The thought of it is scary.
Imagine a 7-footer who not only can shoot from the perimeter but can also bring the ball up the court if necessary. A guy who redefines the term ”big guard.”
That`s what King High School has in forward Thomas Hamilton. The 7-foot-1-inch, 230-pound junior wowed the crowd with his versatility Sunday in the championship game of the Morris Shootout.
Hamilton led King to an easy 80-54 victory over Proviso East, scoring 25 points, including a pair of three-pointers.
”He doesn`t think he`s a center,” said King assistant coach Armon O`Quinn. ”He`s so versatile. He thinks he`s a guard.”
Hamilton`s outside shot has steadily improved over the last two years. O`Quinn said it`s a result of opponents double- and triple-teaming King`s other 7-footer, center Rashard Griffith.
”They better stop doing it because it leaves Tommy wide open,” O`Quinn said.
And Hamilton said he doesn`t mind taking the shot, especially with Griffith down low.
”If I have the shot,” Hamilton said, ”hit or miss, I`m going to shoot it. I can shoot from out there. I`ve got another big boy on the inside so if I miss, he`ll probably get the rebound.”
Hamilton was having so much fun in the title game, at one point he asked Proviso East center Jamal Robinson (10 points), ”Do you want some more?”
”You`ve got to have some fun out there,” Hamilton said.
King has been having its share of fun this summer, going 46-1 in summer-league play. Its only loss was against Leo.
King has done it with balance. In the title game, Hamilton led four players in double figures: forward-guard Dewarren Stewart had 20 points, guard Jerard Billingsley scored 17 and Griffith netted 14.
Griffith said King is out to prove something with its romp through the summer leagues. After winning the Class AA state title in 1990, King failed to defend the title last year.
But King emerged as the top team of the field in the Morris Shootout, which included powers Simeon, Peoria Manual, Westinghouse and South Shore.
”We proved we`re the best team in the city next year,” Griffith said.
”Every time we step on the court, we get better and better.”
