IU Athletics Mourns The Passing of Daryl Thomas
3/28/2018 4:26:00 PM | Men's Basketball
The Indiana men's basketball family is devastated to learn of the passing of 1987 National Champion Daryl Thomas. Our prayers go out to his family, friends, teammates and coaches and all others who he had an impact on throughout his life. pic.twitter.com/kVvZeDLGLJ
— Indiana Basketball (@IndianaMBB) March 28, 2018
An All-Big Ten pick as a junior and senior, Thomas scored 20 points in the Hoosiers NCAA title win over Syracuse and dished the game-winning assist to Keith Smart who hit a jumper to give IU the 74-73 victory. He is ranked 47th all-time in career scoring with 1,095 points and averaged 10.3 points in 106 career games.
Saddened to hear of the passing of Hoosier legend and National Champion Daryl Thomas. Beloved by his teammates and coaches, our prayers go out to his wife Marta, his children, and the Montini Catholic HS community he served. pic.twitter.com/acMYTfewsh
— Arch Miller (@Archie_Miller) March 28, 2018
He averaged 15.7 points and 5.7 rebounds as a senior and 14.5 points and 4.7 rebounds as a junior. He also averaged 13 minutes per game on the 1984 team which advanced to the Elite Eight and stunned #1 North Carolina in the NCAA Regional Semifinal.
I've said for years Daryl Thomas was the most improved player physically and mentally that I ever witnessed at IU..also the most under appreciated player ever at IU..he and Garrett went toe to toe w Cuses Seikaly/Coleman ..RIP
— Dan Dakich (@dandakich) March 28, 2018
Thomas came to IU from St. Joseph's High School, the same school that produced Hall of Famer Isiah Thomas (no relation). A McDonald's All-American, he battled a knee injury as a senior and averaged 14.0 points and 7.5 rebounds. He was a two-time first team All-State choice in Illinois and was a Parade Magazine All-American. He played for legendary Coach Gene Pingatore.
Thomas and his 1987 teammates returned to Assembly Hall in December of 2011 to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of their National Championship.
A 1987 graduate of IU, he was drafted by the Sacramento Kings in the sixth round of the 1987 NBA Draft and played professionally in Europe and South America for 13 years.
" ... His family is certainly in my prayers during this difficult time. My thoughts and prayers are with his wife Marta, his children, and with those he served at the Montini Catholic High School community." (2/2)
— Zach Osterman (@ZachOsterman) March 28, 2018
He later spent eight years as an assistant coach at his alma mater, St. Joseph's and had been the head coach at Montini Catholic High School since 2015. He also served as Lead Instructor, Player Development for the Sox/Bulls Academy which is located in Lisle and LaGrange in suburban Chicago.
It is with our deepest sorrow that we inform you that alumnus and former basketball coach, Daryl Thomas '83, passed away this morning. pic.twitter.com/CDWFsH3led
— St. Joseph HS (@wearestjoes) March 28, 2018
He and his wife, Marta, had three children, Kayla, Kyle and Adam and resided in Bolingbrook.
Daryl Thomas, 52, was a two-time @IndianaMBB captain and a 1987 national champ.@stephenbardo remembers his old @B1GMBBall rival. pic.twitter.com/MzX0AobxtW
— Big Ten Network (@BigTenNetwork) March 28, 2018
The Bulls/Sox Academy staff mourns the sudden passing of Daryl Thomas today. Daryl was a loving husband, father, mentor, friend to many, and valued co-worker and basketball staff member. Many thoughts and prayers go out to Daryl's family. pic.twitter.com/n5V70f1td2
— Bulls Sox Academy (@BullsSoxAcademy) March 28, 2018
It is with a heavy heart that we announce that our Head Basketball Coach, Daryl Thomas, passed away from a heart attack this morning. No details are available at this time. Please keep his family and loved ones in your prayers. pic.twitter.com/nSSY8Ww0FE
— Montini Catholic HS (@MontiniCatholic) March 28, 2018