University of Minnesota Athletics
Black History Month: John Thomas
2/14/2019 5:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
In honor of Black History Month, Gopher Athletics is celebrating those who made us great. Throughout February, GopherSports.com will share short interviews with African-American alumni from various Gopher programs. In these interviews, former student-athletes reflect on their time at the U of M, provide advice to current Gophers and share what Black History Month means to them personally.
John Thomas
Sport: Basketball
Years: 1993-1997
Hometown: Minneapolis, Minn.
Occupation: Vice President of Basketball Development – Timberwolves & Lynx
What is it you miss most about the University?
The education I received and the great people I had the chance to develop relationships with throughout my time at the university. When you're younger, you don't quite grasp the opportunities that lie in front of you because you're inundated with how to process all that is going on.
If you could give the current student-athletes any piece of advice, what would it be?
Build relationships with your classmates, professors and people you encounter while utilizing a mindset of "how can I provide value to help you solve problems you may face?" Also, be very open to and actively seek feedback. Others may see you differently than you see yourself and finding ways to align with your desired audience will allow you to grow.
What was your favorite university or athletic event you've attended since you graduated and what made it so special to you?
The first time I came back for alumni day was a favorite memory of mine since it was the first opportunity to reconnect with former teammates, managers and staff. My time at the U of M was very nostalgic and filled with many great memories. Seeing everyone that day brought back a lot of emotions and it was overall just a fun time.
What are you grateful for?
I'm grateful to have life and health when it could easily not be the case at any point. I'm also grateful to have a wonderful family, friends who care about me and an organization who supports my beliefs to make a difference.
What does Black History Month mean to you?
Our societal push for equality. It's about celebrating the pioneers who paved the way and sacrificed their lives to make our world better for African Americans and all people in general. Specific to sport, I am appreciative of the stand our past leaders took to set the tone and allow people of color to be integrated within the game of basketball. I have been exposed to this game only because of the visionaries who carved a path of opportunity for me.
Black History Month also serves as a reminder that we still have a long way to go in breaking down barriers on all fronts. Throughout my life, I hope to be an example to those that came before me, that treating everyone with respect and dignity should be the way forward regardless of race, gender, politics or religion.
What occupies your time now?
Quite simply, I spend a lot of my time with my family and growing in my role at work. Outside of that, you'll find me with friends, volunteering with organizations I support and lending my time to youth, parents and coaches to get them to see possibilities outside of the game.