Former Clemson guard Asa Thomas lands with new team in transfer portal

A return to familiar ground is next for former Clemson men’s basketball guard Asa Thomas.

After a winding college path that included time in the ACC and Southern Conference, Thomas is heading back to Illinois to join the UIC Flames men’s basketball. The Chicago-area product entered the transfer portal earlier this offseason after spending the 2025-26 year at Furman Paladins men’s basketball, where he finally found consistent minutes and rhythm.

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UIC head coach Rob Ehsan didn’t hesitate to point out what stood out most about the addition. “Asa is a tremendous addition for us,” Ehsan said in a release. “He’s an elite three-point shooter with great size on the perimeter, and that combination is something we really value in our system. On top of that, he’s been part of NCAA Tournament teams the past two years at Clemson and Furman, so he understands what winning basketball looks like at a high level. Bringing a player like Asa back home to Chicago to represent UIC is also very special, and we’re excited about the experience, shooting, and leadership he brings to our program.”

The 6-foot-7 wing turned in a productive season with Furman, appearing in 28 games and starting 21. He averaged just under 12 points per outing while adding nearly four rebounds and close to two assists per game. His ability to stretch the floor showed up in the numbers as well, connecting on better than 38 percent of his shots from three-point range.

His earlier stint at Clemson never fully took off due to health setbacks. A shoulder issue forced him to sit out the 2023-24 season, and he only saw brief action the following year before moving on. He ended that 2024-25 season with limited appearances as the Tigers’ run came to a quick close against McNeese Cowboys men’s basketball in the NCAA Tournament.