Senate Resolution No. 2313

BY: Senator TEDISCO

HONORING James D. Thomas, Jr. upon the occasion of
his induction into the Schenectady School District
Athletic Hall of Fame

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to
outstanding athletes who have distinguished themselves through their
exceptional performance, attaining unprecedented success and the highest
level of personal achievement; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
James D. Thomas, Jr. upon the occasion of his induction into the
Schenectady School District Athletic Hall of Fame on Monday, September
16, 2024, at The Event Center at Rivers Casino & Resort, Schenectady,
New York; and

WHEREAS, An extremely valuable player as a junior on the 1998
Schenectady High School State championship basketball team that finished
with a record of 28-1; James D. Thomas, Jr. averaged 14 points & 12
rebounds securing a place on the All Area 1st Team, and 1998 NYSPHSAA
All-Tournament team; and

WHEREAS, James D. Thomas, Jr. forged a stellar collegiate basketball
career as a four-year starter at the University of Texas where he was
selected as one of the "15 Best Longhorns of All-Time," becoming only
the second player in school history to record 1,000 career points and
1,000 career rebounds; and

WHEREAS, During his sophomore season, the Texas Longhorns finished
22-12, reached the Sweet 16, and he made the NCAA Midwest Regional
All-Tournament team; and

WHEREAS, As a junior, James D. Thomas, Jr. led Texas to a No. 3
ranking in the ESPN/USA Today final coaches' poll and was the 10th
leading rebounder in the nation, leading Texas to its first Final Four
appearance in 56 years as the team finished the season with an overall
record of 26-7; and

WHEREAS, James D. Thomas, Jr. was an All-Big 12 Conference 2nd Team
selection in addition to being recognized as a member of the All-Big 12
Defensive Team prompting legendary basketball coach Bobby Knight to say,
"Jim Thomas might be my favorite player in the Big Twelve. He gives it
his all every time he goes on the court"; and

WHEREAS, Following his college career, James D. Thomas, Jr. became
the 2004-05 National Basketball Development League Rookie of the Year;
one year later, the 2005-06 CBA Newcomer of the Year; and

WHEREAS, James D. Thomas, Jr. played in 33 NBA games with the
Portland Trailblazers, Atlanta Hawks, Philadelphia 76ers, and the
Chicago Bulls, in addition to having a successful career playing
professionally overseas in Italy, Israel and Turkey; and

WHEREAS, A member of the Upstate New York Basketball Hall of Fame,
James D. Thomas, Jr. has been an inspiration to countless basketball
fans, as well as to the community-at-large, and accordingly merits
recognition and applause for his tremendous passion for the game and his
competitive spirit; and

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body that when
individuals of such outstanding athletic accomplishments are brought to
our attention, they should be recognized by all the citizens of this
great Empire State; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor James D. Thomas, Jr. upon the occasion of his induction into the
Schenectady School District Athletic Hall of Fame, and for his
extraordinary accomplishments which were a tribute to his skill,
dedication and commitment; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to James D. Thomas, Jr.