By ALEX KLINE
Jevon Thomas is one of the best point guards in New York City. The rising sophomore has some big plans for next year that include a change in school and in grade.
The 6-foot Thomas has decided to leave Our Savior New American in New York for St. Benedict’s in New Jersey.
“I’m going to St. Benedict’s,” said Thomas, the No. 14 point guard in the Class of 2012, according to Rivals. He will play the point there and replace Myck Kabongo — who departed for Findlay Prep — as the school’s starting point guard. “I chose to transfer to St. Benedict’s because they have a much better schedule so I can get more exposure,” he said.
“Along with that, my family wanted me to go to an all-boys school so I wouldn’t have any distractions.”
A huge factor in Jevon heading to the Garden State is St. Ben’s coach Roshown McLeod.
“I am very close with Coach Ro,” stated Jevon. “we have known each other for a while” referring to the former Indiana assistant and head coach at the New Jersey powerhouse.
Said McLeod: “JT is going to be a great asset to St. Benedict’s. St. Benedict’s will also be a place to help him focus on the things that are most important to him.”
Along with the transfer comes a reclassification. Thomas, who is in the class of 2013, was not originally in this. He was a part of the class of 2012 but something tragic set him back.
Chris Ramsey, Jevon’s brother, was murdered a few years back. This led Jevon to pure sadness for a while and he could not focus on his academics and school. Through that, Jevon decided to reclassify to 2013.
This year, after a solid freshman year at Our Savior New American, the standout point guard picked up his grades and has decided to reclassify back to 2012. The rising junior said, “I am reclassifying because I want better competition. I like a challenge.” This will certainly be a challenge as the guard is starting a whole new path and will work with a rebuilding team.
However, Jevon does not believe that is the case.
“My goal is to win a national championship,” he stated.
The young team lost several key seniors and players to graduation and transfers including Kabongo, Sidiki Johnson, Gil Biruta and Aaron Brown.
One great pickup was Jaylen Beckham from Kentucky. The two know each other and are very close.
“I have a good relationship with Jaylen even though he is so far away,” said Jevon. “He is a great player and I think we can do a lot at Benedicts.” The transfers certainly help the squad that needed an extra boost at point after the departure of Gray Bees Head Coach Dan Hurley.
This summer he will play with the New York Gauchos U16 squad and excited to see his recruitment take off.
Although his coach keeps tabs of most of his recruiting info. Jevon has looks from “Washington, St. John’s, Villanova, Syracuse, Wake Forest and West Virginia,” among others.
RELATED CONTENT:
**Vaughn Gray to St. Benedict’s
**Roshown McLeod takes over at St. Benedict’s
**Hurley departs St. Benedict’s for Wagner College
**Findlay tops Monteverde in NHSI final
**School closing leaves Findlay’s future cloudy
**St. Ben’s has “Good” reason to turn down ESPN
Follow Adam Zagoria on Twitter
