When we look at Cam Thomas, we see a talented hooper. But there’s something more than that. He is someone who started his career with family and still continues in their presence. From being born in a totally different place to making his mark in the NBA, his family was behind his every step.

So, let’s look at the details of his family.

Where was Cam Thomas born? Is the Brooklyn Nets star a Japanese player?

On October 13, 2001, Cameron Bouchea Thomas was born in Yokosuka, Japan. Although he was born in Japan, he doesn’t hold dual citizenship and is a fully American citizen. But why was he born in Japan? Well, there is a clear answer to it. His mother, Leslie Thomas, was in Japan when he was born. She joined the U.S. Army and was posted in Japan when she had him. However, Cam isn’t the only hooper in the family. Leslie is also a hooper. Now you know where Cam Thomas gets his skills from.

She played basketball at a high school in Virginia before joining the Army in 1990. She is the one who coached Cam in his younger days. It is said that, when he would shoot, she used to rebound for him. She intensely focused on his shooting skills, ensuring he received her best coaching. Well, her hard work didn’t get wasted.

When Thomas got drafted, she was proud of him and the hoopster admitted that Leslie’s coaching was his major help through his school and college years. On the other hand, she raised Cam and his older sister, Shaniece Collins, as a single parent. But who is his father?

Information about his father is very limited. Cam, who is also a private person, doesn’t share anything on social media about his personal life. It’s very difficult to get information about the rest of his family. Like his Instagram, the hooper has posted only 16 posts, which are all about his basketball stories. But, we only know that his name was Dale MacMillan, and he was absent throughout his childhood.

Meanwhile, no details on his ethnicity are available, so it is difficult to determine his family roots. Since there are no clear reports, it’s safe not to assume anything. So, with that, let’s get into more details about his life before the NBA.

Which university did Cam Thomas attend? Where was he brought up?

As we know, Cam Thomas was born and raised in Japan for a long time. It is said that, when he was just seven years old, he won a contest by making 33 free throws in a row. Oh, looks like basketball was his destiny!

However, he began playing as a freshman for Oscar F. Smith High School in Chesapeake, Virginia. But, discontinued there in his sophomore season because he and his mother “weren’t on the same page” as the team’s coaching staff. But it didn’t stop him. During his junior season, he transferred to Oak Hill Academy in the Mouth of Wilson, Virginia. Did you know he played along with Cole Anthony and Kofi Cockburn there? They played in one of the most touted teams in the country. However, he has made some amazing records too.

The Nike Elite Youth Basketball League named Cam Thomas Offensive Player of the Year in July 2019. How could he not, given he averaged 29.5 points per game for Boo William, which was the league best! Then, he led his team to the Tournament of Champions title where he posted 30-plus points in nine games, including two 40-point performances. As a result, he was named the most valuable player. The Jordan Brand Classic also selected him to play. And finally, on November 18, 2019, he was committed to Louisiana State University (LSU). 

Do you know he rejected an offer from UCLA? Yes, he did and chose the Tiger over it. However, he had his debut on November 26, 2020, and scored 27 points in a 94–81 win against SIU Edwardsville. He also led all freshmen scoring 23 points per game, and at the same time, he also averaged 3.4 rebounds and 1.4 assists per game. He was named to the First Team All-SEC. And on April 15, 2021, he declared for the 2021 NBA draft, let going his remaining college years.

As we know, the Brooklyn Nets selected with the 27th pick in the 2021 NBA draft him. And all the things that happened from being named as NBA Summer League MVP alongside Davion Mitchell to the current season are all history.