Thomas Brandsma may not fill up the stat sheet, but the graduate transfer has filled up a few tanks of gas during his college career to follow his favorite coach- Chris Beard.
“McMurry in Abilene, Texas, it was Coach Beard’s first year there. Then, we went to Angelo State in San Angelo, Texas and we played two years there. I went to Little Rock with him, but I had to redshirt due to NCAA rules,” Brandsma said.
Beard made his way home to Lubbock, and Brandsma, once again, followed him.
“It means a lot because all coaches, ourselves included, have to have things we believe in and a process, a culture…you are always looking for results or trying to show your players that if you put in the time this is what can happen…and Thomas is a walking demonstration of what our program is about,” Beard said.
Although Brandsma’s minutes have diminished compared to his previous stops, he knows the time he’s already invested can only help his future.
“I’ll know Coach Beard for the rest of my life, there’s a big trust factor there when it comes to basketball and even off the floor- I know he’s got my back and I have his,” Brandsma said.
