Melvin Duane Thomas II

Melvin Duane Thomas II, affectionately known as "Booder," entered this life, May 14, 1995, and went home to be with the Lord, September 8, 2022.
He was an exemplary student at St. Elizabeth Seton, Toledo Public Schools, St. Johns Jesuit and a graduate of Toledo Christian Schools, class of 2013.
From birth, Melvin was destined for greatness. He was heralded as the first baby born on Mother's Day at Toledo Hospital. News outlets covered the story of this first, a practice that would follow him throughout his life. His father, Melvin Thomas Sr., taught him at an early age that true greatness is obtained through community and teamwork. As a result, Melvin seized the mantel and dedicated over 9 years to serving youth throughout Ohio and Michigan with vigor, excellence, and unmatchable character. Melvin Sr. planted, Melvin ll watered, and the world will reap the harvest.
His humble beginnings emerged through Hoop Smart with Coach Terron Gillespie. He dribbled through the basics and later developed his own team, Focus3d. This business is built on the pillars of Education, Effort and Execution. It provides a holistic approach in presenting tools that are designed to develop a home court advantage in life's pursuits and obtaining dreams. It serves as a springboard to catapult youth in particular, from all walks of life to both "see" and "be" their best selves.
For Melvin, building youth, superseded building teams. His life intersected with coaches, parents, and teachers in order to "assist" whoever he could. As a result, he wore many hats. He was a friend, confidant, buffer, negotiator, mentor, counselor, big brother, teacher, and coach; preparing others to rebound from any situation. Melvin carried these same attributes onto the basketball court.
Basketball was more than a game for Coach Mel. He wanted the ball to serve as an instrument to shoot for things beyond the court; therefore, every play, drill, or call was opportune for a teaching moment. During an interview on Talk that Talk pod cast, he echoed this same sentiment, "You have to do it for the love of the kids. If you're in it for the dollar, you will never succeed. Basketball extends beyond the game, it's mentorship and leadership. You must commit to it. It's a lifestyle not a hobby." and commit he did. Melvin was focused as he pursued purpose.
Melvin was intentional in giving back to the community. Through Focus3d, he sponsored a Back to School Bash for youth. He also partnered with several organizations, community outlets, and businesses to provide book bag giveaways and orchestrate seasonal activities such as a Halloween haunted house for neighborhood youth. He also held spontaneous "pop ups" for training youth at neighborhood parks.
Melvin developed leagues, camps, and implemented various clinics. For example, in an effort to acknowledge family sickle cell warriors and the passing of a family friend, he hosted a special basketball clinic to raise awareness and provide funding to families. As a trainer, he instructed athletes one on one, collegiates, WNBA, the BBL (British Basketball League), and persons as far away as Nicaragua. As a coach, his accomplishments are numerous. He took first place in countless basketball tournaments. From Melvin's perspective, his Focus teams never lost, but rather ran out of time! Second was not in his vernacular. He developed winners. His first Focus team produced the notorious "O.G's" (Original Guards). They were fierce on the court and were known for winning. To date, this group's picture remains on his Twitter cover page. These same winners, along with others to follow, went on to receive college scholarships.
Melvin had an inherent, infectious, comedic cadence, that would leave you in stiches. He could tell a story, make a joke, talk smack, and simply make you laugh. Even when you were at your worst, he had the perfect antidote to make you feel better – laughter. It's good medicine. During the pandemic, Melvin utilized Tic Toc, Facebook, and Zoom to train and remain connected to his team. He laughed and sometimes danced to keep his team encouraged. Beyond the scope of his team, Melvin neither enjoyed nor consistently participated on social media. However, he had over 5,000 friends and followers. That's because he was both admired and loved.