As Indiana University prepares to tip off their 125th season in Bloomington, one player on the opposing bench might hold a special connection to the Hoosiers' storied past. Kyle Thomas, a 6-foot-10 forward for SIU Edwardsville, is the son of the late Daryl Thomas, a key member of Indiana's 1987 national championship team.

Carrying on a Legendary Legacy

A Homecoming for the Thomas Family

The upcoming matchup between Indiana and SIU Edwardsville will serve as a homecoming of sorts for Kyle Thomas. Like his father before him, Kyle dons the number 24 jersey, a nod to the legacy he hopes to continue. Daryl Thomas, an All-Big Ten selection and integral part of the Hoosiers' 1987 title-winning squad, passed away in 2018, making this game a bittersweet moment for the family.

Daryl Thomas' Unforgettable Contribution

Daryl Thomas' impact on Indiana basketball is etched in the program's history. As a junior and senior, he earned All-Big Ten honors, and his 20-point performance in the NCAA championship game against Syracuse was a crucial factor in the Hoosiers' 74-73 victory. But it was his selfless play and game-winning assist to Keith Smart that cemented his legacy. "That was Daryl — absolutely unselfish," former head coach Bob Knight remarked, reflecting on the iconic moment that clinched the national title.

Honoring the 1987 Champions

The 1987 Indiana Hoosiers' championship team holds a special place in the program's history. In 2011, the team reunited at Assembly Hall to celebrate the 25th anniversary of their triumph, a testament to the lasting impact of their achievement. Daryl Thomas' contributions to that team's success will forever be remembered by Hoosier faithful.

Kyle Thomas' Journey

Kyle Thomas, like his father, grew up in the suburbs of Chicago. He was set to play for Daryl at Montini High School, but fate had other plans. After Daryl's passing, Kyle's path took him to Bradley University, where he averaged 2.1 points and 0.9 rebounds in 16 games during the 2023-24 season. This offseason, he transferred to SIU Edwardsville, where he now has the opportunity to showcase his skills on the same court his father once dominated.

Connections Beyond the Court

The Thomas family's ties to Indiana basketball extend beyond the court. Daryl and current Hoosiers head coach Mike Woodson were good friends, a relationship that undoubtedly influenced Kyle's decision to follow in his father's footsteps. Additionally, SIU Edwardsville head coach Brian Barone has his own Indiana connection, having served as the Hoosiers' director of basketball operations under former head coach Tom Crean.As the Hoosiers and Cougars take the court on Wednesday evening, the legacy of Daryl Thomas will be ever-present. While his son's playing status remains uncertain due to an injury, the mere presence of Kyle on the opposing bench will undoubtedly stir emotions and memories of a Hoosier hero whose impact on the game continues to resonate. This homecoming promises to be a poignant moment in Indiana basketball history, a testament to the enduring power of family, friendship, and the unbreakable bond between a father and son.