In this edition of the Nova Notebook, we connect with freshman forward Malcolm Thomas, who recently began his Villanova career after graduating from DeMatha Catholic High School.
 
Malcolm Thomas wasn't yet born when his father, Etan Thomas, starred at forward for Syracuse from 1996-2000. His memory bank doesn't include the battles the Orange and Wildcats staged when both programs were stalwarts of the BIG EAST in that era. But the impact both his parents – his mother Nichole is also a former SU student-athlete – have had on their son looms large.
 
"I've had a basketball in my hand pretty much my entire life," says Malcolm Thomas now.
 
Even before he reached elementary school, Thomas had an idea of whose style he wanted to emulate.
 
"I remember my dad playing in the league," Malcolm Thomas says of his father, whose NBA career concluded in 2011 with much of it spent with the Washington Wizards. "I've patterned my game after his since I was a little dude. He told us nothing beats hard work. You can have all the talent in the world but if you don't work hard, it won't be enough."
 
Thomas also is quick to point to the important role his mother has played in his development.
 
"I couldn't do anything without my mom," Malcolm Thomas notes. "She played basketball at Syracuse, so I pattern my game after both my parents. I try to take their advice."
 
As the No. 12 overall selection in the 2000 National Basketball Association Draft, Etan Thomas played 10 seasons in the league, including seven of those with the Wizards. The family settled in Mitchellville, Md.
 
When it came time to choose a secondary school, Malcolm and his family selected DeMatha High School, a program with a storied history that includes Wildcats legend Justin Moore. Malcolm Thomas made a connection with then head coach Mike Jones (now the head coach at Old Dominion University). Upon enrolling at the school in Hyattsville, Md., Thomas set about following the advice of his parents. As his prep career unfolded, he continued to make strides.
 
Those with strong memories may recall that Etan Thomas was a two-time BIG EAST Defensive Player of the Year. In that regard, Malcolm is a chip off the old block, possessing a feel for defense that is not often found in prospects entering college. He's also expanded his offensive skill set too, leaning on his athleticism to finish more than a few lobs from teammates at the prep level.
 
"I would describe myself as a defensive minded, two-way player," he explains. "I'll give everything I have when I'm on the court."
 
By the time he reached the 11th grade, college programs had begun to take notice. Thomas took his time assessing the options before a September 2023 visit to the Villanova campus crystalized his choice.
 
"I felt the connection with the Villanova coaches pretty quickly," states the forward who now stands 6-8. "It was kind of an easy decision for me. I felt like this was home."
 
Villanova head coach Kyle Neptune described Thomas this way when news of his signing was announced last fall: "Malcolm is a high-energy athletic forward whose game really fits the way we like to play. As the son of an accomplished professional athlete, he is already a high-level defender who can score from mid-range and is becoming a 3-point threat. There is so much upside to Malcolm's game."
 
Not long after Thomas committed to the Wildcats, he connected with VU's other two signees via text messages, Matthew Hodge and Josiah Moseley. Over the course of their respective prep seasons, they remained in touch and have quickly formed a bond since arriving on campus in recent weeks.
 
"Those are my guys," Thomas states. "We're the freshmen. We've got to leave our mark and make an impact."
 
(Alexsandar Gavalyugov, the Bulgarian guard who recently signed with the Wildcats, will be the fourth freshmen on the 2024-25 roster. He is expected to arrive at Villanova in July.)
 
Thomas got to campus in early June after completing his studies and celebrating graduation from DeMatha. In the days since, he has strived to absorb all he can in team workouts, weightlifting sessions, and team meetings.
 
"Getting on the court with the guys," says Thomas, "getting coached up by the coaches, has been a great experience. I've been getting acclimated, getting to know my teammates and coaches. I'm happy to be here."  
 
The goal in the days and weeks leading up to the start of the regular season in November is straightforward for Thomas.
 
"I want to become the best player I can be over these next few weeks (of summer)," he states. "I'm just trying to get my body ready for the college game."
 
Though the regular season is months away, Thomas feels a sense of excitement for what lies ahead.
 
"I'm super-stoked to be here," he says. "I'm going to do as much as I can to help."
 
Beyond basketball, Thomas has hopes of becoming an entrepreneur. As such, he plans to take full advantage of the Villanova education he is set to receive.
 
"I want to make sure I'm an all-around person, more than just a basketball player," he states. "I'm excited to grow at Villanova."