Carl Thomas spent two seasons as an assistant coach in the Owens men's basketball program before landing a job as the head men's basketball coach at Jackson College.

Thomas joined the program at the same time head coach Dave Clarke signed on. In his two seasons, the Express went 50-18.

In 2012-13, Thomas helped the team finish 26-10 overall. Along with way, they captured the Region XII District 11 tournament championship and finished fourth at the NJCAA D-II National Tournament. It was the program's best season in 13 years.

Thomas previously served as an assistant men's basketball coach at Eastern Michigan University for six seasons. Prior to that, he served as an assistant men's basketball coach at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore in 2004-05.

Prior to coaching, Thomas played 68 games over parts of three seasons in the NBA. He played for the Cleveland Cavaliers, Sacramento Kings, Golden State Warriors and the Orlando Magic.

Thomas also played in the Continental Basketball Association (CBA) for Fort Wayne and Grand Rapids from 1992-99. He was called up to the NBA five times. Following his career in the NBA, Thomas played professionally overseas from 2000-03. He played for teams in France, Sweden, Greece and Italy.

Thomas is a graduate of Lansing (Mich.) Everett High School, where he played basketball, football and baseball. He was named the player of the year in the Capitol Conference as a senior in basketball, and he helped the baseball team reach the state semifinals in Class A.

Thomas and his twin brother, Charles, played for Eastern Michigan University from 1988-91 and won two Mid-American Conference titles, made two NJCAA Tournament appearances and advanced to the Sweet 16 in 1990-91. Carl finished his career with 1,179 points, 452 rebounds, 185 3-point field goals and 249 assists. He was a second-team All-MAC choice in 1991.

Thomas was inducted into the Lansing-area Athletic Hall of Fame in June 2005. He and his wife, Gina, have two sons, Austin and Brandon.