BRANDON, MB – Brandon University Athletics is pleased to announce the hiring of Novell Thomas as head coach of the Bobcats women’s basketball team. Thomas brings experience as a basketball player, basketball coach and an industry professional to BU Athletics. “We’re thrilled that Novell will be the new face of Brandon University’s women’s basketball team,” says Russ Paddock, BU’s acting Athletic Director. “He brings a tremendous blend of basketball knowledge and experience. Novell is extremely well-respected in basketball circles and we think he will do an excellent job.” Thomas is a former member of the Canadian men’s national basketball team, a former professional basketball player, and a graduate of Simon Fraser University, where he still holds school records for career assists and single-season assists. Thomas has spent the past six years as an Associate Producer for Interactive Entertainment, a subsidiary of Electronic Arts Canada Inc. (EA Sports).
Thomas has coaching experience at various levels, including high school teams, provincial teams, and as an assistant at the CIS level (Canadian Interuniversity Sport).
“I’m tremendously excited for the opportunity. When I got the call this morning I was incredibly nervous, but I couldn’t be more excited,” says Thomas. “I look forward to getting to know the players and getting an understanding of their current mindset moving forward. In terms of coaching, I lean slightly more to the defensive side of things, but I always want my players to focus on execution.”
Thomas will officially begin his coaching duties with the Bobcats on March 23.