Lorenzo Romar: Isaiah Thomas’ heart will help him at the next level

MyNorthwest.com staff

Washington coach Lorenzo Romar joined Bob & Groz on Friday to discuss Isaiah Thomas’ decision to forgo his senior season and declare for the NBA draft.

Here is a partial transcript of the interview:

(On how certain Thomas was of his decision) “I think he needed to get some feedback from certain people. I think going into it he was hoping to get the type of feedback that would help him make his decision to go and I think in his mind, that’s what he received and that’s the decision that he made. But it’s always been his dream, like so many kids, to get to the NBA, but the reality of it is a lot closer than when he was 11 or 12 years old or even as a high school senior. So I think it was just hard for him to turn down the opportunity.”

(On whether he thinks Thomas is ready for the NBA or could use another season at UW) “I’d love to see him come back and get his degree, become the all-time leading scoring and assists leader in the school’s history, have a chance to win another championship. I’d love to see all that. But when Nate Robinson came out people said that he was crazy, he was foolish, there was no way in the world he’d even get drafted, he was the 21st pick in the draft. If people do what they’re going to do just to please others, they can miss out on some opportunities. He did what he felt was best and we support him.”

(On what aspect of Thomas’ game will help him in the NBA) “The one thing that stands out to me is the thing you can’t see — his heart. He’s got a huge heart and he is such a warrior and he battles so much, has such a passion to be the best. I think that’s going to take him through any type of difficulties that he might have and challenges that he’s going to face … as an NBA player.”

(On what Thomas needs to improve upon most) “I think he needs to shoot the ball with more accuracy and I think at times he needs to be able to make better decisions with the ball. I think other than that I think he does a pretty good job everywhere else.”

You can listen to the entire interview with Lorenzo Romar here.