OMAHA—On Christmas, Shane Thomas had a unique gift beneath the tree.
Creighton coach Greg McDermott posted a video showing redshirt freshman guard Thomas getting a scholarship on social media Wednesday morning. Thomas had been a walk-on for the first season or more.
Thomas studied a piece of paper and exclaimed, “Wait a minute.” “What is this?”
Who said, “What’s it say?”
Thomas went on, “Full grant and aid, spring 2025.” “I believe it to be a scholarship!”
That’s just what it was, following a strong first half of the season.
Early in the summer, McDermott had high hopes for Thomas, who moved from playing few minutes to playing a big role in the Jays’ thin backcourt. He has advanced significantly, especially as a defender.
After losing Pop Isaacs, who underwent hip surgery that ended his season, and Larry Johnson and Sterling Knox, who both chose to leave the program, the Las Vegas native makes ten scholarship players available for CU.
Ten days between Creighton’s victory over Villanova on Saturday and their home game against St. John’s on New Year’s Eve.