“I have the opportunity a lot of people don’t have to give back." And giving back is just what Isaiah Thomas is doing. Born February 7, 1989 in Tacoma, WA, Isaiah was destined to have an impact on the world. Named after the great point guard Isiah by his father, James, with the spelling chosen by his mother, Tina, there was no doubt young Isaiah would be found on a court somewhere.
Isaiah began playing basketball at a young age, and due to the large basketball influence in nearby Seattle, he was able to learn under some of the best in the League.
In 2000, fifth grade Isaiah participated in a camp run by former NBA forward Detlef Schrempf in Seattle. Partaking in such activities inspired Isaiah to start a Sumer camp after his rookie year with the Sacramento Kings. Chosen as the 60th pick in the draft was more than enough motivation as IT went on to play his way to a starter spot, be named Western Conference Rookie of the Month on two consecutive appearances, and score numerous accolades as a Sacramento rookie. Before the Kings picked him up, Isaiah had just finished his junior year at the University of Washington. Prior to UW, IT was transferred from Curtis High School to South Kent School. He is no stranger to the benefits of hard work.
Isaiah's mantra lies behind all of his work for the greater good: " If all I'm remembered for is being a good basketball player, then I've done a bad job with the rest of my life." Besides his summer camps in multiple cities, Isaiah partnered up with World Vision and Metro Parks at Roosevelt Elementary to teach Tacoma school children the importance of reading over the summer months. He has also been a role model to those who have had the chance to be around him. “He’s been a big inspiration,” said guard Abdul Gaddy, a former teammate of Thomas’ at Washington. "He’s one of the biggest influences in my life when it comes to basketball."
Isaiah began playing basketball at a young age, and due to the large basketball influence in nearby Seattle, he was able to learn under some of the best in the League.
In 2000, fifth grade Isaiah participated in a camp run by former NBA forward Detlef Schrempf in Seattle. Partaking in such activities inspired Isaiah to start a Sumer camp after his rookie year with the Sacramento Kings. Chosen as the 60th pick in the draft was more than enough motivation as IT went on to play his way to a starter spot, be named Western Conference Rookie of the Month on two consecutive appearances, and score numerous accolades as a Sacramento rookie. Before the Kings picked him up, Isaiah had just finished his junior year at the University of Washington. Prior to UW, IT was transferred from Curtis High School to South Kent School. He is no stranger to the benefits of hard work.
Isaiah's mantra lies behind all of his work for the greater good: " If all I'm remembered for is being a good basketball player, then I've done a bad job with the rest of my life." Besides his summer camps in multiple cities, Isaiah partnered up with World Vision and Metro Parks at Roosevelt Elementary to teach Tacoma school children the importance of reading over the summer months. He has also been a role model to those who have had the chance to be around him. “He’s been a big inspiration,” said guard Abdul Gaddy, a former teammate of Thomas’ at Washington. "He’s one of the biggest influences in my life when it comes to basketball."