Thomas Sorber, an American professional basketball player for the Oklahoma City Thunder, was raised solely by his mother, Tenneh Sorber, who hardly missed his games.
His father, Peter Sorber, was a star soccer player from Liberia who passed away when Thomas was only six.
Highlights
- Thomas Sorber’s parents, Peter and Tenneh, built a new life in the U.S., prioritizing family and faith.
- Peter Sorber instilled a love of sports in Thomas before passing away from colon cancer in 2013.
- Tenneh Sorber worked 17-hour days but hardly missed Thomas’ games, ensuring he stayed focused on basketball and education despite their hardships.
Thomas played basketball at Archbishop Ryan High School and led the Philadelphia Catholic League in rebounding as a sophomore.
He was rated as a four-star recruit and committed to playing college basketball for Georgetown despite offers from Villanova, Miami, and Providence.
He was named the Big East Conference Rookie of the Week for the first week of the season and All-Big East Third Team after his freshman season.
Afterward, Thomas declared for the 2025 NBA draft while maintaining his college eligibility, and the Oklahoma City Thunder selected him in the first round as the 15th overall pick.
He was the first Hoyas player selected in the draft since the Washington Wizards selected Otto Porter Jr. third overall in 2013.
It feels amazing. Honestly, I just can’t wait to get down there and see those guys. It might be the loudest arena I’ve ever set foot in my entire life.
Thomas Sorber
I think I’m bringing a defensive mindset type of intensity. Just giving them a walk out on defensive end, and on the offensive end; just being a great player, a great offensive player.
Thomas Sorber’s Parents Unbreakable Legacy That Built A Basketball Family
Thomas Francis Sorber, the son of Peter Sorber and Tenneh Sorber, was born on December 25, 2005, in Trenton, New Jersey.
His parents raised him in a close-knit family alongside his two siblings, Peter Jr. and Regina.
Peter and Tenneh Sorber’s journey is one of resilience, sacrifice, and unwavering love.
They sought refuge in the United States, fleeing the devastation of Liberia’s civil war in the late 1990s, determined to build a better future for their children.
Peter was a star soccer player who transitioned to coaching. He encouraged his children’s early passion for sports, coaching them on weekends and fostering their athletic dreams.
He earned a degree in Electronics Engineering from Rutgers University in 1986 and later pursued a degree in Information Technology at Almeda University, graduating in 2006.
His professional success as Vice President of IT at PSI Computer Services Corporation reflected his dedication and expertise.
Unfortunately, Peter lost his battle with colon cancer in 2013, leaving Tenneh to raise their children alone.
Happy Heavenly Birthday to my loving Husband Peter Sorber Sr., on this special day, I reflect on the precious time we shared together, cherishing the joy, happiness and the memories that overshadow life’s hurts, though God’s will prevails. Thank you for your love and devotion to our family, we miss you dearly, but we celebrate your eternal peace, RIP! until we reunite again.
Tenneh Sorber
Despite the immense grief, Tenneh honored her husband’s final wish, keeping their sons in Catholic school and on the basketball court.
She ensured her children never lacked opportunities, working up to 17 hours a day. She drove her children to practices and games, all while providing emotional support.
If they see me crying, they ask me why. It’s like they’re afraid to lose me, so I said to myself, ‘I’ve got to be strong for these kids,’ because I was going through a lot.
Tenneh Sorber
Her sacrifices bore fruit when the Sorber siblings earned a name for themselves.
Peter Jr. became a standout forward at Lincoln University (PA), and Regina paved the way as a student-athlete at Alabama A&M.
Thomas Sorber Derives His Power From His Mom
Thomas Sorber is the teddy bear off the court, but on the court, he transforms into a monster, a dominant force who commands attention.
He could easily be angry at the world, carrying the weight of losing his father, Peter, to colon cancer when he was just six years old. However, he doesn’t because his mother, Tenneh, wouldn’t let him.
Tenneh has been the relentless, sturdy foundation of Thomas’s life. She worked tirelessly, leaving home at 5:30 a.m. and often not returning until late in the evening.
She endured a two-hour round-trip commute when she took a job in Atlantic City while her sisters helped watch her three children.
Tenneh never complained even if her feet were swollen or her eyes were heavy with exhaustion. She stood up as a mother and father to her children.
She would never tell us she was tired. I would see her falling asleep on the couch watching TV. She was exhausted. You could see the exhaustion on her face. But she kept telling me everything was okay. I would help her upstairs after she worked overtime 17 hours a day, when I was 12, 13. I understand now. Everything comes from her. You don’t really appreciate things until you get older. I didn’t even know I was any good at basketball until I was around 13, 14. Things were getting easier.
Thomas Sorber
Thomas wonders where he would be without his mother. His path might not have led him to the NBA without her.
He knows he wouldn’t have had the strength to overcome grief, to stay grounded, ot to embrace life with the joy he carries now without her.
Tenneh’s love, sacrifice, and unshakable resolve are the roots of Thomas’ power both as a player and as a man. His heart will always belong to her mother, no matter how fierce he is on the court.
Additional Information
- Thomas Sorber plays the power forward and center positions in the NBA.
- He stands 2.08 meters tall and weighs approximately 116 kilograms.
- He initially attended Trenton Catholic Academy before transferring to Archbishop Ryan High School after his first year.
- He averaged 14.5 points, 8.5 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 2.0 blocks, and 1.5 steals per game as a freshman at Georgetown.
