California Signing Day: Getting To Know Asha Thomas
BERKELEY – The 2014 women’s basketball national signing window has opened, and CalBears.com will highlight each member of the 2014-15 signing class in a special "Getting To Know You" series from Wednesday to Sunday. Today's final feature is on Asha Thomas, a guard from Oakland, Calif.
Thomas, a 5-4 guard, continues Cal’s stretch of players from Bishop O’Dowd High School in Oakland. A four-star prospect by ESPN HoopGurlz, Thomas was an Honorable Mention All-American last season after averaging 14.6 points and 7.4 assists per game. She was an All-State selection while also earning honors from the Contra Costa Times, San Francisco Chronicle and the West Alameda County Conference where she was selected as the MVP.
She helped lead Bishop O’Dowd to back-to-back state championships in the 2011-12 and 2012-13 seasons, and the team won the WACC League the past two seasons. They were three-time CIF Norcal champions and have also won the HAAL and NCS championships.
“Finally, we get to officially welcome Asha Thomas to our program!,” California head coach Lindsay Gottlieb said. “AT is a true floor general, and I’ve seen her control games from the point position since she was a freshman in high school. She can shoot, penetrate, or set the table for others, all with a poise and maturity that I believe is special. I know AT is focused on helping to bring championships to Cal, and our fan base should be excited to see her in action with our team in Haas.”
Thomas is the daughter of John and Loretta Thomas. Her brother, Quentin Thomas, played basketball at North Carolina from 2004-08. She will enter Cal as an undeclared major.
"I’m looking forward to playing with my future teammates,” Thomas said. “(I chose Cal) because of the academics. They are one of the top public schools in the nation, so why (would you) not want to go there. The basketball part is definitely on the rise, and is getting very well known. Finally, the family atmosphere was phenomenal to me.”
Asha Thomas Recruiting Rankings By Publication
ESPN HoopGurlz – 87 (No. 26 Guard)
All Star Girls Report – 108
Blue Star Basketball – 114
What They’re Saying
“Explosively athletic lead-guard and among the fastest prospects in the 2015 class, coming back from a knee injury.” – Dan Olson, Girls Basketball Report
“Explosively athletic lead guard with a scorer's mentality … tough to contain off the dribble, flourishes in uptempo … passes with purpose in up-tempo … delivers on break … among the most electrifying prospects in the 2015 class..” – ESPN HoopGurlz