Chris Thomas, assistant coach for the University of Wyoming, discussed his international and college coaching experiences on the Fullcourt Passport podcast with Ric Bucher and Bostjan Nachbar. Thomas emphasized how his travels and coaching roles have shaped his approach to player development.
Thomas called his time in Puerto Rico “a big one” for his career. “I was a head coach and GM…It was my first time really having that GM role solely on me for both domestic and international players,” he said. Thomas highlighted managing egos and balancing media responsibilities alongside game preparation.
Reflecting on his work with Slovenia’s national team, Thomas called the EuroBasket 2013 “mind-blowing” and praised the home fan experience. “I still remember getting goosebumps hearing the fans…even though it wasn’t my national anthem,” he said.
Thomas credited his extensive international experience with shaping his view on basketball development. “The influence that Europe has brought to the NBA has been immense…especially the level of skill development from ages 7, 8, 9, 10,” he said. He noted that holistic training in Europe has influenced U.S. college and youth basketball.
On the differences between 24-second and 30-second shot clocks, Thomas said younger players benefit from extra time, but older players and professionals thrive under a faster pace. “As you advance in age and levels…24 seconds just makes it more fun, faster, and appealing to fans,” he explained.
Thomas also addressed U.S. player development in comparison to international talent. “This year’s crop of draft picks from the collegiate standpoint is absolutely elite…this approach will allow American players to enter the conversation of Luka and Jokic,” he said. He emphasized teaching decision-making and situational awareness over isolation scoring.
The coach detailed how Wyoming’s program embraces positionless basketball. “We like to have as many ball handlers on the floor as humanly possible…scoring before a defense is set up,” he said. Thomas emphasized teaching reads out of actions and using small-sided games to instill professional-level skills.
On the value of international coaching influence in the NBA, Thomas highlighted former Slovenia coach Igor Kokoskov. “I wouldn’t have been able to get that job with the Slovenian national team if it wasn’t for Igor…their influence on the NBA has been monumental,” he said.
Thomas also discussed naturalized players, using Jaxson Hayes potentially joining the Slovenian national team as an example. “It fills a big need…bringing in a high-level player can elevate younger players and the program as a whole,” he said, noting both the strategic and developmental benefits.
Summarizing his career, Thomas reflected, “All the great places I’ve seen, all the great players I’ve coached…the best thing is the relationships I’ve been able to build through this process.”
