Justin Thomas claims Liga Unike weekly honour

- February 5, 2026

POSTED BY: Eurobasket News

Justin Thomas

Justin Thomas

American Justin Thomas (180-PG-1997) had a great game in the last round for Vllaznia Shkodra and that's him to receive a Hoops Agents Player of the Week award for round 4.
The 28-year old playmaker had the game-high 28 points adding four rebounds and seven assists for Vllaznia in his team's victory, helping them to beat Peja (#4, 0-1), the league's bottom-ranked team 81-71. The game was between two of the league's top four teams. Vllaznia is placed at 3rd position in Liga Unike. Vllaznia is a typical solid league team placed somewhere in the middle or a little bit lower in the standings. They need more victories to improve their 1-1 record. In the team's last game Thomas had a remarkable 60.0% from 2-point range. He turned to be Vllaznia's top player in his first season with the team. Alcorn State University graduate has very impressive stats this year. Thomas is in league's top in points (5th best: 20.5ppg), assists (7th best: 5.0apg) and averages solid 4.5spg.

The second most remarkable performance in last round's games was young American power forward Jericole Hellems (201-PF-1999) of second-ranked Vellaznimi Gjakove. Hellems impressed basketball fans with 38 points, 6 rebounds and 3 assists. Bad luck as Vellaznimi lost that game 82-90 to league's leader Beselidhja (#1, 3-0). It was definitely game of the week between two contenders to the title. Vellaznimi still maintains its place in the top 2 of the standings, even despite this loss. His team's 1-1 record is not bad at all. Hellems is a newcomer at Vellaznimi and it seems he did not have too much trouble to become one of team's leaders. He belongs to the best scorers in the league with 21.0ppg (#4).

The third best performed player last round was American Cesare Edwards (208-F-2002) of KB Peja (#4). Edwards scored 12 points and grabbed 12 rebounds (!!!). Despite Edwards' great performance the Peja lost 71-81 to #3 ranked Vllaznia. But his team cannot count on just a single player as he also needs help of the other teammates especially in such crucial game. The season just started for Edwards as he played only first game. But it already looks like he can be team's leader.

Other top performing players last week:
4. Marvin Prodani (195-G-2002) of Beselidhja - 9 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists
5. Trey Edmonds III (208-F-2003) of Beselidhja - 15 points and 8 rebounds
6. Arlando Arnold (185-G-2001) of Vllaznia - 11 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists
7. Derrick Wilson (185-PG-1992) of Vellaznimi - 15 points, 3 rebounds and 4 assists
8. Ashton Parker (198-F-2001) of Vllaznia - 6 points, 10 rebounds and 2 assists
9. Eldi Hysa (195-G-1999) of Beselidhja - 14 points, 2 rebounds and 8 assists
10. Bryan Powell (198-F-2000) of Beselidhja - 14 points, 4 rebounds and 2 assists

The Player of the week is selected based on efficiency calculation, but also including game result, importance of the game, if played recorded double-double/triple-double, etc.
The efficiency formula is a combination of various formulas used by different basketball organizations/leagues. We got involved many basketball scouts and journalists to assure it's accuracy.
The formula: 1.5*PTS + 3*(REB+AST+ST+BL-TO) - 2*BSAG - 4*PF + 3*PFRV + 4*(2FGPM+3FGPM) + 1.5*FTM - 3*(2FGPA-2FGPM) - 3*(3FGPA-3FGPM) - (FTA-FTM)

The Player of the Week awards are presented by Hoops Agents. Hoops Agents is the most complete website about the agencies and players they represent. With more than twenty years of experience, Hoops Agents is already recognized as the most reliable destination for the players who wish to continue their career in professional basketball and are searching for a reputable and connected representation. Hoops Agents is also most complete source of transactions news.

Tags : JUSTIN THOMAS, VLLAZNIA SHKODRA, ALBANIAN BASKETBALL, , LIGA UNIKE