Thomas De Thaey Wraps Up 2025 Basketball Season Overseas, Continues to Plant Roots Here in Bladen County

Bladen County, NC - It’s not every day you find a world-traveling professional athlete living in Bladen County—but that’s been home for Thomas De Thaey and his family over the past few years.

And while his basketball journey has taken him across the globe, he’s now beginning to look toward what the next chapter might hold right here at home.

Originally from Belgium, De Thaey came to the United States in 2011 to play college basketball for NC State under head coach Mark Gottfried. He was part of a Wolfpack squad that made back-to-back NCAA Tournament appearances and saw action in 19 games during his freshman season.

After returning to Europe to begin his professional career, he quickly built a reputation as a tough, versatile forward who could rebound, score inside, and stretch the floor when needed.

Since then, he’s played professionally in Romania, France, Portugal, Spain, Uruguay, the Philippines, Indonesia, and Taiwan.

In 2025, De Thaey’s season began in Indonesia with RANS Simba Bogor, where he averaged 10 points, 8 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game. He shot 51.5% from the field, 30.4% from three-point range, and 74.4% from the free throw line—while recording four double-doubles and helping lead the team to the IBL semi-finals.

He later made the move to Taiwan Beer in the Super Basketball League, where he played 11 games and averaged 14 points, 10 rebounds, and 2 assists in 25.5 minutes per game.

He shot 48% from the field and dropped a season-high 20 points on April 13th. His final game of the season came in the SBL semifinals, where he posted an impressive 15-point, 18-rebound performance in a hard-fought loss.

Now 34, De Thaey is still actively playing overseas, but he’s also slowly beginning to phase out of the professional grind.

Having planted roots in Bladen County with his wife and children, he’s looking ahead with excitement about what’s next.

He’s passionate about basketball and open to whatever doors might open locally—whether it’s coaching, training young athletes, or getting involved in the community through the game that’s given him so much.

With over a decade of experience at the highest levels of international play and a heart for investing in others, De Thaey brings a unique perspective to the local sports scene.

His playing career may be winding down, but his impact in Bladen County could just be getting started.

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Thomas De Thaey Wraps Up 2025 Basketball Season Overseas, Continues to Plant Roots Here in Bladen County