Releasing his decision live on ESPNU, the state's top basketball prospect leaned off camera in a suspense-building moment before announcing his college choice.
A few seconds of rustling tissue paper went by before Melrose High School senior Adonis Thomas pulled out a royal blue cap to contrast the crisp gray suit he donned for the occasion.
"I'd like to take my game, and further my college career, to the University of Memphis," the 6-foot-6 small forward said with a grin.
His announcement was followed by a press conference in the Melrose gymnasium at 6 p.m.
Flanked by his coach, pastor and parents at the Orange Mound high school, Thomas tried to explain the mental processes that brought him to his decision.
"This was a stressful process toward the end," Thomas said. "I had many choices and colleges to choose from. Each coach, the coaching staff and players were great, and I enjoyed spending time with them. I just had to pray hard and make my decision."
Thomas also sought counsel from his family and friends.
"We trusted he would make the best decision for him and for the family, and he has done that with The University of Memphis" said his mother, Sandra Anderson.
Rivals.com ranked Thomas as the 15th overall prospect from the Class of 2011 and 6th in his position at small forward. Scout.com gave him the 8th overall ranking.
A highly sought-after recruit, Thomas received the royal treatment at Memphis Madness Oct. 15. From his floor seat in the packed FedExForum that night, Thomas watched the jumbotron as Penny Hardaway urged young talent to play at home.
"It was amazing seeing Penny Hardaway, a hall of fame basketball player ... I kind of figured it was torward me," he said, following the announcement.
Though his college career has yet to start, the young basketball star already has a long list of achievements. He won a gold medal at the 2010 FIBA Under-17 World Championship in Hamburg, Germany, averaging 8.5 points, 4.1 rebounds and 1.5 steals for the tournament this summer.
And having started every game at Melrose since his freshman year, the all-around player averaged 18 points, 11.2 rebounds, 3.8 blocks, 3.2 steals and 2.8 assists per game last year.
In his quest to find the best institution to play ball, Thomas also visited Tennessee, Arkansas, UCLA and Florida on his tour of campuses. Thomas said he is ready to live up to his potential at Memphis.
"I know I have to be a role model. I have to just be the type of student-athlete I am now. I just have to continue to be that way, stay humble and still pray to God."
Though Thomas made such a highly publicized verbal announcement, his future in Memphis won't be written in stone until he signs official papers. The early signing period lasts from Nov. 11-18.
Per NCAA rules, coach Josh Pastner is not allowed to comment until Thomas files his letter of intent. However, at the time of his announcement, the men's basketball department's official Twitter account let out a few illuminating characters.
"It's a beautiful day in Memphis!!! Weather is perfect," read a tweet from UofMTigersHoops.
One avid tweeter on the team, junior forward Wesley Witherspoon, wrote, "MEMPHIS IT IS WELCOME TO THE FAMILY."
