Jamel Thomas played for the Providence Friars
Reading “Smack” the other day on “dimemag.com” as every hoops aficionado should, I noticed that there was a mention of Jamel Thomas. The common fan may not be aware of who he is, but if you were into college ball in the late 90’s or have knowledge of the NYC grassroots scene, than the name is a given. Jamel was a star forward for Providence College from ‘96-’99 and had the opportunity to receive the pill from fellow NYC product, Shammgod Wells (God Shammgod) at Providence. Thomas has written a book that dishes private information regarding NBA stars, Stephon Marbury (Thomas’ Cousin) and Sebastian Telfair (Thomas’ Half-Brother) titled “The Beautiful Struggle.” (Thought that was a Kweli album?) The book will release on the end of the month.
While the book will certainly be entertaining for any hoops fan, especially those that are critical or supportive of Marbury’s ways, it seems appropriate to look at whom the lesser known player in this family is. While having to deal with the spotlight that his younger cousin garnered at Lincoln High School, Jamel chose to play at Providence with Shammgod and Austin Croshere, as Marbury headed south to Georgia Tech. At Providence, Thomas put up respectable numbers of 15.9 ppg, 5.9 boards, and 2 helpers per contest.
Despite the decent college career, Thomas would enjoy about as much success in the NBA as his fellow Friar teammate, Shammgod. Jamel had two stints in the L, where he played for Boston and Golden State, respectively. Although certainly good enough to use basketball as a way to make a living, Thomas could not cut it in the league. The two seasons he spent there produced 2.5 ppg, 1.2 boards, and 0.5 dimes per game. His apparent dealings with Marbury as a reference for NBA work are revealed in “The Beautiful Struggle.” A few botched attempts to latch on with the Wolves have been reveled as well as a dilemma with an agent. Jamel has spent his post NBA career playing in Italy, Greece, and Turkey. This past season playing for Basket Napoli in the Italian Series A league, Thomas helped his team to the tune of 11ppg, 4.8 rebounds, and 1.5 assists.
At 32, Thomas may never see the NBA again, yet his hard work overseas has made success for him and allowed him to be recognized as one of the best players to ever come out of Providence. With news of the book penned by Thomas, what are your feelings about Thomas and his apparent criticisms of Marbury? Check out this video link of Thomas speaking on Marbury and his upcoming book for first hand evidence of the dispute.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T-4iEGQPjtQ
September 11th, 2008 at 7:31 pm
No Mustard says:
The link did not show up on the post, but here it is: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T-4iEGQPjtQ
September 11th, 2008 at 7:35 pm
Bobbito Garcia a.k.a. Kool Bob Love says:
yo, we’ve been talking about great brother combos on the blog all week, and no one mentioned thomas-telfair! his role in the documentary ‘through the fire’ about sebastian’s high school career was pivotal. i met jamel once in coney island, seemed mad cool.
September 11th, 2008 at 9:02 pm
PFTB says:
Yeah KBL we missed that brother combo for sure.Jamel seems like a good guy and I would hope he’s not slinging mud.I know there’s alot of people who have indifferent feelings about Marbury.I can only judge the man on his body of work,and he has not been a winner in the league for whatever reason.The talent is crazy,but he is not someone that’s embraced fully.Why his cousin chose to write this book is only known to him.Wish it didn’t have to come to this, but thats family sometimes.Brothers (cousins0 gotta work it out.
September 11th, 2008 at 9:17 pm
Kenny Patt says:
I think that some of his extended family have always expected too much out of him, not realizing that he has a very large immediate family to take care of emotionally as well as financially. The argument is always that he is selfish, but I wonder what have they ever done for him ? Jamel had numerous chances to make the L. How can he blame Steph when Steph lobbied for him to make the Wolves and found him a trainer.
September 12th, 2008 at 4:00 pm
Elliot Rosado says:
Why does everybody keep getting at Steph. I don’t get it. He has helped so many people. But it seems like the people that can help themselves are the ones complaining the most. I don’t think Jamel needed help from steph to get a spot on a team and if he did he would have not have got much playing time so i guess that would have been Steph’s fault to. I’m sure Steph can write a book on how he’s helped more people than he’s lost games.
September 21st, 2008 at 8:53 pm
530 says:
Don’t worry people I’m a good guy, always been. This is Jamel Thomas speaking
September 22nd, 2008 at 8:17 am
D Protano says:
This Jamel Thomas has been a bitter loser and user for years. His book trash talks Steph and others. This guy can’t even put a sentence together, never mind play ball. It is a known fact that he had some flunky writing the book for him, and it still stinks. Thomas blames everybody else for his problems. It is clear that he is not only jealous but sick in the head. I don’t recommend this angry book.
September 23rd, 2008 at 7:34 pm
Dr. Dan says:
I am a relative and i know Jamel is a stupid, jealous fool who has never been able to help himself. He writes about being a role model for others. This dumnbass can’t even help himself. He needs to see a shrink
September 30th, 2008 at 8:28 am
Erica Thomas Turner Telfair says:
Jamel was my sister’s boy. When she died I adopted him. He don’t know that his mother was sick in the head and he has inherited the same problem. He is a very dark person who believes the worse about others. His book is written to say what he should have been tellin people all along. I believe that he is a coward to write these lies about his family. He should be ashamed of hisself.
October 8th, 2008 at 5:06 pm
PGiddy says:
This Jamel is really really jealous of Steph. He blame Steph for not making it in the league. Truth is he is too stooopid to play NBA ball, and he d rather blame the stars than face the reality he ain’t one and won’t ever be one.
October 20th, 2008 at 4:59 pm
WonderWheel says:
I grew up with Jamel. Jamel is a great friend and family man. He takes care of his friends and family and never forgets his roots even though he is cashing coin in Europe.
Jamel is The Truth.
November 21st, 2008 at 4:23 am
4TheRecord says:
I’ve read this book & respect Jamel for keeping it real! Yo he went through a lot of struggles ever since he lost his mom at 4yrs old. The whole time he grew up in C.I. I’ve never known him to be a fake dude like Steph & Sebastian. Jamel doesn’t worship money, jewelry & cars like they do so he’s definitely the one who’s down to earth. I understand some things in the book may embarrass some of his fam, but he’s just telling us his true life story. I feel real sad for this family since fame, money & ignorance has ruined their relationships! The book is not perfect, but it’s cool that he got their other cousin Corey Johnson from “The Last Shot” book who had dreams of being a Writer to help him. The bottom line is that FAMILY is supposed to up-lift each other no matter what differences they have. I understand you Jamel so thanks for being brave enough to reveal the truth to the world!