Portland’s high-IQ, high-efficiency anchor in the paint
In the 2014-15 season, Thomas van der Mars was a classic Pilots interior stabilizer: a four-year starter with elite finishing efficiency, strong rebounding touch, and real shot-blocking value, plus the rare bonus of academic discipline and polish[1][5]. He was praised for his ability to score on high-percentage looks, rebound consistently, and bring steady, team-first intensity—exactly the kind of center coaches love when they want clean possessions and a reliable rim presence[1][6].
