John Thomas
Camp Director
John Thomas is a former 16-year professional basketball player and the founder of Shoot For The Stars Basketball, a rapidly expanding youth development program based in Auburn, Alabama. Thomas has coached and trained hundreds of athletes across the Auburn–Opelika–Beauregard area, specializing in fundamentals, player development, and building confidence through detailed skill work.
Thomas attended Beauregard High School, where he emerged as one of Alabama’s most dominant student-athletes. He set the state record with 30 rebounds in a single game, ranked top five all-time in field-goal percentage, and recorded a 6’11” high jump in 4A before choosing to pursue basketball professionally.
He continued his education and collegiate basketball career at Columbus State University, studying Criminal Justice and helping lead the Cougars to a Peach Belt Conference Championship.
Thomas went on to play 16 seasons across Europe, South America, and Asia, including a standout year in the Netherlands with Den Bosch during the 2004–05 season. That year, Thomas and longtime friend Sam Jones—now Director of the Nike Basketball Academy—were both selected to the Dutch League All-Star Team, underscoring their impact on the league. Thomas later reunited with Jones in Fort Collins, Colorado, assisting with two Nike Basketball Camps and contributing to on-court instruction, daily camp operations, and player development.
Following his retirement in 2020, Thomas returned to Alabama and launched Shoot For The Stars Basketball, offering academies, clinics, camps, homeschool PE programs, and advanced training for athletes ages 7–18. This past summer, he hosted his first official Shoot For The Stars Basketball Camp, registering 74 campers and establishing one of the area’s most successful youth basketball events. His programs are known for strong structure, high-energy instruction, and a commitment to developing both the athlete and the person.
Thomas brings his professional playing experience, coaching leadership, and passion for youth development to his role with Nike Basketball Camps, continuing his mission to help young athletes reach their full potential.