Tom appeared in 28 games last season for the Panthers averaging 7 ppg and 2.1 rpg.

When asked about why he chose Belmont Abbey, Tom said, "I chose Belmont Abbey because of the great academic program and education they have to offer.  They also have had some success in the last few years and with a new coach coming in, it was a great opportunity that I couldn't pass up.  Ellsworth prepared me in a variety of ways, but the biggest thing I took away was the mental toughness aspect. JUCO is definitely a different type of grind and it comes with a lot of ups and downs, but the one thing I can take with me throughout my basketball career is learning how to deal with those challenges.  I'd like to thank the old and new coaching staff. Coach Troy Muilenberg and Coach Travis for helping me grow as a player and giving me an opportunity here at Ellsworth. I'd also like to thank Coach Bender for working with me daily in his first month on the job and for his help in finding this opportunity for me to start a new journey."

Coach Bender added that Tom was a pleasure to work with in his first few weeks here; "Tom is a great example of the model student-athlete we plan on recruiting and coaching here at ECC. He had a 3.5 GPA, graduated in his lone season here, was a gym rat, and came to every optional workout and lift we had upon my arrival. I am excited he gets to go play for a good friend of mine, Coach David Belfield, and he will be a great asset to their program in his first year as a head coach.

Belmont Abbey is an NCAA Division II program that participates in the Conference Carolinas.  Tom will have 3 years to play and will be a junior in the classroom where he plans to study Business.