The buzz around Kellen Thames during the offseason was that the ºüÀêÊÓƵ University guard was still growing. Not as in developing his game or adding bulk — both of which he did — but truly hitting a growth spurt at the age of 18.
Like last season, the official SLU roster lists Thames as being 6-foot-5. Not true, he says.
Thames said he is at least 6-7, maybe 6-7 ½. That development bodes well for the growth of his game, which relies heavily on athleticism that has been more evident to start his sophomore season.
And get this: He might not be done growing.
“I didn’t see it coming that much, but I’ve had doctor appointments and they’ve said my (growth) plates are still open to this day,†he said. “They don’t know how tall I’ll be. I still have tons of room to grow.â€
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In fact, Thames thinks he has grown since the start of the school year. Every little bit adds to the impact he can have for the Billikens, who play at home Saturday night against Dartmouth, as a versatile weapon any team can use.
His playing time is likely to increase, in part due to the injury suffered by Sincere Parker and in part due to his contributions in almost every area of the game.
Thames is producing in a manner similar to Fred Thatch Jr., averaging 5.8 points, 4 rebounds and leading the team in steals. Like his height, his basketball growth appears to have no limits.
“Coming in, I looked at Fred as a big bro,†Thames said. “He took me under his wing and showed me ways to affect the game. He saw I had that in me from high school, so finding someone who had the same niche and just observing what he did was great for me.â€
Thames is not built like Thatch, having more height and length. But they have much in common, such as above-average leaping prowess and the ability to score around the rim or from beyond the 3-point arc.
Thatch was a source of energy for the Billikens, and coach Travis Ford sees Thames in much the same way.
“He’s a guy you feel very comfortable with when he’s in the game,†Ford said. “As a coach, you like to know what you’re going to get. He’s going to play all out, bring us energy, be totally unselfish and he’s going to do everything in his power to make plays.â€
Making plays is Thames’ thing, whether it’s a steal that leads to a bucket or a high-flying offensive rebound for a dunk. The key now is for him to stay healthy.
Like Thatch, he has suffered from bouts with cramps, although not for the same reasons. He has missed practices and been limited at times. Ford said he relies on Thames to let him know when he needs a break as the issue continues to require monitoring.
Although scoring is a way he can help with Parker out, defense and rebounding might be a bigger emphasis. The Billikens could use a spark on defense, given their last two performances at the Myrtle Beach Invitational, which saw opponents shoot 56% and 49%.
Rebounding-wise, Thames was prolific in the two exhibition games, grabbing 14 boards in 23 minutes, albeit against lower-level opponents. Of particular need is some offensive rebounding, and he has the attributes to contribute.
“I do come from an athletic family and have an ability to jump and be acrobatic in the air,†he said. “It’s something I’ve always had. Some people are just very explosive and can stay in the air longer. I feel it’s something I was born with.â€
Thames also has been efficient on offense and shown ability to score in multiple ways. He is shooting 75% (15 for 20) and has shown a smooth shot on 3-pointers.
“Coach just wants me to play my game,†he said. “I can be versatile, so I don’t focus on the scoring aspect. I just try to affect the game in many different ways, and that leads to me making a few baskets.â€