Montini hires Thomas as coach

If Daryl Thomas can extend any of what his high school and college basketball coaches taught him, Montini will be in good shape.

A big-name hire as new boys basketball coach, the former St. Joseph and Indiana University star officially was introduced to Montini at a meet-and-greet Tuesday night at the Lombard school.

"We feel we've got a good one," said Montini athletic director Tom Lentine. "I think he can help bring kids into the school and he's going to help turn the program around."

Thomas, who will maintain his position as lead instructor in charge of player development at the Bulls/Sox Academy in Lisle, will succeed Brian Opoka as Broncos coach. In seven seasons Opoka's record was 61-125, including 3-26 last season.

"Family was important and he wasn't going to be able to put in the time in having two little ones," Lentine said, "and it was time to move on."

Lentine fielded 35 offers for the position after Opoka resigned following last season. Thomas was hired late last week, Lentine said.

Thomas played high school ball for Illinois' winningest prep basketball coach, St. Joseph's Gene Pingatore, where Thomas was an All-East Suburban Catholic Conference pick from 1981-83, a Parade and McDonald's All-American his senior season.

Thomas then played at Indiana University, starting three seasons under Bobby Knight. Thomas helped the Hoosiers win the 1987 NCAA championship after being named first-team all-Big Ten.

Inducted into the ESCC and Illinois Basketball Coaches Association halls of fame, Thomas played briefly with the Sacramento Kings of the National Basketball Association before playing abroad for more than a decade.

Now living in Bolingbrook, he rejoined Pingatore to serve nine seasons as St. Joseph's sophomore coach and as a varsity assistant.

Lentine said the attraction to Thomas was a combination of charisma, personality, enthusiasm and basketball presence.

"We feel that he will be a shot of adrenaline to the program, to help jump-start it," Lentine said.