Human Highlight Jr.

The accolades a professional athlete receives from fans have about as much worth as the lint in one's pockets, however, when your peers begin raving about you, well, there are all kinds of value in that!

LSU's newest entry into the NBA, Tyrus Thomas, is going through his first pre-season with typical rookie ups and downs ... but it is the ups that's got everyone, including NBA veterans, talking.

From the Chicago Tribune:

Not only is Thomas contributing more good than bad thus far in exhibition play, his athleticism almost guarantees at least one did-you-see-that moment.

"That's why I'm calling him Human Highlight Jr.," veteran forward P.J. Brown said, referencing the rarified air of Dominique Wilkins. "He can bring excitement at both ends of the floor. Not only can he block shots but he has the moxie to get on the break and finish. That's something you can't teach. That's God-given."

Thomas is averaging just over 10 points and 4 rebounds a game and leads the Bulls in blocked shots.

And, oh, by the way, to P.J. Brown's comment about human highlights ... Thomas also threw down a massive two-handed jam over NBA all star forward Kevin Garnett.

Tiger bait ... Tiger bait ...