Looking at the raw numbers, it may at first appear that Iowa State guard Matt Thomas is in the middle of a rebounding awakening.
The junior is averaging 4.8 rebounds per game this season, more than double the 2.0 rebounds per game he averaged last season.
“Rebounding is just kind of all effort,” Thomas said. “Having a knack for the ball and reading the ball off the rim. I’ve just been able to do that better this year.”
Delve a little deeper, though, and Thomas’ rebounding is continuing on a linear upward path. As a freshman, Thomas posted a defensive rebounding rate of 9.