The Pro
Bryce McGowens
Charlotte Hornets — NBA
From Lincoln to the league. Bryce trained with Thomas through high school and his year at Nebraska, then made the jump to the NBA — proof that the ceiling here is the highest one in the sport.
The Proof
Where They Are Now
Thomas's athletes don't just improve — they compete at the highest levels. From NBA courts to WNBA rosters to Division I programs across the country.
6+
Pro Athletes
4
NBA / WNBA Athletes
200+
College Scholarships
3,000+
Athletes Trained
Player Stories
The Players, In Their Own Arc
Three athletes. Three different ceilings. One common thread.
The Long Run
Sam Griesel
Telekom Baskets Bonn — Bundesliga
Met Thomas at an Omaha tryout in 2017 — Thomas walked over after a scrimmage and told him he should have dunked. Years of work, a transfer to Nebraska, and a German passport later, Sam is playing pro in Bonn. “He has played a huge role, arguably the biggest role, in my basketball career.”
The Mentor Relationship
Morgan Maly
Creighton — 1,500-point career scorer
Career 1,500-point scorer at Creighton. The training is real — but so is the conversation: “It is not just basketball with Thomas. He works with good people and he encourages the best out of the people that he is around.”
Elite Alumni
Trained by Thomas
These athletes trusted Thomas with their development. The results speak for themselves.
Bryce McGowens
New Orleans Pelicans • NBA
Brice Williams
Detroit Pistons • NBA
Jess Shepard
Minnesota Lynx • WNBA
Isaiah Roby
New York Knicks • NBA
Sam Griesel
ALBA Berlin • Bundesliga
Jaz Shelley
Australia Pro League • WNBL
200+ College Scholarships Earned
Athletes who trained with Thomas and earned college scholarships
Mitch Hahn
Holy Cross / UNO
Jessica Shepard
Nebraska / Notre Dame
Lauren Works
Creighton
Pierce Almond
UNK
Adam Dykman
South Dakota State
Malik Hluchoweckyj
Bowling Green
Shelby Pollman
Concordia
Grant Lahm
Benedictine College
Sidney Pollman
Concordia
Rylie Jensen
South Dakota State
Triston Simpson
South Dakota
Matt Hahn
Morningside College
Ryan Williams
Midland College
Andy Kerkman
Augustana
Tanner Hudson
Nebraska Wesleyan
Sam Griesel
North Dakota State
Jordy Tshimanga
Dayton
Justin Costello
Nebraska
Johnny Trueblood
Nebraska
Logan Power
South Dakota
Quinn Weidemann
Wyoming
Jaylin Hunter
Old Dominion
Josiah Allick
Missouri-KC
Mackenzie Koepke
Concordia
Chloe Dworak
Creighton
Regan Sankey
South Dakota
Jason Towery
Missouri-St Louis
Hannah Kelle
Illinois State
Alumni Playing Professionally
NBA, WNBA & international leagues
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College Scholarships Earned
D1, D2 & NAIA programs
What They Say
Words From Coaches & Athletes
Hear from the coaches and players who know Thomas best.
Richard Hendrix
Golden State Warriors / University of Alabama / McDonald's All American
“I have known Thomas as a friend and competitor on the basketball court for many years. Not only does Thomas have tremendous skill, but he has a wealth of knowledge and a passion for the game.”
Lennie Acuff
Head Coach — Lipscomb University / 8x D2 Elite Eight
“I would love for my child to have the opportunity to work with Thomas Viglianco. Having known Thomas since his All State High School playing days in Alabama, I have always found him to be a man of character and integrity. His ability to teach and motivate young players is a gift that is hard to find. Thomas was a great player and has transitioned that skill set into being an excellent teacher.”
From Coaches
Mike Nardi
Villanova University — Currently Asst. Coach
“I played professionally with Thomas in the top league in Italy. Thomas pays close attention to details and takes pride in getting better on and off the court. Being able to utilize your talents and working to get better everyday will give you the opportunity to reach the next level. Thomas is a fine example of this and having your son or daughter work with him will help them obtain their goals on and off the court.”
Pat Skerry
Head Men's Basketball Coach — Towson University
“I have known Thomas Viglianco since 2000 when I was recruiting him for college. He is one of my favorite players over the many years of coaching because of his passion for the game and talent. Not only is he a great player but a great person and friend.”
