Rebel QB Thomas unsure about his hoops future

Steve Addy and Steve Guiremand

Thursday, Dec. 7, 2000 | 10:24 a.m.

Rebels quarterback Jason Thomas isn't closing the door on joining UNLV's basketball team after the Las Vegas Bowl on Dec. 21.

But unless his sprained right foot heals quickly, Thomas isn't likely to become a two-sport Rebel.

"It depends on how I feel," he said. "Right now, I would say no (to basketball) because I'm so banged up, but you never know. A couple of weeks (after the bowl), I might get that desire to play again, so I'm not sure right now."

Though Thomas sparked UNLV's football team to a 7-5 regular season and a Las Vegas Bowl bid against Arkansas, he has struggled with the foot injury for almost two months. He injured it Oct. 14 at Colorado State.

"It's just about getting healthy again," he said. "I need to get my foot healthy and be able to jump. You use different muscles in basketball and I would have to be in good shape for that."

Since Thomas arrived as a transfer from Southern Cal last year, Rebel basketball fans have hoped the stocky 6-foot-4 sophomore would add his athleticism to Bill Bayno's squad. After all, he helped Compton (Calif.) Dominguez HS win back-to-back Division II state basketball titles.

It's also a growing trend for capable Division I athletes to play football and basketball. At North Carolina, quarterback Ronald Curry and defensive end Julius Peppers both play for the Tar Heels' basketball team, and Indiana quarterback Antwaan Randle El played basketball for the Hoosiers in 1999.

Bayno said Wednesday he hasn't spoken to Thomas about playing basketball since prior to his transfer, but the offer stands. Though Thomas is only 6-4, his bulk (240 pounds) might come in handy for Bayno's size-needy frontcourt.

Nevertheless, Bayno said, "I don't think it's going to happen."

"I told (Thomas) I would give him an opportunity," Bayno said. "He would obviously have to come to practice and compete. It's up to him. If he comes to me and says he would like to play, it's definitely a possibility."

But Thomas hasn't played competitive basketball in more than two years, and it remains to be seen if he has "topped out" as a player or if his skills have eroded.

Also, the schedule might work against him. After the bowl game, figure on a month to fully rehab his ankle, then at least two weeks of basketball practice. That means he might not be ready until Feb. 1 -- almost too late to be effectively eased into the rotation.

"I think his foot is going to need a month (after the bowl)," football coach John Robinson said.

And it would take time for Thomas to get into "basketball shape," Bayno cautioned.

"Basketball is continuous running," he said. "It would probably take him longer because of his body type. He's big and thick."

Robinson said if Thomas wants to try basketball, he has no problem with it, regardless of Thomas' tender foot.

"It would be good for him," Robinson said. "Maybe he could be a practice squad guy. We aren't talking about him taking over the team. He might be the 12th man.

"But I'd like to see him play. College is a rare time in life. You don't get many chances to play competitive sports."

Nor is Robinson fearful of Thomas suffering a basketball injury that might affect him on the football field next fall.

"Nah. I would be more scared about him driving on the freeway between here and L.A.," he said.