My latest check-in is none other than 6-foot-8 Small Forward & Troy University commit, Thomas Dowd of Dothan, Al.
Dowd had an incredible season for the Wolves averaging 17 points, 16 rebounds, three assists, three blocks, and two steals per game his junior year.
Dowd earned Class 7A All-State honorable mention last season and earned all-state honors. Dowd was also selected to represent Team South in the annual AHSAA North-South All-Star Game.
Finishing up on the travel season, Dowd says he knew this would be his last, so he just wanted to have fun before it ended. But in the end, he did learn something about himself and saw tremendous growth in his game.
“What I learned most is that playing against higher competition, you gotta learn how to impact the floor in ways other than just scoring,” Dowd said.
“As for my growth, I have realized that I am more of a guard at the next level and pushed me to really focus on my ball handling skills, so I definitely think there's a huge improvement in that now compared to the regular season.”
Commitment to Troy
On July 4, Dowd announced that he was committing to Troy University basketball’s 2023 recruiting class.
“Troy is really close to home, so that definitely played a part, but it was really just their belief in me,” Dowd said. “If they believed in me enough to offer me as some random 10th grader, then that's good enough reason to play for them. I think what Coach Cross is creating there will be special.”
Dowd said he is really looking forward to playing under coach Cross.
“You can always improve dribbling and shooting by yourself, so I'm looking forward to Coach across teaching me how to be a better team player and
improving my overall basketball IQ in any way possible,” he said.
Dowd believes he’s a very well-rounded player who can do a little bit of everything, but so are most kids at the college level. What can he bring to Troy?
“I'm going to want to earn some playing time, so I think the effort is the biggest thing I can bring to Troy,” Dowd said. “I can bring that gritty play with getting rebounds, steals, defense, and things that are more effort than talent.”
What’s next for Dowd?
Heading into his senior season Dowd is focused on making a run at state, but he also wants to leave something for the classes behind him.
“I am definitely gonna be competing as hard as possible for a run at that State Chip under our new coach,” he said. “Most importantly, I want to leave a good mark on the kids on the team that are younger than me. Just being a good role model and leader for them so they can succeed after I'm gone.”
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