Sorber Returns to Archbishop Ryan to Inspire Next Generation of Raiders

Ryan’s All-Time Leading Scorer Visited Academy Road in June

MILLBROOK — Two years ago, Thomas Sorber closed his senior season at Archbishop Ryan.

Today, kids wear his blue Oklahoma City Thunder jersey while his name hangs in the rafters of the very gymnasium where he competed.

Sorber returned to Ryan on June 23 for the program’s camp to speak with and coach young players. From the moment he walked into the South Gymnasium on Academy Road, his impact and legacy were obvious.

“[Sorber coming back] shows what hard work and dedication to the game can do for you,” Raiders Head Coach and Athletic Director Joe Zeglinski said. “Thomas is a legend in this area. Not just what he’s done on the court for us and getting drafted, but what he’s done in the community and for Archbishop Ryan.”

To everyone in the Ryan community, the fact that Sorber went out of his way to visit speaks to who he is and how his time at Ryan shaped him.

“[Sorber] has to go to LA tomorrow,” Zeglinski said. “He landed at 2 a.m. from [Oklahoma City] last night. That just shows how much this place shaped him and how much it means to him. We’re truly grateful for all he’s done for us and all he’s done for this community.”

To Sorber, giving back is beyond important because of Ryan’s impact on him.

“[Ryan means] everything [to me], honestly,” Sorber said. “Ever since day one, since I came in, they’ve given me respect. They gave me the captain role to lead the team. They gave me everything. I’m grateful that I can give back to them.”

“I think [Ryan] made me into the man I am today. They taught me patience. They taught me to show respect to others when it’s given. And also, you don’t know what could come back to you if you give respect. Be nice to whoever you’re talking to. Being your natural self, being a natural, genuine person. You don’t know what will come back to you.”

Even two years after graduating, Sorber is still frequently in touch with all members of the Raiders program.

“[Sorber and the team] are always in communication,” Zeglinski said. “All season long, he’ll send some texts of encouragement to all of our guys. We have a few that played with them when they were freshmen and sophomores. So, you know, they saw what that group did, led by Thomas and Darren Williams, and they’re trying to emulate that. The way our togetherness is right now as a group, he was a big part of that, leading by example when he was here and staying in constant communication with the guys.”

Despite being drafted to the Thunder in 2025 after one year at Georgetown, Sorber is still the same genuine kid he was in his time at Ryan.

“[Sorber] came in grounded,” Zeglinski said. “He had some growing pains early on his sophomore season, but he continued. He was so coachable. And he was such a leader on and off the court. The whole community, the whole school, the administration, they all love them. He walks around the school, and he knows everyone here. We’re grateful that he’s come back to put some knowledge in the young campers and our team.”

For Sorber, the return to Ryan was an opportunity to reflect on his journey and his outstanding career with the Raiders.

“[The journey has] been amazing,” Sorber said. “It’s been an incredible journey. It’s been a long journey, honestly. But I’m grateful to be in the league and grateful to be on the Thunder, especially. I’m grateful to come back and show the kids where I started.”

“[Having my number retired is] amazing. To be up there, to have my jersey retired, I’m incredibly grateful to Ryan for doing that. And being next to my coach, what else can you ask for? That’s a great accomplishment for me.”