Khyri Thomas: Creighton's Offense Prepares You for the NBA
By John Fanta
CHICAGO - Khyri Thomas is a consensus NBA Draft first round prospect primarily because of his defensive prowess. The 6-foot-4 Creighton star jumps out compared to other backcourt talents, boasting a 6-foot-10 ½ wingspan, which is the third-best among NBA Combine players who stand 6-foot-6 and smaller.
One of only 10 players to be named the BIG EAST Defensive Player of the Year more than once, Thomas was third in the conference in steals during league play this past year, all while guarding the opposing team’s best backcourt talent.
“Defense wins games,” said Thomas. “Anybody can make a shot, but can you defend? I was taught that by my coaches when I was growing up. And if you’re defending, you’ll end up with the ball. It’s simple, but that’s what I do.”
While his defensive skill set is widely known, Thomas has evolved on the offensive end significantly. Thomas boosted both his scoring and shooting percentage by three points, averaging 15 points to go with 54 percent from the field in 2017-18. Combine that with his 41-percent mark from beyond the arc, and Thomas has an offensive game that he can build on. A big reason for it? Greg McDermott’s spread-style offense at Creighton.
“The offense gets a lot of guys exposure,” said Thomas. “We get each other involved, and you know you’re going to get open looks through spreading teams out.”
The Bluejays have consistently been one of the BIG EAST’s best offenses since they became a league member in 2013-14. This past season, one that featured a scoring uptick in the conference, Creighton ranked third at 83.5 points per game.
Beyond the system that McDermott runs, Thomas credits the tutelage that he and past CU draft prospects like Justin Patton and Doug McDermott have received.
“Coach treats you like you’re his own son, like you’re Doug,” said Thomas, who then joked, “he (Greg) loves me more than Doug.”
“Coach not only wants the best for you, but you know when you step on campus that he’s going to get the best out of you.”
All signs point to the Omaha native becoming the third Creighton prospect to get selected in the first round of the NBA Draft in the last five years.