By CHARLIE PARENT
THE BRONX — Jermel Thomas, a four-star in the class of 2026, has shined as the starting point guard for coveted New York City program Cardinal Hayes this season.
The 6-foot-2, 165-pound, Bronx native posted 10 points, 10 rebounds and 7 assists in a loss to Roselle Catholic (NJ.) at last Sunday’s NYC Shooting Stars tournament. He followed up his complete performance with 16 points, 8 assists and 5 rebounds in a win over Albany’s Green Tech (NY.).
Thomas has been in contact with St. John’s, Seton Hall and Overtime Elite the most as of late, but North Carolina and Kentucky have both shown interest and intend to be at one of his games this season.
“I would like to go to UNC too; that’s my dream college since I was little,” he said. “They’re interested, and so is Kentucky. They say they’re coming out soon.”
2026 PG Jermel Thomas getting to work tonight
@TheRealMagicMel pic.twitter.com/aH0gUdGrk3
— Overtime (@overtime) January 12, 2024
Thomas broke down some of his options to ZAGSBLOG:
St. John’s: “They’ve been great lately and keep talking to me. They like how I play, how I’m a pass-first point guard that gets others involved.”
Seton Hall: “I’ve been talking to the coaches. I think Seton Hall would be a great school for me, and I’m cool with the head coach over there, too.”
Overtime Elite: “Overtime is family over there. I know a lot of people like Ian Jackson. It’s family, I took a visit with my team there too.”
He will visit Seton Hall and St. John’s before his high school season ends, though no dates have been confirmed.
With Thomas’ high school career taking a step forward this season, he wants to continue with his consistent play while getting his body right for the college level.
“I want to keep playing the way I play,” he said. “I get my teammates involved, score when I can score and get to the basket when I cut. I’m going to keep getting stronger and the shot is going to get even better.”
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