MKRob Sports

Miami Hurricanes forward Adrian Thomas has been granted a sixth year of eligibility by the NCAA.

Thomas will play for the men’s basketball team this upcoming season. The 6-foot-7, 229-pound former Flanagan standout suffered back-to-back season-ending injuries four games into the 2006-07 season and again four games into 2007-08.

“It’s a relief to get this approval from the NCAA,” Thomas said in a statement. “I’m excited to have another opportunity to play college basketball, and I think we will have a really special group this season that can accomplish great things.”

Thomas, who graduated in 2009 with a degree in business management and marketing, has spent this summer on campus working on his game. He posted career-best numbers last season with 7.3 points and 2.7 rebounds. He had three or more 3-pointers in 18 games and scored in double figures in seven games. Thomas also led the ACC with 42.1 percent shooting from behind-the-arc. He has the ACC’s longest active streak for consecutive games (11) with a 3-pointer.

“We’re very pleased to have Adrian officially back on the team this season,” Coach Frank Haith said in a statement. “He is very well respected among his teammates and has a great work ethic – both on the court and in his graduate studies. He will continue to be a key player for us this season.”

Thomas was the 2009 recipient of the “Bob Bradley Spirit & Courage Award,” presented by the ACC Media Association (ACSMA) to a male or female basketball player, coach or team administrator who has overcome significant injury, illness or adversity in life to become a valuable contributor to his/her program and university.

He was chosen as the “Ultimate Teammate” at the Hurricanes’ postseason banquet earlier this year by his teammates.