Calvin Thomas played basketball from 1949-50 to 1952-53 at what was then known as Southern State College. Over his four-year playing career that totaled 82 games, Thomas would score 1,647 points to average just over 20 points per game (20.1 ppg). His career points per game ranks second all-time and his career point total is third all-time.

As a freshman, Thomas, who would later become known for his hook shot, would burst onto the scene by scoring 619 points over a 23-game schedule to give him an average of 26.9 points per game. That point per game average still stands as a single-season program record, and his 619 points that year make him one of only two players to have scored over 600 points in a season.

After a promising sophomore season was cut short after seven games, Thomas came back as a junior in 1951-52 and set two single-game records that still stand today: Points (44) and Field Goals Made (19). His points in a game record was later tied by 2004 SAU Hall of Fame inductee, John Holmes.

As a senior in 1952-53, Thomas would cap his career with All-AIC honors.