ANAHEIM, CA–Xavier Thames needed a change.
From the blustery winters with bone-chilling temperatures of eastern Washington to the mild, laid back lifestyle of southern California, it seemed like a no-brainer for the Mountain West Player of the Year.
Thames’ late college basketball career has been as bright as the San Diego sunshine as he leads San Diego State (31-4) into their west regional semi-final matchup with top-ranked Arizona (32-4) Thursday evening at The Honda Center.
After transferring back to his home state in 2010 he’s improved steadily each season at SDSU. This season Thames averaged just over 17 points per game. That number has swelled to over 26 in the Aztecs two tournament-opening victories.
“He’s been sensational,” head coach Steve Fisher explained. “He’s had stretches where he’s been as good as anybody in America.”
The 6’3 sharp-shooter appreciates the opportunity presented by Fisher.
“Coming here San Diego State, it’s been fun,” Thames said Wednesday. “This is a big family here. I’m just glad I came here after leaving Washington State.”
Thames will be certainly be a focal point for Arizona and head coach Sean Miller who witnessed the Sacramento native almost single-handedly keep the Aztecs in the two teams first meeting, a nine-point road win for UofA back in mid-November. Thames finished with 19 points.
“He’s an outstanding shooter,” Miller said. “He really uses ball-screens to free himself up for three’s, to free himself up for jump shots.”
The Wildcats and Aztecs are set to tip-off Thursday night at 7:15.
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Eric Sorenson
A Valley native, Eric has had a passion for the Arizona sports scene since an early age. He has covered some of the biggest events including Super Bowls, national championships and the NBA and MLB playoffs in his near 20 years in local media.