Thomas plays in Europe for U.S. squad

To be chosen to represent one's country is regarded by many as the greatest honor bestowed on an athlete. Of the millions of kids in the United States that have dribbled a basketball on their driveway, only a select few have worn the red, white and blue.

One of these few talented souls is Michigan junior point guard Stacey Thomas.

Chosen as a member of the USA Basketball Select Team, Thomas just concluded an eight-game tour of Europe this past Tuesday.

FILE PHOTO Michigan guard Stacey Thomas was a key component in the USA Basketball Select Team's 7-1 record in Europe over the past two weeks. Team USA played Puerto Rico, Spain and Poland during the tour.

"It was a great tour, and we had outstanding young women represent our country," said USA coach Carol Ross in a released statement. Ross also coaches the Florida women's basketball team. "The players represented USA Basketball in a great manner. It was a wonderful experience for everyone involved."

Thomas made the most of her experience in Europe, averaging 6.5 points, six rebounds, 1.8 assists and 1.8 steals per game.

Thomas helped key the Americans to three victories over Puerto Rico and Spain and one victory over Poland. A one-point setback to the Poles, 72-71, on July 8 was the only blemish in team USA's 7-1 record.

The loss to the Polish team couldn't be blamed on Thomas' play, though.

Thomas scored 12 points, her best output of the tour, pulled down a team-high seven rebounds and had three steals against the Poles.

Thomas was a leader on the floor in Europe during the tour. In USA's rematch against Poland, a 55-45 victory, Thomas snatched 13 rebounds and stole three passes. he also added 20 rebounds in the three victories over Puerto Rico.

JOHN KRAFT/Daily Michigan guard Stacey Thomas was a key component in the USA Basketball Select Team's 7-1 record in Europe over the past two weeks. Team USA played Puerto Rico, Spain and Poland during the tour.

Stacey Thomas and the USA Basketball Team dished out some punishment during their European vacation, winning seven of eight games.

A 5-foot-10 guard, Thomas also filled the point guard role and dished out 14 assists in Europe. Thomas was particularly effective against the Puerto Ricans, dealing out five assists in an 85-58 drubbing. Thomas also handed out three assists in the first game of the tournament, a 78-64 win over Puerto Rico.

After being named an alternate on last year's USA Basketball Junior National team, Thomas finally got the opportunity to play for the red, white and blue.

Thanks to that experience, Thomas has gotten valuable experience to use this winter for the maize and blue. With the graduation of center Pollyanna Johns, Thomas is the top returning scorer and rebounder and will be looked upon to help lead Michigan to its second straight NCAA Tournament berth.

Thomas realized the dream of millions of American boys and girls in her trip to Europe.

This winter, Thomas might use her European vacation to help to try to fulfill dreams of Michigan sports fans.

07-20-98