Kilgore College Guard Daveon Thomas Commits to Cincinnati

Kilgore College guard DaVeon Thomas has made the leap from junior college to the Cincinnati Bearcats under Wes Miller, becoming one of the nation’s premier JUCO point guards and contributing greatly to UC’s backcourt next season.

Thomas is a versatile scorer, adept at both scoring and stopping opposing point guards from scoring. He helped lead his juco tournament team into the quarterfinals and gained notice from Division I coaches as a result.

Early Life and Education

Daveonn Thomas was born November 17, 1989 in Lamesa, Texas. He delighted in simple pleasures such as visiting with family and friends, playing basketball/football with local leagues in his community, coaching youth leagues through coaching youth leagues at Dairy Queen where all who entered would receive an enthusiastic greeting, as well as his job there where all were met with smiles from all employees. Daveonn leaves behind his mother Lolena Hunter (Adgiran) of Lamesa; son Devyn Thomas; daughters Dae’lynn Richardson and Kajana Hunter as well as brother Izsel Thomas as sisters Nakyia Ivery and Ka’Cyiah Johnson from Lamesa along with many relatives and friends from Lamesa as well as an extended family from Lamesa as well as many extended relatives and friends from across Texas and more than half way around Texas!

Thomas has published several books and articles on leadership, mentoring and career development. These works have appeared in journals like the Academy of Management Review and Administrative Science Quarterly. Thomas’ focus has included minority mentoring as well as how organizations shape employee racial dynamics.

Professional Career

As soon as Kilgore Community College point guard Dantwan Grimes joined Baylor this offseason, Thomas started receiving inquiries from Division 1 programs. On Thursday afternoon he announced his decision to join Cincinnati; joining them with two years remaining on his eligibility.

Cody McCoy saw Thomas play, and was immediately won over by his high-end pace and ability to find holes in defenses. In one game against Ridge View – where Thomas scored just three points but made an enormous contribution on defense – Thomas locked down five-star juco prospect TyTy Washington Jr. for just 3 points but made a tremendous impactful defensive impactful play!

Thomas leaves behind his mother, Lolena Hunter of Lamesa; sisters Shanequa Hawkins and Ai’ Nai Wesley from Lamesa; brothers Izsel Thomas and Kajana Hunter both from Lamesa; nieces, nephews and numerous family and friends who mourn him.

Achievement and Honors

Daveonn Thomas was an esteemed member of his community who was known for spending quality time with family and friends, working at his job, playing basketball and volunteering to coach youth leagues – always seeking ways to make a positive difference in people’s lives.

Kilgore College’s leading scorer this season and second-team NJCAA All-American, Thomas was instrumental in providing Kilgore with much-needed scoring next season. His skill in breaking down defenses will provide much-needed scoring.

Personal Life

Daveonn Thomas embraced life to its fullest and lived a passionate life for others. An avid sports fan and dairy queen worker alike, Daveonn always welcomed customers with an infectious smile at Dairy Queen where he worked. Daveonn is survived by his mother Lolena Hunter of Lamesa as well as three siblings: Devyn Thomas from Lamesa; Dae’lynn Richardson of Lubbock and Izsel Thomas both of Lamesa; plus many relatives and friends.

Cincinnati head coach Wes Miller was attracted to Thomas’ self-described “dog mentality.” His defensive intensity on defense and ability to break down defenses will prove instrumental as Cincinnati competes in the Big 12 next year. Thomas’ commitment capped an outstanding 2023 recruiting class which also includes point guard Jizzle James; Thomas discussed his choice with Bearcat Journal during an exclusive interview.

Net Worth

He took great pleasure in spending his time with family, friends, and working at Dairy Queen. He will be remembered fondly for his witty yet generous spirit and especially enjoyed spending time with his children.

Thomas was released by the Baltimore Ravens after several heated incidents, such as his altercation with teammate Chuck Clark that earned him a $10 million bounty from the league for filing grievances. Since his departure he has yet to sign with any franchise.

Thomas is survived by his mother, Lolena Hunter (Adgiran) of Lamesa; sisters Shanequa Hawkins and Ai’ Nai Wesley of Lamesa; brothers Izsel Thomas and Kajana Hunter of Lamesa as well as many relatives and friends who offer support during this difficult time. We extend our sincerest thanks for being there during this saddest of times.