Sources close to the basketball program indicated that Thomas left the team Tuesday, but no one on the OSU staff is providing confirmation.

Coach Travis Ford, when asked Wednesday for a statement about Thomas’ status, said only that he didn’t elect to bring Thomas to Seattle, according to a sports information spokesperson.

A 6-foot-11 sophomore, Thomas is averaging 8.3 points and 3.9 rebounds for the 5-2 Cowboys. Thomas started 27 games as a freshman last season, when he averaged 6.0 points and 4.1 rebounds.

Thomas was OSU’s only eligible scholarship player over 6-8 until 6-11 freshman center Teeng Akol received word Monday that he had been declared academically eligible by the NCAA.

Akol practiced for the first time Monday and is not yet in game shape. He also is learning Ford’s system. Ford said Monday that he doesn’t expect Akol to play Thursday, but the Cowboys have some time to iron out their frontcourt issues because they won’t play another game until Dec. 14.