Thunder rookie Thomas Sorber will wear new jersey number in the NBA
After wearing the same jersey number in college and high school, Thomas Sorber will have a new look to begin his career in the NBA with the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Sorber wore No. 35 for three years at Archbishop Ryan High School in Pennsylvania and Georgetown last season as a freshman. Instead of keeping it in the NBA, Sorber opted to change to No. 12 upon joining the Thunder as the 15th pick in the 2025 NBA draft.
The 19-year-old is the first Thunder player to wear No. 12 since Lindy Waters III (2022-2024). Other players who have donned it include Steven Adams, Nenad Krstić and Darius Miller.
Sorber was an All-Big East third-team selection last season, averaging 14.5 points, 8.5 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 1.5 steals on 53.2% shooting from the field. He became the first Hoya since Markel Starks (2012-13) to earn all-conference third-team recognition.
The 6-foot-10 center didn't play with the team in summer league after undergoing surgery in February for a turf toe injury that limited him to 24 games with the Hoyas. He is expected to be ready to participate in training camp next month.
Sorber was highly touted out of Georgetown after establishing himself as a dominant threat in the paint, either as a roller or back-to-the-basket scorer. The team was eager to add him in the draft and is excited to see him take the court next season.
Note: Throughout August, Rookie Wire is looking at every first-round pick and why each player selected their respective jersey number as they make the jump to the NBA.
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