UVa men’s basketball has extended an offer to Onalaska (WI) 2-guard Matt Thomas, who now has collected official offers from Boston College, Iowa State, Marquette, Minnesota, Northwestern, Virginia and Wisconsin. Wisconsin Playmakers Director Jason Jesperson took some time to discuss the standout junior, who suits up for the Playmakers on the AAU circuit.

Jesperson, older brother of Virginia freshman guard Paul Jesperson , was asked what has attracted major college coaches to Thomas.

“The way he shoots it, and his ability to make and take shots at critical times,” he answered. “They had a couple of close games recently, and he brought them back in both games. He’s an underrated passer. Unless they are down, he doesn’t force a whole lot. He can take over a game. He’s almost 6’4″, about 190 or 195 pounds. Just two years ago, he was 5’9″, 135 pounds. He has worked real hard and continues to work. He buys into the weight room. In the offseason, he does as much as he can to improve.”

Thomas’ hard-nosed personality was evident even when he was only 5’9″, as he has always wanted the ball with the game on the line.

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