Fansided

2018 NBA Mock Draft: March is finally here

By Brendon Kleen

EAST LANSING, MI - JANUARY 26: Jaren Jackson Jr. #2 of the Michigan State Spartans celebrates his made basket in the second half against the Wisconsin Badgers at Breslin Center on January 26, 2018 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images)
EAST LANSING, MI - JANUARY 26: Jaren Jackson Jr. #2 of the Michigan State Spartans celebrates his made basket in the second half against the Wisconsin Badgers at Breslin Center on January 26, 2018 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images) /
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PROVIDENCE, RI – JANUARY 20: Creighton Bluejays guard Khyri Thomas (2) fast breaks during a college basketball game between Creighton Bluejays and Providence Friars on January 20, 2018, at the Dunkin Donuts Center in Providence, RI. Providence defeated Creighton 85-71. (Photo by M. Anthony Nesmith/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
PROVIDENCE, RI – JANUARY 20: Creighton Bluejays guard Khyri Thomas (2) fast breaks during a college basketball game between Creighton Bluejays and Providence Friars on January 20, 2018, at the Dunkin Donuts Center in Providence, RI. Providence defeated Creighton 85-71. (Photo by M. Anthony Nesmith/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

Thomas led Creighton to an upset victory over Big East rival Villanova on Saturday, scoring 24 points on 13 shots.

He was excellent in transition, making smart, decisive plays to create open shots for his teammates. Thomas sprung open for 3s constantly in the first half, moving without the ball and pulling up when open. His intelligence to track those plays in transition and know when to take a shot is going to help him in the NBA.

Creighton has the firepower to keep pace with Villanova, but they wouldn’t have been able to do it on Saturday without their defense. Thomas, the former Big East Defensive Player of the Year, can defend at all three levels. He contested the slithery Jalen Brunson in the post, prevented penetration and nabbed five steals.

Thomas would be an excellent fit next to Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum in Portland, far better than Shabazz Napier or Allen Crabbe. His ability to defend guards and space the floor at an high level would help the Trailblazers right away.