winner of Outstanding Athlete as a Newcomer in Service & Philanthropy

National Basketball Association

Team:       Chicago Bulls
Position:   Forward

Recent Plays

Founder, Tyrus Thomas Foundation

Ambassador, Chicago Area Project Games

Playing For:

TYRUS THOMAS, INC.     TYRUS THOMAS FOUNDATION     CHICAGO AREA PROJECT GAMES

How He's in the Game

Tyrus Thomas established the Tyrus Thomas Foundation in 2007, a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of children in the Chicago area as well as his home state of Louisiana. The foundation will team up with the Baton Rouge Area Foundation to fund educational and recreational programs that target at-risk children.

In addition to his many community based achievements, Thomas has also started and funds a youth retention program entitled C.A.T.C.H. (Caring and Actively Teaching Children Hope). For more information about C.A.T.C.H. and Thomas' philanthropic efforts visit www.tyrusthomasinc.org.

In his two seasons in the NBA, Tyrus Thomas has already made a huge impact in his community. He leads his team in community appearances and was given the team’s Charles S. Lubin Award for Community Service during the Chicago Bulls FestaBulls fundraiser and dinner. Thomas has also received the CDW/Blackberry Community Player of the Year. Ultimately, he believes in community work and he not only considers it a responsibility, but it is a great joy.

About Tyrus Thomas

Born and raised in Baton Rouge Louisiana, Thomas stayed close to home and attended Louisiana State University. Thomas was nominated by his coaches 2006 SEC Co-Defensive Player of the Year as well as 2006 SEC Freshman of the Year. Tyrus was then drafted later in 2006 to the Chicago Bulls and was quickly nominated to the 2007 NBA All-Rookie Second Team and continues to be a contributing force on the team.