Boone Grove senior forward Thomas Doe has played high school basketball for only a short time.
But the 6-foot-7 Doe’s debut was a long time coming. He just emigrated from Liberia to the United States on Oct. 27, about 10 years after his parents did.
“That was like the happiest moment in the world,” he said. “I really missed my mom. She won a visa. It was she and my dad. I wasn’t on it at that time.
“She’s been fighting all along for me to get here. She was going through the process. My mom sent for me, and I had to go to the embassy and have an interview and all the other stuff. She went through all the processes, and it finally went through.”
Living with his mother’s older sister in Liberia, Doe saw his parents and younger sister in person only one time, about four years ago, when they made the trip back. His sister is 7.
“Imagine being 16 hours away on a flight, just the distance,” he said. “I only talked to my mom on the phone. I couldn’t touch her or hug her. I really missed my mom a lot.
“I wanted to reunite with my family so badly.”
With his family’s support, Doe has adjusted quickly at Boone Grove, where he is taking a rigorous course load and has made an impact on the basketball court. He was averaging 6.2 points, 4.1 rebounds and a team-high 1.4 blocked shots before the Wolves (11-12) lost to rival Wheeler in the first round of the Class 2A Boone Grove Sectional on Tuesday.
Doe hopes to play basketball in college, where he intends to study engineering.
“What may be even more impressive than his development on the court is how seamlessly he has adapted off of it,” Boone Grove coach Dean Hill said. “Moving across the Atlantic is a major life change, yet he has built strong friendships and embraced his new environment in a short amount of time. He’s a positive, funny, respectful and highly coachable young man.”
It didn’t take long for sophomore forward Sal Montes to bond with Doe.
“To travel all the way out here, start everything brand new, it’s crazy,” Montes said. “But he’s done it.
“He’s awesome. He’s one of my favorite dudes out there. He’s a really genuine dude.”
Doe said junior guard Jack Niemand has become his best friend.
“He’s a super nice guy,” Niemand said. “He’s easy to talk to. I go to his house every day. We go to the same trainer.”
Doe has also impressed Niemand on the court.
“His height definitely helps a lot on defense and cleaning up the boards,” Niemand said. “His athleticism is great.”
Doe said he played basketball only sporadically in Liberia.
“Before I got here, I didn’t really play basketball that much,” he said. “I didn’t play regularly. I wasn’t active that much. I was focusing on school a lot.”
Doe has embraced the opportunity to play basketball every day.
“I just love basketball, and I love this team,” he said. “I had in my mind to play basketball here. I was ready to play basketball to the fullest.”
Doe took full advantage, continuing to make strides throughout the season. Highlighting his progress, he scored 16 points, two fewer than his career best, and grabbed a career-high 13 rebounds during the Wolves’ overtime victory against New Prairie in the regular-season finale last week.
“Thomas joined us just a week before the start of practice, and from the beginning, we were excited and intrigued by his skill set,” Hill said. “Having primarily played club basketball in Liberia and learning the game largely through watching NBA competition, his understanding of the sport was naturally different from the style and structure of Indiana high school basketball. The adjustment to consistent physical play and disciplined team defense has taken time, but his growth has been remarkable.
“Each week, he has taken meaningful steps forward. His physical tools immediately stand out. He has the length to impact the game defensively and the ability to stretch the floor and finish at the rim offensively. As he continues to refine his understanding of the game, his progress has been evident.”
Hill believes Doe will continue to thrive in any endeavor following graduation.
“It has truly been a joy to get to know him, and I have no doubt he will find success in whatever path he chooses after Boone Grove,” Hill said.
