Isiah Lord Thomas III is a former American basketball player who became a coach, commentator, businessman and philanthropist. He was born on April in Chicago, Illinois. From the age of three he enjoyed playing basketball. He went to Our Lady of Sorrows School and St Joseph’s High School in Westchester. In his junior year he played for St Joseph in the state finals.
In 1979 Thomas went to college in Indiana playing at college for the Indiana Hoosiers. In 1981 Thomas was picked by the Detroit Pistons of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He played for them for his full career- his position was point guard. He was named one of the 50 greatest players in NBA history and in 1980 he was picked for the national side. An Achilles tendon injury led to his retirement. Following from his professional playing career, Thomas became a TV analyst and commentator. He had a range of roles in club management and coaching. He was for example head coach at the Indiana Pacers, and an executive and head coach for the New York Knicks. He was an executive with the Toronto Raptors and Continental Basketball Association.
Thomas was also coach for Florida International University.
Thomas has been involved in many investments and business projects. He is the Chairman and CEO of Isiah International LLC. In 1999 he became the first African American elected to be on the Board of Governors of the Chicago Stock Exchange. He has also substantially supported many philanthropic projects and is passionate about his charity work.
