Thomas, a 205-centimetre power forward and centre, fills a gap with the Thunder who were desperate to find a big player to play alongside US import Eric Gaff.

Thomas came under the coaching of David Claxton on the Gold Coast and played alongside Gibson in the NBL last year.

Claxton, formerly of Tasmania, is an ex-NBL head coach and Australian Boomers assistant coach while Gibson was recruited from Tasmania to play with the Gold Coast Blaze.

The Thunder expect Thomas to bring a lot of energy to the team and he is a player capable of running the floor and excelling in block shots and rebounds.

Thomas spent over three years under the coaching of Claxton where he attended Southport school on a basketball scholarship.

After graduating from high school he was scouted by Gold Coast Blaze head coach Joey Wright and spent last season as a development player for the team.

Thunder coach Phil Thomas said he had come highly recommended and was keen to develop his game in the SEABL.

``This is a great league for him to do that in and take the next step to becoming a fully fledged NBL player,'' he said.

The Thunder opens its 2012 season with a clash against Sandringham Sabres on Saturday, March 17, and its long awaited return battle with the Hobart Chargers will be on May 28.