Hayden Thomas (193-G, college: Bethel, TN) is a 193cm guard from Missouri that began his basketball career at Twin Rivers High School. He then played two seasons of JUCO at Rend Lake College (JUCO) averaging 12.1ppg, 5.2rpg, 2.9apg, FGP: 44.1%, 3PT: 40.6%, FT: 74.5% and at North Arkansas College (JUCO) averaging 8.4ppg, 3.7rpg, 2.0apg, FGP: 39.7%, 3PT: 36.6%, FT: 70.0%. He then played 3 seasons at Bethel University, Tennessee (NAIA). He sampled early pro experience with Howard Hoops (Thailand-Warriors League) averaging 19.1ppg, 6.6rpg, 3.4apg, FGP: 45.1%, 3PT-1 (55.1%). He spoke germanhoops.com before taking part at the Howard Hoops Europe Exposure Tour.

Thanks Hayden for talking to germanhoops.com. You recently took part at the RSI Las Vegas Overseas Combine. Was it everything that you expected it would be?

Yes! It was a great experience showcasing my talent in front of pro coaches from NBA Summer League, NBA G League, pro coaches from Europe and Asia, and other agents that were in attendance. It was neat being able to network and connect with some of the coaches as well.

Talk a little about how you played in all the games. What did you average and were you happy with your performance?

I played well in all of the games. The first game was my best showing for sure. I had 12 points in the first game and was very efficient from the floor offensively. I went 3-3 from 2point FG and 2/3 from 3point FG. Going 5/6 from the field with 12 points and a win was pretty cool kicking off the first day of the showcase. I averaged about 10ppg throughout the showcase. I was happy with my performance, but I know I can always learn to be better after each game. There were 10 players on my team and the games went by super fast so as a player, you had to be aggressive and show what you could do while you were in.

What do you feel did people see most from your game in Las Vegas?

I feel like they saw a winner first mentality in me. Also a high IQ, high character player who leads his team with positive communication and body language. I feel that people saw that I can space the floor with my efficient shooting ability and guard the perimeter at any guard position. Playing together and having a winning mentality alongside my teammates helped us get to the championship game. We came up short in the championship, but it was an awesome experience giving ourselves an opportunity to win it all out of 10 teams that were there.

You were ranked 6th at the showcase out of 100 players. Did you get any kind of feedback from Gm´s and coaches?

I got some feedback from my coach during the showcase. He is Coach Facundo Petracci from Argentina. He was a great leader on the sidelines and in the huddles with us during the showcase. I also got some feedback from the Coast2Coast Coaches who helped run the Showcase. My agent had told me that some coaches from Germany and Spain contacted him during the showcase and were interested in me as well.

You worked together with the maker of the combine Ron Howard. How did he help you most in understanding the business of the job?

He helped me be in the right positions to be successful on and off the court. He gave me confidence to be myself out there on the court to make the right plays and do what’s best for the team. He also helped me off the court networking with other coaches, trainers, and agents to get their feedback of how I was playing and what I can do to better my game.

Now you will take part at the Howard Hoops Europe Exposure Tour. How excited are you for this opportunity?

I am super excited for this opportunity. I want to be in Europe and play for a team in Germany. I am excited to play in some games and show the other teams and coaches what I can do. I am also excited to practice with some teams and get to know some people in the basketball business in Germany.

What do you know in general about the country Germany and it’s basketball?

I know the country Germany is known for their bratwurst and pretzels. I also know their flag is black, red and yellow. I know that two of the bigger cities in Germany are Berlin and Frankfurt. Regarding basketball, I know Germany competes in the Olympics at a high level every time. Knowing that Dirk Nowitzki is from Germany, him and many other talented basketball players are from there.

Have you had any former teammates or opponents play in Germany?

Yes! One of my former teammates I played with on St. Louis Gateway in the Adidas Circuit back in high school plays in Germany right now currently. His name is Ja’Monta Black. He plays for VfL SparkassenStars in Bochum, Germany in the Pro A League.

What are your goals for the tour in Germany. Is there anything that you want to show with your game that you didn´t show in Las Vegas?

My goals for the tour in Germany is to make a team and stay in Germany for this next season starting up for 2026/27. I want to show more of my versatility in my game that I maybe didn’t get to show a ton in Las Vegas.

You stated 2 things you need to get better at is defense and ball handling. How well has those 2 ´parts of your game progressed this summer?

I believe those two parts of my game have progressed in a positive way. I have been in the weight room this summer and working on my feet and agility to have quicker feet. I have also been doing a lot of ball handling drills.

How big is your desire to play overseas? How confident are you that it will become reality?

I have big dreams to play overseas and make an impact on a team or multiple teams in my career. I am feeling really confident on my preparation in my game that it will become reality leading into Germany in the next couple of weeks. I understand everything happens for a reason and I am thankful for God’s timing because I feel strongly ready to make that next step and perform at a high level. My game has grown and expanded so much from the high school and college level getting older, maturing on the court, being more efficient and being more knowledgeable about certain spots, spacing, timing, and angles within the game. I feel so good right now mentally and physically being 100% healthy and in the best shape I have been in a while at 25 years old.

Germany has so many great foods. Is there one you’re looking forward to trying?

Yes! I am looking forward to trying a Famous German Bratwurst. I flew into Germany on my way to Portugal last year in 2025, but it was early in the morning and I didn’t eat anything from the airport. I will definitely have more time this go around.

The Philadelphia 76ers look really good on paper. Could they win it all?

Yes! They do look really good on paper. I think if the whole team can stay healthy 1-15 players throughout the season and playoffs, I believe they have a great chance at winning it all this next season.

Thanks Hayden for the chat.