Thomas springs off the bench for Imhotep boys
Koby Thomas possesses the type of athleticism that makes highlights trend, opponents duck for cover and fans howl each time the Imhotep senior takes flight.
Koby Thomas possesses the type of athleticism that makes highlights trend, opponents duck for cover and fans howl each time the Imhotep senior takes flight.
At 6-foot-6 with spring to spare, Thomas attacks the rim with aplomb.
During the Panthers' Public League championship win against Martin Luther King on Thursday, Thomas's seven offensive rebounds included two impressive put-back dunks.
The second such slam came in the third quarter after a Daron Russell miss. Thomas snatched the ball from the air with two hands and dunked it in the same motion with several opponents and one teammate surrounding him.
Perhaps even more impressive, however, is the Division I talent's willingness to accept a role off the bench behind two sophomore forwards.
"It's a humbling experience, honestly," said Thomas, a Robert Morris signee, who scored 12 points and grabbed 10 rebounds against King in the Pub finale. "I think it's preparing me for college. Trying to set a good example for the young kids on the team."
The Panthers, ranked No. 7 in the nation according to USA Today, are deep and talented. Chereef Knox and Donta Scott, 6-foot-6 and 6-7 respectively, are the starters in the front court.
Knox might be the invisible man at times on the stat sheet, but his defense, rebounding and willingness to set screens makes him invaluable. Scott possesses coveted inside-outside versatility on offense and the ability to defend multiple positions on defense.
As a result, Thomas willingly brings bounce off the bench.
"I like it, honestly," Thomas said. "It gives me a chance to see what's happening so I know what to bring on the court."
Imhotep coach Andre Noble, who on Thursday won his sixth Public League championship, said Thomas has matured as a young man.
"Koby has really embraced his role," said Noble. "And being a senior and a Division I player, you could understand if he wouldn't, but he's embraced his role on our team. Some days he's led us in scoring, led us in everything."
Supreme athleticism coupled with a dunk-hunting mentality can have that effect.
But, Thomas' desire to dunk could have been born from necessity.
After all, when your younger brother is 6-11 Archbishop Wood junior Seth Pinkney, perhaps you wouldn't score at all growing up without a willingness to attack.
"Playing with Seth actually helps me," Thomas said. "It's kind of like going up against a tree."
The Panthers won't play again until Saturday afternoon when they face Conwell-Egan for the Class 4A District 12 championship at 2 p.m. at Philadelphia University.
On Monday, however, Thomas will be in attendance as Pinkney's Vikings take on Neumann-Goretti for the Catholic League title.
His athleticism won't help decide the game, and his cool demeanor means you won't find Thomas jumping up and down while cheering for his brother. Thomas joked that he would leave that to a certain family member.
"My mom is never calm," Thomas said of their mother, Kia Pinkney. "She's always hype and nervous as ever. Me and my dad [Leslie Pinkney] are usually the calm ones."
Internally, however, Thomas might be doing cartwheels.
"I won't be nervous, but I'd be really happy for him," he said. "I'm like his No. 1 supporter."
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