ATLANTA, Ga.- Former Florida SouthWestern Buccaneer Justin Thomas joined a growing list of FSW alumns to get an opportunity to play professional Baseball on Monday as he was selected in the 11^th round of the Major League Baseball Draft by the Houston Astros after a standout season at the University of Arkansas.

Thomas was a 3^rd Team NJCAA All-American in 2024 for the Bucs. Thomas produced all over the board, finishing his sophomore campaign with a .393 average, 21 doubles, 14 home runs, and 35 stolen bases making him the only FSW player in program history to hit 10 or more home runs and steal 30 or more bases in a single season.  Thomas had nearly three times as many multi-hit games (26) as games without a hit (9) in 2024 and closed his Buccaneer career on a nine game hitting streak including recording two or more hits in five of those contests. His 86 runs scored shattered the previous program single season record while his 86 hits was bested by only by teammate and current San Diego Padres farmhand Victor Figueroa's 88.

Thomas played this season at the University of Arkansas where he played in 62 games for the Hogs, leading Arkansas to the Final Four at the College World Series.  He hit .303 with 9 home runs and 38 RBIs overall for the Razorbacks, but came up even bigger in the College World Series where he hit a team best .571 including a four hit game against Murray State in the semifinals to earn All-Tournament Team honors.

Thomas will have the option to return to Arkansas for his senior season with the Razorbacks or sign with the Astros.  If he does sign, he would join a list of 21 other former FSW players currently playing affiliated professional Baseball including current Astros Big Leaguer Ryan Gusto.