Will Thomas, Pena Overcome Obstacles

As freshmen this past year at Southeastern C.C. in Iowa, Kelvin Pena and Doug Thomas played key roles to help the Blackhawks win an NJCAA Title.

But entering their sophomore years, each player finds himself with some obstacles to overcome.

Thomas, a 6-8, 240 pound center/power forward from Inglewood, Calif., was arrested for possession of marijuana, O'Brien said. He has asked for a deferred judgment, so there won't be a ruling on his case for a while.

A typical penalty in such a case could be a probation term and a drug education program, O'Brien said. He added that Thomas will be suspsended for at least five of the Blackhawks' games to start the season.

"Lots of great things happened here for him to be proud of, but that arrest made people forget them," O'Brien said. "But I think Iowa is very interested in him and still likes the idea of him becoming a Hawkeye."

Thomas had committed to Iowa last year while attending Christian Faith Center in Creedmor, N.C., for a postgraduate year.

The Hawkeye program suffered through a number of off-court problems a year ago, so the situation with Thomas will certainly bear watching.

"The staff at Iowa would like to think that Doug will wind up there next year, but a lot could depend on things go here for him over the next 12 months," O'Brien concluded.

Thomas, a powerful interior player known for thunderous dunks, averaged 10.9 points and 5.8 rebounds per game in 2002-2003 for the Blackhawks. He shot 55 percent from the floor and 77 percent from the foul line.

In the classroom, Thomas has done an admirable job, compiling a 2.9 GPA as a freshman. He's not expected to return to West Burlington until August, when he'll enroll in a mini-mester.

As for Pena, his troubles are of the academic variety, O'Brien said.

"Graduation will be the key issue with Kelvin," he said. "A lot will be up to him getting it done in the classroom."

Pena, who averaged 10.9 points, 3.6 rebounds and 2.9 assists last season for SCC, is still struggling to become familiar with the English language.

A native of the Dominican Republic, Pena often had interpreters speak on his behalf during postgame press conferences at the NJCAA Tournament this past March.

There's little questioning Pena's prowess on the basketball court. A very athletic wing who can play both the two and the one positions, Pena can hurt defenses with both his slashing and shooting. He shot 46 percent from the floor, 41 percent beyond the arc and 82 percent from the foul line on a deep and balanced club in 2002-2003.

Pena will be sought after by high major programs if the academic clouds surrounding him begin to disappear.

"We will know a whole lot more about his situation around Christmas," O'Brien said.