Charles Thomas, who spent the past six seasons as an assistant coach at Atlantic 10 Conference institution Duquesne University, has been hired as an assistant coach for the Saint Louis University men’s basketball program, Travis Ford announced.
“We are excited about Charles being a part of Team Blue,” Ford said. “He brings a vast amount of experience as both a professional player and a coach.
“Charles is known for his great recruiting relationships, his knowledge of the game, and developing players individually,” Ford said. “He is going to bring great energy, enthusiasm and effort to our basketball team each and every day.”
“I am excited to join the Billiken family,” Thomas said. “Having the opportunity to learn from Coach Ford, Coach Tate and Coach Harriman was a drawing point for me. In just a short time here so far, it already feels like a family.
“I have always been fond of the SLU program, the toughness they bring and how the great home crowds get behind the players,” Thomas said. “I want to come in and contribute and continue to push this program to a higher level. I can’t wait to represent our University this summer on the recruiting trail with the Billiken logo on my chest.”
Thomas joined Keith Dambrot’s staff at Duquesne after serving as an assistant under Dambrot at Akron for seven seasons. In 13 years overall working with Dambrot, Thomas helped the Zips and Dukes to the postseason seven times, including NCAA appearances with Akron in 2011 and 2013.
Prior to his appointment at Akron, Thomas spent two seasons as an assistant head coach at Northwood and one year as an assistant coach at Radford.
Before joining the coaching ranks, Thomas spent 15 years playing professionally in the U.S. and abroad. He started his pro career with the Detroit Pistons (1991-92) before spending six seasons in the CBA with the Grand Rapids Hoops, the Fort Wayne Fury and the Connecticut Pride. From 2000 to 2006, he played internationally in Australia and Sweden.
Thomas is a 2000 graduate of Eastern Michigan, where he and twin brother Carl played for the Eagles from 1987-91. Thomas helped EMU to its first Mid-American Conference championship in 1988. He added an NCAA Sweet 16 appearance as a senior in 1991. Charles and Carl, one of just nine sets of twins who have played in the NBA, were inducted into the Eastern Michigan Hall of Fame in 2021.
Thomas, who earned his bachelor’s degree in interpersonal communication from EMU, has six children, Ashley, Tré, Caydon, Carter, Chase and Channing.