BJ McKie
All-time leading scorer at South Carolina / Pro 10 years
“I could not recommend a better person and friend to mold our youth to become better people both on and off the basketball floor. He has always been a professional and knows the game of basketball and more importantly knows how to teach the game of life.”
Marco Crespi
Currently coaching in Laboral Kutxa, Spain
“I know Thomas from when he was a rookie in Italy. His passion and Basketball IQ are very high. He knows the game. He knows how to read the game and to be effective in the game. I absolutely believe he would be a great teacher about any details on the floor, technical and mental.”
Mitch Cole
Texas A&M Asst. Coach / Current HC Berry College
“I have known Thomas since he was a 10th grader and saw firsthand the amount of work he has put into the game of basketball. As a result of his work ethic, skill, and basketball IQ, he has done what few players have done: achieve a career in professional basketball. I have no doubt that Tom's communication skills, knowledge of basketball, and experience playing at the highest levels, qualify him to teach the game to young aspiring players.”
Jamie Kachmarik
UNC-Wilmington Assoc. Head Coach / Current HS coach in Ohio
“Thomas Viglianco has a true passion for the game of basketball not only as a professional player but also as a teacher of the game. His hard work on the court has allowed Thomas to play professional overseas. Now he is able to teach young people what it takes not only to be a good basketball player but what it takes to be successful in life.”
Brian Cooley
Assistant Basketball Coach — Wright State University
“Thomas has combined his love for the game, work ethic, and basketball IQ to form an outstanding career as a professional basketball player. These qualities, along with his communication skills and knowledge of the game have helped him become a great basketball teacher. Anyone that has a desire to become a better basketball player should seriously consider having Thomas help them reach their goals.”
From Athletes Thomas Has Trained
Morgan Maly
Creighton — Career 1,500-point scorer
“He wants you to be successful and just happy in all areas. He works with good people and he encourages the best out of the people that he is around. It is not just basketball with Thomas.”
Sam Griesel
Telekom Baskets Bonn / Bundesliga (formerly Nebraska)
“He has been through a lot in life and he is at the point now where he can teach a lot about not only basketball but life. He has played a huge role, arguably the biggest role in my basketball career.”
From Pro Athletes
Torrell Martin
Winthrop University / Orlando Magic / Pro in France
“Thomas has continued on his success from our great college battles. I knew he would be a great trainer and motivator for kids and college bound athletes because of his great shooting abilities. It is great to see Thomas helping out the youth.”
Nick George
VCU / Professional & Great Britain Olympic Team
“I know that Thomas will share his passion and understanding of the game with all his athletes. He's a hard worker who has played at the highest level in European basketball. Parents should take full advantage of his services and know that their children are receiving the highest level of coaching.”
Fernandez Lockett
Austin Peay University / Pro in Australia
“Thomas is not only a great player on the court, he is a great person off the court as well. A true role model and leader for our young generation. Thomas is a great player and knows the game of basketball very well. It will be a blessing for players of all ages to learn the game under him.”
Alli Smalley
Auburn University / All SEC First Team / Coach at Auburn
“His love and passion for the game of basketball is inspiring. He has given me valuable insight as I have begun my professional basketball career. He is a true professional and it would be a privilege to work with him or be taught by him.”
Jakob Sigurdarson
Icelandic National Team / Pro in Sweden
“I played with Thomas in college as a teammate and against him as a professional. Thomas has an outstanding knowledge of the game and great work ethic as a professional basketball player. This along with his love for the game makes him a great teacher for basketball.”
In The Press
Making Headlines
Featured
Omaha World-Herald · July 2024
From Finance Intern to Training Nebraska’s Top Basketball Talent
Tyler Mason’s profile traces Thomas’s path from a back injury and finance interviews to mentoring the state’s top talent — and the friendship-by-friendship method that made it work.
Read the full story
SEC Coaching Interest
A potential candidate for [Nebraska] staff. Very thought of around the basketball world and one of the best trainers in Nebraska.
Athletes in the Spotlight
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NBABryce McGowens
High school + Nebraska, drafted to the Hornets
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BundesligaSam Griesel
Nebraska → professional career in Germany
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NBAIsaiah Roby
Prep school through the NBA — trained with Thomas the whole way