Thomas expressed his opinion on the firing, saying that he was deeply disappointed by it.
"I am deeply disappointed that I wasn't given the time to finish the job of building FIU into one of the nation's top basketball programs," Thomas said. "The foundation for success had been laid and we were looking forward to having our breakout year, with another strong recruiting class."
Thomas is one of those guys who excelled in the game as a player, but couldn't transition into a good coach or GM. It was much like his time with the New York Knicks, and as people look back on it, deem it laughable.
However, some players expressed their disliking of the firing, backing up Thomas, who was hired by the team in 2009. One of those players was DeJuan Wright, who led the team in scoring last season.
"Everyone really, really took it hard. It hasn't settled in. Besides basketball, everyone from top to bottom on our team looked up to coach Thomas. He has really helped us as men. I know that's cliche to say, but it's really, really true. He's really helped all of us as men, in the classroom and making sure we're doing the right things."
