# @njhooprecruit on Instagram

- **Type:** Video
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/DMdOlMauk4_
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/32629447-njhooprecruit-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/postThumbnails/1f655c20d0.jpg
- **Posted:** 2025-07-23T16:20:45.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** NJ Basketball (@NJHoopRecruit) — https://gondola.cc/NJHoopRecruit

## Caption

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 with him everywhere — in the way he moved, the confidence he played with, and the edge in his game. His ascension to the league wasn’t just about talent. It was about representing a place that built him. A place that taught him toughness, patience, and pride. A Jersey legend through and through. kingtimthomas 

🏀🌆 #TimThomas #PatersonToThePros #JerseyMade #NBAJourney #HighSchoolHoops #Villanova #DraftDayMemories #basketballneedsnewjersey

## Stats

- **Views:** 62,778
- **Likes:** 6,580
- **Shares:** 0
- **Comments:** 247

## Tags

patersontothepros, villanova, nbajourney, highschoolhoops, jerseymade, draftdaymemories, basketballneedsnewjersey, timthomas

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