In 1980 Thomas became the first freshman in conference history to win All Big Ten honors. As an All-American sophomore averaging 16 points and 5.8 assists a game, he led Indiana to the NCAA Championship and was named the NCAA Final Four MVP. Thomas left Indiana to enter the 1981 NBA draft. He was named 1982 NBA Rookie of the Year. He went on to lead the Detroit Pistons to two NBA titles in 1989 and 1990, becoming NBA Finals MVP in 1990. Thomas was named one of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History in 1996.

President of Basketball Operations and Head Coach, New York Knicks