Matt Thomas signs three-year deal with the Toronto Raptors

Feb 20, 2017; Lubbock, TX, USA; Iowa State Cyclones guard Matt Thomas (21) takes a shot against Texas Tech Red Raiders guard Devon Thomas (2) in the first half at United Supermarkets Arena. Mandatory Credit: Michael C. Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

Matty Ice is coming back to American basketball — well, kinda.

After starring in Spain for the past two seasons, including being a key piece of a Eurocup winner this past season, former Iowa State sharpshooter Matt Thomas has signed a three-year contract with the defending NBA champion Toronto Raptors. This will be Thomas’ first time playing basketball in an American league since he was one of the key players for the Los Angeles Lakers’ run to the 2017 NBA Summer League championship.

Thomas averaged 11.4 points per game while shooting nearly 50 percent from 3-point range this past season for Valencia Basket in the Spanish Liga ACB. That came after he averaged 15.4 points and shot better than 45 percent as a rookie for Rio Natura Monbus Obradoiro in 2017-18.

The Onalaska, Wis. native played in four NCAA Tournaments for the Cyclones during his career spanning from 2013-17. He scored 1,170 points during his career and sits third all-time in program history with 254 made 3-pointers.

He will join former teammates Georges Niang (Utah Jazz), Monte Morris (Denver Nuggets), Abdel Nader (Oklahoma City Thunder), Deonte Burton (Oklahoma City Thunder) and Naz Mitrou-Long (currently set to play Summer League with the Cleveland Cavaliers after two seasons with Utah) in the NBA.

Jared Stansbury

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Jared a native of Clarinda, Iowa, started as the Cyclone Fanatic intern in August 2013, primarily working as a videographer until starting on the women’s basketball beat prior to the 2014-15 season. Upon earning his Bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from Iowa State in May 2016, Jared was hired as the site’s full-time staff writer, taking over as the primary day-to-day reporter on football and men’s basketball. He was elevated to the position of managing editor in January 2020. He is a regular contributor on 1460 KXNO in Des Moines and makes regular guest appearances on radio stations across the Midwest. Jared resides in Ankeny with his four-year-old puggle, Lolo.

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