Today we’d like to introduce you to Adrian Thomas.
Hi Adrian, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I grew up in Southeast Austin, small area called Montopolis. Growing up in a small neighborhood options were very limited. Basketball was the first passion I discovered at seven years old. Picked up a basketball, gained a true obsession for the game, and never looked back.
I went to Del Valle High. Was granted the opportunity to continue my education and athletic career after High School. In college, I was honored as the #1 point guard in the NJCAA in 2010 and still the All-Time Assist Leader at Kishwaukee College in Illinois. I finished my college career at Missouri Western State University, where I received a Bachelor’s Degree in Sports Management.
After college, I played professional basketball in Sweden, Turkey, and Spain, where I later discovered my passion for player development and impacting the youth basketball world. I’ve been blessed to work with many youth basketball players and programs, as well as high school, collegiate and professional athletes statewide and internationally.
After several years of training in Europe and fueling the passion for player development, I made the decision to move back to the states and impact the game of basketball on a large scale.
I moved back to Austin and started 4th Quarter Athlete, my Player Development company. It was amazing to make a plan, set the foundation, and display my passion through the training. It became contagious, the development was evident, and we were able to blossom and create Select Basketball teams in the process.
After two years of consistent training and building the brand, I created Texas Warriors Elite, my Select Basketball Organization. We take pride in creating a positive, high-energy environment for players to grow and learn the game of basketball. 4th – 11th Grade, Boys and Girls, Local, Regional, and National teams.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It’s been an amazing process, but far from a smooth road. There were several obstacles along the way that makes me appreciate the journey even more.
Some of the struggles in the beginning was getting players and parents to believe and buy into the game plan. From 4QA training and TWE Select Basketball. There are various skills trainers and select programs throughout the city, so why choose mine?
Another obstacle in the beginning was managing the basketball and business aspects. The basketball portion came second nature, as I loved it so much. Loved leading training sessions, coaching teams, and seeing players develop.
There was so much on the business side that I overlooked coming in. Just didn’t have the proper knowledge and understanding that I do know. Learned so much through trial and error. Tough going through them in the moment, but looking back I truly value those teachable lessons.
As you know, we’re big fans of 4th Quarter Athlete and Texas Warriors Elite. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
4th Quarter Athlete focuses on basketball skills training. Premier player development for all ages and skill levels. Professional coaching, year-round training, high-energy environment.
Kinder – 12th Grade
Private and Group Training, Camps and Clinics, and Academies.
I just opened the new training facility in May.
13673 Fitzhugh Road, Suite 200
Austin, Texas 78736
https://www.4thquarterathlete.com/
Texas Warriors Elite is the Select Basketball organization. We have local, regional, and national teams, 4th – 11th grade, boys and girls.
We take pride in creating winners through the game of basketball. It is an honor to impact the personal and athletic growth of every athlete we meet.
https://www.twebasketball.com/
I take the most pride in the retention rate from 4th Quarter Athlete and Texas Warriors Elite. We have players we’ve trained throughout their basketball careers. Starting from 3/4th Grade, continuing through High School. Seeing them grow as players and young adults is what it’s all about.
We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
One thing many may not know YET is our Non-Profit organization, Play 4 More.
Our purpose is to provide underserved athletes with the footwear, equipment, and scholarships to play the sports they love.
The ultimate goal is to create a community in which all young athletes have the
resources to thrive in sports and chase their dreams.
Contact Info:
- Email: 4qathlete@gmail.com | twebasketball@gmail.com
- Website: https://www.4thquarterathlete.com/ | https://www.twebasketball.com/
- Instagram: 4thquarterathlete | twebasketball
- Facebook: 4thQuarterAthlete | TWEBasketball
- Twitter: TWEbasketball
Image Credits
Laura McClintock – LMES Photos Jasmine DeFoore – Jasmine DeFoore Photography
