Monrovia, Liberia – Thomas Sorber, a Liberian, was chosen by the NBA champion Oklahoma City Thunder with the 15th overall choice in the 2025 NBA Draft on Wednesday night, continuing their legacy-building. With his strength and defensive presence, the 6-foot-9 center gives a team that recently won its first NBA championship since moving to Oklahoma City even more youth and potential.
After an outstanding freshman season at Georgetown University, Trenton, New Jersey native Sorber shot to national prominence. He was named All-Big East and became known as one of the most formidable interior players in college basketball during his one season with the Hoyas, averaging 14.5 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 2.2 blocks per game.
His height, athleticism, and defensive instincts made him a desirable addition to a Thunder squad that was already known for its adaptability and tenacity. Sorber, who is only 19 years old, offers Oklahoma City a growing but fascinating skill set. Scouts and coaches believe he has a lot of potential, even if he still has to improve in areas like perimeter shooting and NBA-level game reading.
Early in his rookie season, he might be a useful player under head coach Mark Daigneault because of his abilities to defend several positions, rebound well, and provide energy off the bench. However, Sorber’s journey to the NBA is a tale of tenacity, selflessness, and legacy more than just skill.
In an attempt to provide their kids a better life, his parents, Peter and Tenneh Sorber, left war-torn Liberia in the late 1990s and finally moved to the US. It is reported that Thomas’s early life was greatly influenced by Peter, a fervent basketball coach and mentor who instilled in him a love of the game, discipline, and faith.
Sadly, when Thomas was just six years old, Peter died of colon cancer. With that, his mother Tenneh assumed the role of sole caregiver for Thomas, his older brother Peter Jr., and their sister Regina. Tenneh was adamant about carrying out her husband’s last request, which was to keep their boys enrolled in Catholic school and playing basketball, even though they had little money and faced many personal obstacles.
Tenneh never failed despite years of rigorous academic requirements, weekend competitions, and early morning workouts. Her tenacity served as the cornerstone of Thomas’s growth as a young man and as a player. The aspirations of a family that never gave up and the eternal heritage of a father who thought he would one day succeed remain with Sorber as he embarks on the next phase of his career with one of the NBA’s most intriguing teams.
Reported by: Sylvester Tamba
