Before the NBA lights and national headlines, there was Paterson, New Jersey — a gritty city with a deep love for the game. And out of that concrete came a 6’10” phenom with guard skills and the smoothest game in the country. Tim Thomas wasn’t just a local star — he was a MOVEMENT At Paterson Catholic, gyms were packed and whispers turned into roars. People didn’t just watch him play — they remember watching him. He was New Jersey’s own, and the streets knew he was destined for something bigger. From there, his legend only grew. He became the 1 high school player in the nation, ahead of names that would later become household staples. College recruiters lined up, but he chose Villanova — keeping that East Coast energy close. One year was all it took. After a standout freshman season, Tim declared for the 1997 NBA Draft and was selected 7th overall. It was the kind of rise most only dream about — from blacktops in Paterson to draft night in New York City. Tim Thomas carried New Jersey...