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SoCalHoops College Hoops News

Jason Thomas Out For Year--(Sept. 9, 1998)

Jason Thomas (6'-4" Fr. SF), who is attending USC on a football scholarship and who was expected to play basketball as well for the Trojans, announced yesterday that he will undergo surgery to remove scar tissue which built up in his left ankle from the injury he sustained during his junior year at Compton Dominguez High. Thomas played in a few games last season, including making an appearance at the MLK, Jr. Challenge where Dominguez played Westchester.

Because of the surgery, Thomas' father has said that he does not believe his son will play basketball this year, which raises the question of whether Thomas will be able to earn a spot on the basketball team at all. Thomas will use this year as his redshirt year.

There had been much speculation that Thomas might transfer. Along with Carson Palmer, Thomas had been one of the most highly recruited players at quarterback in many years, but following a poor showing in fall practices, Thomas had been told he would be third string by coach Paul Hackett. Thomas reportedly left training camp angry and hurt, but returned after he was persuaded by the USC coaching staff to give the wide-receiver position a try. With Thomas now out, Quincy Woods will step up to the No. 3 quarterback spot.