Former Michigan State basketball player joins Utah Jazz organization

Former Michigan State basketball player turned transfer Thomas Kithier has found a home with the Jazz organization.

Thomas Kithier didn’t have the most memorable Michigan State basketball career. He played three seasons in East Lansing and never averaged more than 3.1 points per game as his minutes were limited.

Following his third season with the Spartans, he decided to enter the transfer portal and ended up at Valparaiso where he averaged a career-best 10.1 points and 6.6 rebounds in over 25 minutes per game. It looked like he found his new home and with an extra COVID year, he’d be able to settle in for a couple of seasons at Valpo.

However, Kithier suffered a career-ending back injury which prevented him from playing in the 2022-23 season and forced him into a far-too-early retirement.

But he’s getting a chance in the NBA after all — as an assistant video coordinator.

Thomas Kithier has wrapped up his time with @ValpoBasketball and has been hired as Assistant Video Coordinator with @utahjazz. Great start to a professional career for one of the most genuine people I’ve ever met.

— Paul Oren (@TVBOren) July 10, 2023

This is a pretty cool development, especially considering Kithier will join the same organization as Joey Hauser who is on a two-way contract with the Jazz. Kithier will be able to utilize his high basketball IQ to edit game film and scout opponents. This is a perfect career for the former Spartan.

It feels like decades ago that Kithier was suiting up for the Spartans, but it was a good move for both sides that he moved on. He got to experience a season as a go-to post player for Valpo but he didn’t deserve to have his playing career cut short.

We’ll see if this role as a video coordinator will one day translate to him being a coach which seems like the route that you have to take for that profession. His playing days may be over but he wants to be involved with the sport he loves.

We now have another reason to watch the Utah Jazz this season.