Isiah Thomas

American college basketball point guard who led Indiana to 1981 NCAA Championship and was named Tournament Most Outstanding Player before NBA stardom.

Isiah Lord Thomas III was born in Chicago, Illinois in 1961. He attended Indiana University under coach Bob Knight and won the national championship in his sophomore year, 1981. He was named the tournament's Most Outstanding Player after averaging 16.1 points and 6.0 assists per game in the tournament — his leadership of an Indiana team that defeated North Carolina in the title game was described by Knight as the finest tournament performance by a player under his coaching. He was named Big Ten Player of the Year and consensus All-American. He declared for the NBA Draft after his sophomore year, leaving Indiana at 19. Detroit Pistons selected him second overall in the 1981 NBA Draft. His decision to leave after two seasons is part of the college basketball story that discusses what might have been — two more Isiah Thomas seasons at Indiana under Knight's system would have been one of the most compelling what-ifs in the sport's history. His two years in Bloomington — one national championship, one MOP award and a departure at the peak of his college powers — represent a short but fully realised college career.

Thomas was an exceptional floor general with outstanding court vision and passing ability. He possessed quick hands, excellent ball-handling skills, and the ability to create scoring opportunities for teammates while also being a reliable scorer himself. His leadership qualities and basketball IQ were evident even at the college level.

Thomas's leadership of Indiana's 1981 undefeated championship team remains one of the most memorable achievements in college basketball history.

• National Championship (1981)
• Tournament MOP (1981)
• Big Ten Player of Year
• All-American