Tampa Catholic PG Isiah Thomas, a three-year Crusaders starter and 1,100-point scorer, has transferred to Oldsmar Christian.
TC coach Don Dziagwa confirmed the move in a text message to the Tampa Bay Times on Thursday afternoon. Word of his transfer comes six days after the Times confirmed 6-foot-8 Carrollwood Day low-post standout Adonis Welch also had moved to Oldsmar.
In a Tweet sent out Thursday, Thomas said: Thanks to everybody at TC for making the past 3 years fun but I'm not coming Back next year gotta do bigger things to get where I wanna be
A sleek perimeter complement to prolific 6-5 swingman Chivarsky Corbett, Thomas averaged at least 11 points in each of his three seasons, earning Times all-county honorable mention honors each year. As a junior, he averaged career highs in points (15.6) and assists (7.4), leading TC (19-9) to the Class 4A region semifinals.
With Thomas, the Crusaders shaped up next season not only as a contender with Berkeley Prep for a Class 4A final four spot, but appeared poised to end Jesuit's four-game win streak in the private schools' ultra-intense rivalry. Dziagwa still returns five of his top six scorers from last season's club.