I signed onto facebook this morning, and found something that was too good to pass up. For the last three years, the HSBCAMPS family has come to love Coach Tayron Thomas. A high flying athlete with a constant smile on his face, he is almost always a camper favorite at every location he attends. Now playing basketball professionally in Caracas, Venezuela, Coach T is not only sporting a new nickname, he’s now a cartoon character (pictured above). Developing close relationships with all of our participants and coaches, it has been amazing to follow Tayron’s career, knowing just how hard he has had to work to achieve the success he now cherishes.
In 2006 Tayron was the NCAA Division II Player of the Year, an All-American candidate, and recipient of basketball accolades few could ever dream of. He was a potential NBA draft pick, with the Lakers considering the D-II standout as their late first round pick. In the blink of an eye, everything changed. A devastating knee injury at a Philadelphia 76ers mini-camp workout, the second of his young career, sidelined Thomas and his dream of one day wearing an NBA uniform. However, if you look up perseverance in the dictionary you will find a picture of the man himself.
Four and a half long years and thousands of traveled miles later, Coach Thomas has finally found his niche with the Cocodrilos and the fans who have come to love their “Kangaroo”. Tayron, I hope that when you read this you realize how much of an inspiration you are to all of our young players on their own journeys to greatness. Your ride has not been easy, but you are living proof that no matter how many times the road knocks you down, with hard work, dedication, and the will to persevere, you get back up and continue the journey. Keep up the great work and looking forward to seeing you on the court this summer.
*Notice the attention to detail. Loving the signature facial hair.
