KENNESAW, Ga. – Avery Thomas II has been in the gym for as long as he can remember. He’s the son of a former Division I basketball player with his father, Avery Thomas, suiting up for Southern Miss in the early 1990s. His cousin, Andre Stringer, spent four years at LSU and was a member of the Boston Celtics’ D-League affiliate, the Maine Red Claws.

Thomas II saw the positive impact the game had on his family, and after being insulated in that environment, gravitated towards the game at an earlier age. Basketball gave him a purpose and something to do.

Hailing from Jackson, Miss., Thomas II had a stellar career at Terry High School. In his senior season, he helped lead the Bulldogs to a district championship and state semifinal appearance. When his high school career was over, he was ranked as second-best player in the state.

He began his collegiate career at Jones College in Ellisville, Miss. under head coach Newton Mealer. For Thomas II, it was one of the best decisions he could have made in his playing career.

“Going to JUCO was probably one of the best things that ever happened to me,” Thomas II said. “Being able to go there and showcase my talent under a great coach in Coach Mealer, he was able to put in a lot of good spots. I had very good teammates who already had DI scholarships, so to be able to come there and learn from them helped me out a lot.”

The Bobcats went 30-4 in Thomas II’s sole season, earning the fifth overall seed in the NJCAA Tournament. Individually, he earned second-team all-conference honors.

In his sophomore season, he made the leap to Conference USA and joined LA Tech. As the year progressed, Thomas II found his footing, starting in 25 of the last 26 games for the Bulldogs. He excelled on both sides of the floor, grabbing a team-high 238 rebounds and recording 39 steals.

His game leveled up once postseason play began. In the CUSA Tournament, Thomas II averaged a double-double with 10.7 points and 10.3 rebounds, earning all-tournament honors in the process. In the title game against the Owls, he was only player to record a double-double, finishing with 10 points and 10 boards.

As Thomas II was pondering his next move, he didn’t have to look far for his next home. At LA Tech, he was familiar with the Owls’ playstyle after facing off three times in 2025-26. He saw the pace and intensity KSU played with and envisioned himself excelling in that system.

Head coach Antoine Pettway saw that fit too, and with Thomas II having already played in CUSA, he knew the impact of his presence.

Bringing him in was also a full-circle moment for Pettway. Thomas II’s cousin, Stringer, was one of the first athletes he recruited when he was an assistant coach at Alabama.

In the summer practices, Thomas II has settled into the KSU system. He’s received praise from Pettway for his ability to come in and compete during the dog days of summer.

“He’s a guy that wants to win every drill and is super competitive,” Pettway said. “He leads by example a lot of times with his teammates. Our pace of practice might be a little different, but the kid is used to working, being coached, and held accountable.”

Entering his junior season, Thomas II has already proven himself in CUSA but is looking to refine his game even further. He aims to improve as a ball handler and getting to his spots. He’s picked the brain of Owls who were in his spot last year as newcomers in Trey Simpson and Amir Taylor.

With his shot making ability, defensive versatility and athleticism, Thomas II will look to be a major impact player as the Owls defend their CUSA crown in 2026-27.

The Champions Fund 
The Champions Fund is a newly created, 100% tax deductible, philanthropic opportunity to contribute strategic revenue to Kennesaw State Athletics, with the goal of strengthening our ability to recruit and retain top-tier talent in this new era of collegiate athletics. Contributions to the Champions Fund will help aid in funding student-athlete recruitment and retention, as well as helping the Owls provide competitive excellence through investments in coaching, travel and facilities. The fund will also give an elevated student-athlete experience, including enhanced academic, nutrition, wellness and leadership programs. Donate to the Champions Fund here and help us support our Kennesaw State Owls.