European Prospects

We start our 2011-2012 season of the Living in America series with the Belgian inside player Thomas de Thaey. He is the first freshman that we portray through a little interview and more of this kind will come in the next days and weeks.

Thomas de Thaey is a 20 year old freshman from Belgium who moved to the North Carolina State Wolfpack this summer after having prepared during one season at the Canarias Basketball Academy in Spain. But what made him decide to take the step to play NCAA Basketball?

The reason why I decided to go play college basketball, was because it’s a chance that’s is not given to everybody. Playing for NC State was a dream becoming reality for me. You play against future NBA players every night.

Why did you chose to play for North Carolina State?

When I was playing at the Canarias Basketball Academy last season, the assistant coach of NC State (Bobby Lutz) came over to take a look at me, we kept in touch and after a while I decided to sign my letter of intent for NC State.

What are the team goals for this season?

We want to keep improving as a team and as individuals. We want to win as many games as possible, which we are doing right now and going to March Madness would be great.

What do you expect as personal development over the next years?

As a freshman right now, it’s always hard to get playing time but in the next years my coaches and myself see me as a key player on this team. I need to keep working hard every day so when my opportunity comes, I will be ready to fulfill it.

You have decided to major in French. How did this idea come up?

French is my 2nd language so it’s not a hard thing to do for me. But I might change my major in the future.

The Belgian National Team was recently featured in a movie called “Belgian Lions: a Locker Room story”. Did you see this movie?

I haven’t watched it yet, but I’m planning to do it as soon as have the opportunity.

Thomas de Thaey is currently averaging 6.9 minutes per game for the Wolfpack. In these minutes, he comes up with 1.3ppg and 1.2rpg. You can follow Thomas on his official Twitter account here.