Clemson took down Pittsburgh, 72-48, Thursday night at Littlejohn Coliseum in Clemson, and as well as guard Gabe DeVoe shot the ball on his way to another career night, there was another player who more quietly proved his worth in game time.

Starting Center Elijah Thomas has played well for the Tigers’ this season. He the 6-foot-9, 237-pound junior is averaging 10.3 points and 7.3 rebounds a game, while also making his presence felt on the defensive side of the ball, picking up 2.4 blocks per game.

While Thomas has excelled in areas of the game where centers are expected to, he has been quietly impressive in the passing game this season as well.

Against Pitt, Thomas recorded his sixth double-double of the season with 10 points and 11 rebounds, while also blocking three shots. His passing ability was shown in full force as well as he added three assists.

When it comes to assists, Thomas is averaging one assist per game, but that does not tell the true story of his ability to pass the basketball. Throughout the season moving the ball through Clemson’s big man has been a key to getting the offense flowing and it was clear against Pitt.

At times against Pitt, it was evident the offense was most fluent when the ball went through the hands of Thomas. Early on we saw them feed the big man with his back to the basket and Thomas was able to keep the ball movement crisp.

Every time he touched the ball it felt as if it was on its way to an open man whether around the three-point line or in the paint.

“I think there’s just so many things you’ve got to worry about in a game that there’s going to be situations where he’s going to be able to do that,” Clemson head Coach Brad Brownell said.

When Thomas left the game, the team appeared more stagnant and the ball movement wasn’t nearly as fluid as when he was in the game. This looked clear particularly in the middle of the first half when Thomas was taken out.

The Clemson offense looked like a shell of its earlier self, leading to Thomas being subbed in soon after and the offense getting back in its grove soon after his return.

Watching Thomas play against Pitt was hard evidence of what he’s truly capable of on the offensive end. While many see the Tigers’ starting center as a reliable scorer and rebounder, anyone who watches the Clemson offense can see his impact when it comes to ball movement.