In a tradition that dates back to Speedy Claxton’s time as a standout guard at Hofstra before going on to be selected with the 20th overall pick in the 2000 NBA Draft, the Pride – known back then as the Flying Dutchmen – have always been associated with excellent guard play most recently epitomized by the 2021-22 CAA Player of the Year Aaron Estrada.
Joining Estrada in the Hofstra backcourt this season will be 6-foot-3 guard Tyler Thomas, a transfer from Sacred Heart who arrives in Hempstead having averaged 12.5 PPG, 3.4 RPG, and 1.8 APG in his three seasons with the Pioneers earning All-NEC Third Team and Second Team selections.
However, for the New Haven, CT native, his best season would come during the shortened 2020/21 campaign as Thomas managed an explosive 19.1 PPG, 5.2 RPG, and 2.9 APG while shooting 46% on three-point attempts as he was awarded the conference’s Most Improved Player for that season.
One of the best guards the NEC has recently seen as Sacred Heart’s leading scorer for two consecutive seasons, Thomas has become well known for his offensive skillset but will also provide a tough defensive piece as somebody who averaged 1.2 STLPG last season while limiting his personal foul total to just 1.6 PFPG for his career.
In Thomas, Claxton truly got an ideal addition from the transfer portal for his guard-heavy Pride offense; a perfect complement to Estrada and Darlinstone Dubar in the backcourt and somebody who will help to continue the legacy of dominant guards we’ve seen Hofstra produce throughout the 2000s.
