Shad Thomas establishes blue print for BlueChip

Shad Thomas, the first and lone recipient of a Basketball scholarship, via the channels of the BlueChip Basketball Academy, has advanced himself academically by attaining a Bachelor’s Degree in Sports Science Management.

Thomas, who left St Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) in 2019 as a student at the Union Island Secondary School, graduated last Saturday, May 10, 2025, when the Catawba College, North Carolina, USA, held is 174th ceremony.

His latest achievement follows his Diploma obtained from the Salem Baptist Christian School in 2021. Two years after, Thomas got his Associates Degree from the Catawba Community College.

But it all started through the efforts of founder of the Hope & Hope Inc/ BlueChip Basketball Academy, Vincentian, Kishon Bishop.

Six years on, after affording Thomas that opportunity to excel in his academics and Basketball, Bishop is proud that the plan is coming to fruition.

“Shad is a blueprint of what we are trying to do as Hope & Hope/ BlueChip Basketball Academy on this higher level. Shad is a great, great, story for Vincentians who are struggling currently in our system academically and athletically that a change in environment can impact them if they truly desire to succeed,” Bishop commented.

He noted that while Thomas was not outfitted with the necessary academic prerequisites to function in the US education system, with help and his determination he saw it through.

“Coming from Union Island, he was not exceptional academically, but being able to receive an education here that he needs and the attention he needed, he was able to excel, he was able to complete his College Diploma, his Associates Degree and now his Bachelor’s Degree”, Bishop underscored.

Bishop emphasized that Thomas has stuck to the ideals of the BlueChip Basketball Academy.

“For BlueChip Basketball Academy, this is something we see as powerful and important; it shows that we can do it, we have done it and what we will try to do is replicate it. More importantly, we are trying to build citizens, excellent individuals and we are trying to promote education through sports.”

He said too that Thomas is solidifying his academic base before branching out into other spheres of life.

“Shad has one more year eligibility to play collegiate Basketball which we are in the process of determining where he will do that. In that process he will complete a certificate, which will be a second Bachelor’s Degree, or a Master’s Degree”, Bishop disclosed.

In addition to the incremental rise in his academics, Thomas has been able to achieve some stellar performances on the Basketball court.

In his first year at Salem Baptist Christian School, Thomas helped them to the Conference Championships.

Taking his prowess to the Catawba Community College, Thomas, in 2022, finished as the top rebounder national- wide at the Division II level, and was among the top five players in Region 10.

His progression also served the Catawba College well, as he played significant roles helping the institution win the South Atlantic Conference Basketball title, back to back in 2023 and 2024.