ILLAWARRA / WOLLONGONG
Melvin Thomas #32 - #33
HAWKS ID: 85
Debut Season: 1992
Games Played: 235
Melvin Thomas is a name that resonates deeply with Hawks fans as one of the most versatile and consistent players ever to grace the Snakepit and Sandpit floors. Over his 235 games with the Hawks, Thomas established himself as a dominant force and a cornerstone of the team’s success.
NBL Awards
All-NBL First Team:
1993
All-NBL Second Team:
1994, 1995
All-NBL Third Team:
1992, 2000/01
Originally from Alabama, United States, Thomas arrived in Illawarra in 1992 with little fanfare, but it didn’t take long for him to become a vital part of the Hawks’ lineup. A left-handed player with a smooth and versatile play style, Thomas brought a unique skill set that allowed him to excel in multiple facets of the game. During his first stint with the Hawks in the early 90s, wearing jersey number 32, Thomas was more athletic, often rattling the Snakepit hoops with thunderous dunks. His night-in, night-out production made him a fan favourite and a nightmare for opposing teams.
Forming one of the Hawks’ great duos in 1992 alongside Doug Overton, Thomas helped spark a resurgence for the club. Over his initial four-year run, he averaged an impressive 25 points, 11 rebounds, and two blocked shots per game. His ability to score, rebound, and defend made him one of the most complete players in the NBL and a consistent performer who could be relied upon in any situation.
Thomas’s excellence on the court was quickly recognised. In just his second year with the Hawks, he earned a spot on the All-NBL First Team in 1993. His remarkable performances continued throughout his career, earning him additional accolades, including selections to the All-NBL Second Team in 1994 and 1995, and the All-NBL Third Team in both 1992 and 2000/01. His consistent excellence was further highlighted by being named Player of the Week five times, underscoring his ability to dominate games and his status as one of the league’s top players.
After stints with the Sydney Kings and Canberra Cannons, Thomas made a triumphant return to the now Wollongong Hawks, this time wearing jersey number 33—the number that would later be retired by the club. This version of Melvin was a low-post scoring machine, relying more on savvy smarts and skills than the high-flying athleticism of his earlier years. His experience and veteran leadership were instrumental in guiding the Hawks to their historic 2000/01 NBL championship. Thomas’s presence during that championship run not only solidified his legacy with the club but also demonstrated his significance as a player who could elevate those around him.
By the time his playing days were over, Thomas held the Hawks’ all-time games played record with 235 games, a mark that stood as the highest in the club’s history until the mid-2000s. His name remains prominent in the Hawks’ record books, reflecting his enduring influence and contributions to the team. Beyond the statistics, Thomas’s return to the Hawks and his role in their championship success exemplified his importance as a respected veteran leader, someone who had a lasting impact on the team’s culture and success.
Melvin Thomas celebrates the 2024/25 Championship with Mat Campbell
Melvin Thomas’s career with the Illawarra/Wollongong Hawks is defined by his exceptional talent and consistency. His contributions during his eight seasons with the club have left a lasting mark on the team’s history, securing his place as one of the Hawks’ all-time greats. Whether it was his scoring, rebounding, or shot-blocking, Thomas brought a level of excellence that set a high standard for those who followed.
Today, Melvin can still be seen at a few Hawks games each season, a beloved figure whose connection to the club remains as strong as ever.
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