Former Kansas sharpshooter Billy Thomas has been named the head basketball coach at Rockhurst High in Kansas City, Mo., the school announced Thursday.
Thomas, who left KU as the program’s all-time leader in 3-point makes, — the record has since been broken by Jeff Boschee — played at KU from 1994-98.
He takes over for Pete Campbell, who announced his retirement in early March.
The job is Thomas’ second head coaching gig at the high school level. He previously led The Barstow School to huge success from 2010-21, guiding the program to an 83-9 record from 2014-16, which featured three appearances in the Missouri Class 3 state title game and a state title in 2015.
Thomas’ overall record at Barstow was 203-80.
In a news release sent out by the school, Thomas called the opportunity “an absolute honor and privilege.”
“I was drawn to the overwhelming reputation for success throughout all of (Rockhurst’s) sports programs as well as the chance to become more devoted to my faith,” Thomas said in the release.
School officials said Thomas’ past success as a coach and reputation in basketball and beyond played a big role in him landing the job.
“Coach Thomas stood out to the search committee and myself as someone who could be transformative to not only our basketball program but our school,” said Rockhurst AD Michael Dierks. “We believe that he will fit in great with the framework of what it is to be a Rockhurst coach and leader of young men.”
Added Rockhurst principal, Rev. Vincent Giacabazi: “Coach Thomas’ reputation in basketball is very impressive. He clearly demonstrates his care for student-athletes in the ways he speaks about his working with them to be their best selves both on the court and in life.”
