Thomas, Isiah (1961-…), ranks among the greatest guards in the history of American basketball. Thomas became known for his speed, scoring, and playmaking skills as well as his leadership and competitive qualities. While a sophomore at Indiana University, Thomas led the school to the 1980-1981 National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) championship. Thomas also played on two National Basketball Association (NBA) championship teams while a member of the Detroit Pistons. In 1996, he was named to the NBA’s 50th Anniversary All-Time Team.
Isiah Lord Thomas III was born in Chicago on April 30, 1961. He left Indiana University in 1981 to play professional basketball, though he earned a degree in criminal justice from the university in 1987. Thomas was drafted by the Detroit Pistons in 1981 and spent his entire career with the team, retiring in 1994. He was selected to play on the United States Olympic basketball team in 1980. Thomas was named to the NBA all-rookie team for 1981-1982 and 12 NBA all-star teams.
Thomas served as executive vice president of the Toronto Raptors of the NBA from 1994 to 1997. He then became a commentator for telecasts of NBA games. In 1999, he purchased the Continental Basketball Association (CBA). Thomas was coach of the Indiana Pacers of the NBA from 2000 to 2003. He was president of basketball operations for the New York Knicks of the NBA from 2003 to 2008 and the team’s head coach from 2006 to 2008. Thomas was the head basketball coach at Florida International University from 2009 to 2012. In 2015, Thomas became president of the New York Liberty of the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA).
