares to leave high school and enter a new environment, he’ll will surely will leave behind a legacy at the Wadleigh. “I hope other kids will look at Malik and say, ‘If he could do it, I could do it,’ says Crump. And I believe that they will.
