Adam Thomas is a very late comer to basketball who has "plenty of upside," to coin a phrase... He has a chance to follow in the footsteps of some storied Southern California late-blooming big men -- Swen Nater and Mark Eaton... Adam played briefly in seventh grade but didn't try again until a year after high school when persuaded by a friend... He has dedicated himself to becoming a player and spent much of the past summer working out with players at the University of Kansas.

PENN VALLEY COMMUNITY COLLEGE: Played two seasons for Coach Marcus Harvey at Penn Valley CC, located in Kansas City, Missouri... Averaged 7 points and 6 rebounds as a sophomore and 2 points and 2 rebounds as a freshman... Shot 60 percent from the floor, second best in school history... Made the academic honor roll... Described as "fat, dumpy and awkward" when he arrived, he promptly lost 70 pounds during conditioning drills.

LEE'S SUMMIT NORTH HIGH SCHOOL: Moved into the district for his junior season but didn't play basketball.

PERSONAL: Born on March 2, 1985, in Kansas City, Missouri... Parents are William and Teresa Thomas... Has three older sisters - Shelly, Sarah and Sandy... Criminal justice major who hopes to go into law enforcement, corrections or probation... Most memorable sports thrill was playing against another 7-footer for Missouri State West Plains and scoring 18 points and grabbing 13 rebounds... Was working in a grocery store before deciding to give basketball a try.