LJ Thomas, a former backup guard for the NC State Wolfpack, has emerged as a dominant force for the Austin Peay Governors in the early stages of the 2024-25 season. After leaving the Wolfpack late in the regular season, the 21-year-old playmaker has wasted no time in making his mark on the Governors' program, leading them to a surprise victory over the Butler Bulldogs in their famed Hinkle Fieldhouse.

A Rising Star Seizes the Spotlight

Breakout Performance Stuns the Bulldogs

In his second outing with the Governors, Thomas delivered a game-high 29 points, shooting 13-for-27 from the field and accounting for almost half of his team's 28 buckets against the Bulldogs. The 6-foot-2, 200-pound guard also recorded eight rebounds, three assists, and two steals across 36 minutes on the floor, showcasing his versatility and impact on both ends of the court.The Governors' 68-66 upset victory over Butler, a team that finished the 2023-24 season with a 21-12 record, was a testament to Thomas' ability to step up and lead his new team to a significant win. The former three-star recruit from Plant City, Fla., has wasted no time in establishing himself as the go-to bucket-getter and versatile force for the Governors, who are looking to build on their 19-16 record (10-6 in conference play) from last season.

Adapting to a New Role and Environment

Thomas' decision to leave the NC State Wolfpack late in the regular season and transfer to Austin Peay for his junior campaign was a bold move, but one that appears to be paying dividends early on. After playing a backup role for the Wolfpack, where he saw minutes in most games as a freshman and sophomore, Thomas has seized the opportunity to become the focal point of the Governors' offense.The transition to a new team and a new system can often be challenging, but Thomas has seamlessly integrated himself into the Governors' lineup, showcasing his ability to adapt and thrive in a different environment. His performance against Butler has not only turned heads but has also set the stage for what could be a breakout season for the talented guard.

Building on Early Success

With the Governors now 2-0 on the season, Thomas and his teammates will look to build on their early success as they prepare to face the Chattanooga Mocs on Monday night. The Governors, led by second-year head coach Corey Gipson, are aiming to build on their strong 2023-24 campaign and establish themselves as a force to be reckoned with in the Atlantic Sun Conference.For Thomas, the opportunity to be the primary offensive option and to showcase his full range of skills has been a welcome change. His ability to impact the game in multiple ways, from scoring to facilitating and defending, has already made him a valuable asset for the Governors, and his continued development will be crucial to the team's success this season.As the Governors continue their quest for a conference title and a potential NCAA Tournament berth, all eyes will be on LJ Thomas and his ability to lead the charge. With his impressive start to the season, the former NC State backup has proven that he is ready to step into the spotlight and cement his status as one of the rising stars in college basketball.