Legacy
Kenny Thomas
From NBA hardwood to shaping the next generation of leaders.
Biography
Player. Host.
Advocate.
Entrepreneur.
Former NBA player · Media host · Mental health advocate · Community leader
Kenny Thomas is a former NBA forward who spent 11 seasons with the Houston Rockets, Philadelphia 76ers and Sacramento Kings. Selected 22nd overall in the 1999 NBA Draft, he brought leadership, grit and consistency to the court, appeared in the playoffs three times and was inducted into the New Mexico Sports Hall of Fame in 2012.
Born into a military family, Thomas grew up in Georgia, Germany and Texas before settling in New Mexico, where he became a standout at Albuquerque High and the University of New Mexico. As a Lobo, he earned All-American honors, was named WAC Freshman of the Year, twice won WAC Tournament MVP, and graduated as the program’s all-time leading rebounder and second-leading scorer.
After basketball, Thomas built a career as a media personality, entrepreneur and community leader. He hosts “Lobos Live with Kenny Thomas” on KKOB, “Kickin’ with Kenny Thomas” on Cumulus Radio, and the weekly “Unfiltered with Kenny Thomas” podcast, where sports, culture and leadership intersect.
He is the founder of KT Legacy Wines, a private-label brand produced with Guglielmo Winery, and leads Zia Sports Academy, his official AAU program, running youth basketball tournaments and camps that emphasize skill, discipline and mentorship.
A committed advocate for youth empowerment and public safety, Thomas works closely with the New Mexico Department of Health, serves on the board of the New Mexico Black Chamber of Commerce, and partners with city councilors across the state on economic development, mental health and community engagement. He is also a proud member of World Sports Alumni.
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His story
Grit, greatness
and purpose
Kenny Thomas’s rise from Atlanta to the global stage is a story of discipline, grit, and unstoppable determination. From becoming one of the most decorated players in University of New Mexico history to earning a decade-long NBA career, Kenny built a reputation on leadership, consistency, and heart. Today, his passion extends far beyond the court—into community empowerment, mentorship, youth development, entrepreneurship, and legacy-building. Through camps, tournaments, media, philanthropy, and business ventures, Kenny continues to create opportunities that uplift the next generation.
Career honors
Built on the court
A career defined by resilience, consistency and championship-level work, on and off the court.
1999
NBA Draft — 22nd Overall Pick
★
11-Year NBA Veteran
Rockets, 76ers, Kings
1997
Gold Medalist — Team USA
2012
New Mexico Sports Hall of Fame Inductee
★
Three-Time All-WAC Selection
★
Two-Time WAC Tournament MVP
★
1996 WAC Freshman of the Year
History
Milestones
1977
Born July 25, 1977, in Atlanta, Georgia. His full name is Kenneth Cornelius Thomas, son of Calvin and Patricia.
1996–1999
Attended the University of New Mexico — becoming one of the highest-profile recruits in school history.
College Career
Earned All-WAC honors three times, was a two-time WAC Tournament MVP, and was named WAC Freshman of the Year in 1996.
1997
Represented Team USA and won a gold medal at the 1997 World University Games in Trapani, Italy.
1999
Selected as the 22nd overall pick in the 1999 NBA Draft by the Houston Rockets.
1999–2010
Played with the Houston Rockets, Philadelphia 76ers, and Sacramento Kings before retiring from basketball in 2010.
2012
Inducted into the New Mexico Sports Hall of Fame.
Speaking · Media · Partnerships