Salina ? Billy Thomas is back in basketball.
Thomas, a 6-foot-5 guard who played for Kansas University from 1994 to ’98, has signed a contract with the Kansas Cagerz of the United States Basketball League.
He’s familiar with the Salina-based team. His jersey, No. 12, was retired by the Cagerz in May of 2002.
Thomas, 31, has three years of NBA experience with the New Jersey Nets and Washington Wizards. He was cut by the Wizards last preseason and played seven games in Serbia before returning to KU in January where he had a full load of classes.
Thomas has been invited to participate in a tryout camp of the San Antonio Spurs this summer.
“He has NBA experience, he’s a floor general, and we know he can play defense. He’s also a very good shooter. When he’s on, there aren’t many who are better,” Cagerz general manager Carroll Long said.
Former KU guard Michael Lee is a member of the Cagerz. Lee, who is playing point guard, has seven points in Thursday’s season opener, an 86-78 win at Gary, Ind. Thomas did not make the trip for that game.