New school, same hustle.
That may be the best way to sum up what Akron Buchtel High School (OH) guard Khoi Thurmon has been doing this season after transferring prior to the season from Copley High School after his family moved to Akron.
"The process was great. I wanted to play on a bigger stage and get better everyday by playing against other good players everyday whether it’s at practice or in the game. Supported by a great coaching staff as well that will help me develop and get me to be the best player I could be," Thurmon told HSR about his transfer.
The move has paid dividends as Buchtel recently placed third in the Beach Ball Classic Tournament in Myrtle Beach. Buchtel went 2-1 in what is one of the premier holiday tournaments in America.
"I think our team did well we came out to compete. A lot of people didn’t expect us to be this good. By us coming out here to Beach Ball, we got to play against some of the top traditional schools in the country. It will only make us better at the end of the day. Our goal is to win a state championship. It would mean a lot for our city. Coming in 3rd place and losing to a powerhouse in Bishop O’Connell by 4, I like our chances," Thurmon said.
Succeeding on the hardwood is nothing new for Thurmon, who was introduced to basketball by his family.
"I was inspired by my family and older brother friends, and to be able to play the sport I love at a high level, that can take me many places in the future," he said.
Thurmon made quite a splash a season ago, averaging close to 18 points, five assists and four rebounds per game, and led Copley to a Division I district semifinal game after winning the Suburban League American Conference title. For his efforts, he was named the Suburban League American Conference Player of the Year. He was also an honorable mention All-Ohio honors in Division I, named to the second-team in the Northeast Inland District, and was named as a member to the Akron Beacon Journal boys basketball all-star team.
While some would be surprised by the junior's talents and success, he is not.
"No, because I put in a lot of work off the court," he said. And, that hard work has paid dividends already, as the Chicago native has pulled in an offer from Illinois, as well as Jackson State and Toledo. However, the thought of playing for the Illini is something that, potentially, excites him.
"It was great to be honest, because it’s nothing like home. I will always feel welcomed, and close to the family. It's a great program, knows how to win, and develops player's skills well," Thurmon said of the Illinois offer.
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