The Bryant File
- 42nd overall pick in the 2017 NBA draft
- One First-team All NBA G League selection, 2018
- Member of the NBA G League All-Rookie Team, 2018
- One Third-team All-Big Ten selection, 2016
- Member of the Big Ten All-Freshman team, 2016
- Nicknamed "TB"
Thomas Bryant: Globetrotter
The vast majority of professional athletes fall in love with their sport at a young age. Some follow in the footsteps of family members. Others dominated little league and PeeWee games as they recognized their natural talents. For center Thomas Bryant, his love for basketball kickstarted in Rochester, New York, with the Harlem Globetrotters.
At three-years-old, Bryant became enthralled with the game he now makes a living playing. Before his days in the NBA, though, he still found his way onto the court for all to see. At that Globetrotters game, Bryant went rogue with excitement. At halftime, he shot out from the stands and onto the floor, newly purchased basketball in hand. He tried scoring, to the amusement of the home fans.
Bryant remembers that day in great detail, acknowledging and appreciating what it would lead to. "It was mesmerizing," he began. "Just to see those guys do all those tricks, dunk the ball like that. I always wanted to do something like that. I was mesmerized by it."
His father recognizes that faithful day as the pivot in Bryant's life. From toddler to future basketball player, all thanks to the Globetrotters.