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FORMER WOMEN'S HOOPS STAR PLAYS IN PUERTO RICO

Women's Basketball

Written By

Women's Basketball Office

Release Date

04/01/2009
[Go to UC Sports News]

Ava Thomas played only three seasons for the Lady Pioneers, however left her mark in the record books. In just 81 games, Thomas racked up 1,112 points, and 831 rebounds, both good for third all-time. She is the current record holder for blocked shots with 152. She averaged 15.9 points and 10.3 rebounds per game during her collegiate career.

It was only fitting for an elite player like Thomas to continue on with her basketball career. After a couple dead end attempts shortly after graduation, she found herself in Puerto Rico playing in a league called La Feminine Superior, or, The Superior Women. Their season began at the end of July, and finished in the beginning of October. Thomas described her experience as challenging, yet helpful for her future.

There are two different types of players in La Feminine Superior, natives, and “reinforcers.” Reinforcers were people from outside Puerto Rico, who had played in any division while in college, and were looked upon to lead their team. Thomas felt as though some of the natives were decent competition; however the team relied upon the non-natives to “work miracles.” The biggest issue with the natives on her team was that they lacked the basketball skills and concepts that the non-natives understood.

Thomas felt as though she was on one of the weakest teams in the league, and had the impression that her team expected her to work miracles. The playing quality of her teammates was one of the largest differences between Utica College basketball and overseas.

Another difference on a different note was the rules of the game. La Feminine Superior played with the international FIBA (Federation of International Basketball Association) rules. The challenges Thomas faced with the new rules included an extended “paint.” The NCAA “lane” is a wide rectangle, while FIBA rules make it a trapezoid. Thomas’ 6’0” frame makes her a post player, and having to transition to the new shape of the paint challenged her in regards to the “3 second count.” Another large difference is with calling timeouts; players cannot call timeouts at all, and coaches can only call them on dead balls. That one rule changes the whole game, especially in a close game!

One drawback that shortened Thomas’ stay in Puerto Rico was the pay. It is known that Professional women’s sports does not pay as much as men’s, however the pay in Puerto Rico was not what Thomas was looking for. Most overseas players in Puerto Rico receive a car and enough food for their stay.

Thomas’ team however did not receive much funding from the town like the other teams and therefore did not receive such benefits. Many of the other teams in her league received money from the mayor of the town.

As for the non-basketball side of it all, Thomas said the island is beautiful. She was able to live in a one bedroom apartment with a good friend of hers from high school which helped with the transition.

Since her time in Puerto Rico, Thomas attended an exposure camp and quickly received an offer to play in Ireland. She had to turn down that opportunity though, as she was just getting back from Puerto Rico and didn’t feel as though she was in shape enough to compete at that high level. She has been working out though, and staying on a strict diet, so come next year, she will hopefully be able to take another offer.

Thomas’ words of wisdom to those who may wish to continue their basketball career following college is, to stay in shape because you can get that phone call at any time, and you have to be prepared for it. She also advises that you stay optimistic because it is not an easy road, making it to, and playing at the professional level.


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