AUGUSTA, Ga. — October 12, 2026 — The Augusta Groove announced today the return of shooting guard Keanu Thomas for the 2027 United States Basketball Championship (USBC) season, bringing back one of the team's key players as the organization prepares to compete in the Champion League.
Thomas, a 6-foot-3 shooting guard and Augusta native, will wear No. 15 for the Groove.
For Thomas and the Augusta Groove, the upcoming season represents more than another opportunity to compete. It is an opportunity to finish what was started.
Thomas appeared in two of the Groove's three games during the 2026 season before an ankle injury interrupted his campaign. Now fully recovered and ready to return to the court, Thomas enters 2027 with an opportunity to play a significant role in the team's future.
His return gives the Groove an experienced player who understands the organization, his teammates and the expectations that come with representing Augusta.
“Having Keanu back means a great deal to our organization. We saw what he brought to the team last season, and unfortunately, the ankle injury prevented him from continuing what he had started. Keanu is an elite scorer, but what makes him so valuable is that he can also defend at a high level. He fits our team, he understands his teammates, and he has the ability to become one of our leaders. We are excited to have him healthy and back on the court,” said an Augusta Groove spokesperson.
AN AUGUSTA PLAYER REPRESENTING AUGUSTA
For Thomas, representing the Augusta Groove carries a connection that extends beyond basketball.
A native of Augusta, Georgia, Thomas attended T.W. Josey High School before continuing his basketball career at Miles College.
His basketball journey now brings him back to the city where his career began, giving local fans an opportunity to support one of their own as he competes at the professional level.
Thomas brings an offensive skill set centered around his ability to score, combined with the defensive intensity and versatility that make him valuable on both ends of the floor.
Equally important to the organization is his familiarity with the Groove's team environment.
Having already competed alongside members of the organization during the 2026 season, Thomas returns with an understanding of the team's expectations and an opportunity to help establish its identity moving forward.
The Groove believes his combination of scoring ability, defense and team chemistry can make him an important part of their 2027 roster.
For Augusta basketball fans, his return also represents an opportunity to rally behind a hometown player as the Groove prepare for their next chapter.
BUILDING A CHAMPIONSHIP CONTENDER IN 2027
The Augusta Groove will compete in the 2027 Champion League, the highest competitive level of the United States Basketball Championship, presented by the United States Basketball Network (USBN).
The 2027 USBC season is scheduled to tip off May 30, 2027, bringing together six teams competing for the United States Basketball Championship.
The Groove enter the upcoming season with high expectations and the belief that their roster has the potential to develop into one of the top teams in the Champion League.
With Thomas returning healthy, the organization sees an opportunity to establish a competitive foundation built around scoring, defense, teamwork and leadership.
The goal is not simply to participate in the upcoming season. The Groove want to compete among the league's best and position themselves as legitimate contenders for the United States Basketball Championship.
“We believe the Augusta Groove have an opportunity to be a very special team in 2027. We are not building this roster just to show up and play basketball. We want to compete with the best teams in the Champion League and give ourselves an opportunity to win the United States Basketball Championship. Keanu is an important part of that vision. Having a talented player from Augusta representing Augusta makes it even more meaningful. We want this city to be proud of its basketball team,” said an Augusta Groove spokesperson.
Thomas's return represents another step toward that objective.
While the upcoming season will present new challenges and competition, the Groove believe their combination of returning players, developing chemistry and roster additions can create the foundation for a successful championship campaign.
The organization also recognizes that building a competitive team involves more than assembling individual talent. It requires players willing to embrace their roles, support one another and represent the team professionally both on and off the basketball court.
Thomas is expected to be one of those players.
AUGUSTA, IT'S TIME TO FEEL THE GROOVE
As preparations continue for the 2027 season, the Augusta Groove are working to create more than a competitive basketball team.
The organization wants to give Augusta and the surrounding Central Savannah River Area (CSRA) a team that local fans, families, businesses and basketball enthusiasts can support and proudly call their own.
With a hometown player like Thomas returning to the roster, the Groove have an opportunity to strengthen that connection between the team and the community.
Fans will have the opportunity to follow Thomas and his teammates throughout the upcoming season as the Groove pursue their championship ambitions.
For Thomas, the opportunity is personal: another season representing his hometown, another opportunity to compete, and another chance to help the Augusta Groove reach new heights.
Last season ended early for No. 15.
This season, there is unfinished business.
And for the Augusta Groove, the goal is clear.
Bring a United States Basketball Championship to Augusta.
JOIN THE GROOVE
The 2027 USBC Champion League season tips off May 30, 2027.
Fans can visit www.augustagroove.com and www.usbn.pro for official team news, player information, schedules, tickets and updates throughout the upcoming season.
Fans are encouraged to follow the Augusta Groove, support the players and be part of the excitement as the team prepares to compete for the 2027 United States Basketball Championship.
Augusta Groove
2027 USBC Champion League
Season Tip-Off: May 30, 2027
Official Team Website: www.augustagroove.com
League Information: www.usbn.pro
ABOUT THE AUGUSTA GROOVE
The Augusta Groove are a professional basketball organization representing Augusta, Georgia, competing in the Champion League of the United States Basketball Championship (USBC), presented by the United States Basketball Network (USBN).
The organization is committed to developing competitive professional basketball while creating an engaging, affordable and community-focused sports experience for fans throughout Augusta and the Central Savannah River Area.
Through basketball, player development, community engagement and partnerships with local businesses, the Augusta Groove aim to build an organization that brings people together and gives the city a professional basketball team it can proudly support.
Feel the Groove. Represent Augusta.
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