When the Tri-City Tide made their first-ever signing on October 12, 2024, they didn’t just add a player, they added a leader. Doug Thomas, a veteran forward with international experience and a relentless motor, became the first official member of the franchise and set the tone for what this team would become.

Thomas arrived with an impressive resume. He had played professionally across the globe, Mexico, Venezuela, Sweden, Canada, and the United States—and brought a wealth of experience from NBA Summer League appearances with the Oklahoma City Thunder, Chicago Bulls, and Phoenix Suns. He had even earned invites to NBA training camps with the San Antonio Spurs and Los Angeles Lakers. That pedigree carried weight. But more importantly, so did his mindset.

“I’m here to win a championship,” Thomas said at his introductory press conference. “I’m a born winner everywhere I go. My next championship is for the Tri-City Tide.”

That championship mentality never wavered.

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Early Impact & Veteran Presence

Thomas made his debut on March 15 against Halifax and immediately began showing flashes of the physicality and poise that made him a cornerstone of the Tide’s inaugural roster. He was more than a contributor on the court, he was a calming influence for a young team learning to find its identity.

In particular, his relationship with rising point guard De’monte Nelson was critical. Thomas provided a veteran presence on and off the floor, helping Nelson find his rhythm as a leader. The duo shared a strong pick-and-roll chemistry and brought much-needed composure in tough road environments.

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Grinding Through the Season

Doug’s value became especially clear during the grueling stretches of the season. Through back-to-backs, tough travel, and adversity, Thomas remained consistent. Between April and May, he turned in a string of rugged performances, anchoring the defense, cleaning the glass, and offering steady scoring.

Notable outings included:

• 13 points, 13 rebounds vs. Tri-State on May 24

• 11 rebounds, 4 steals in the May 25 blowout win over Tri-State

• 9 points, 9 rebounds, 2 steals on May 23 against Halifax

• 12 points, 3 rebounds, 2 steals back on March 28 in one of the team’s major wins

His efficiency around the rim, physical defense, and high basketball IQ helped stabilize the frontcourt. Even when his scoring wasn’t needed, his screen setting, rebounding, and rim protection created opportunities for teammates like James Towns, Kyler Haynes, and Devon Andrews to shine.

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The Numbers Don’t Tell The Whole Story

Over 17 appearances, Thomas posted:

• Averaged 6.1 PPG, 6.8 RPG, 1.3 APG

• Shot 44.2% from the field

• Recorded multiple games with double-digit rebounds

• Showed up in big games—especially against division rivals

But the numbers don’t tell the whole story. Whether it was diving on the floor for loose balls, protecting younger teammates, or setting the tone in practice, Thomas was the heartbeat of the Tide’s locker room.

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Leading the Culture

Coach Rob Spon repeatedly emphasized the importance of leadership in a first-year team. Doug Thomas delivered that in spades.

From the moment he signed to the final buzzer of the last game, Thomas helped establish a professional culture that players and fans alike could buy into. His mentorship of younger guys like Tre Edwards, James French, and Nelson was crucial. He wasn’t just a role player, he was a standard bearer.

As the Tide surged from a 5–12 start to finish at 8–12, that momentum was no accident. It came from a roster that bought inand veterans like Doug Thomas made that buy-in possible.

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Looking Ahead

The Tri-City Tide are building something special, and Doug Thomas was the foundation. Whether he’s back for a second season or passes the torch to the next generation, his impact will remain a part of this team’s DNA.

He didn’t just play for the Tide. He defined them.