Rap star Waka Flocka Flame says Texas big man Elijah Thomas is the country’s No. 1 player. / Schure Media Group

The first thing you should know about rapper Waka Flocka Flame is that there’s a lot more to him than just hit songs and hard beats; Waka knows, and plays, basketball extremely well.

In fact, among rappers, Waka has no qualms about saying that he’s No. 1 on the hardwood.

“I’m definitely the best hooper when it comes to rappers,” Waka said. “Definitely.”

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He’s equally confident about his pick for the No. 1 high school player in the country.

“Elijah Thomas,” Waka said. “He’s like a little brother to me; I mentor him and everything, but that’s not why I think he’s No. 1. His game is why I say he’s No. 1.”

Currently, Thomas, a senior forward at Lancaster (Lancaster, Texas), is 27 spots away from where Waka thinks he should be in the ESPN 100.

“That kid is an absolute beast!” Waka said. “He can do so many different things on the court, and he’s got great size. I definitely think he’s the top high school player.”

But can he beat the No. 1 hooping rapper?

“He can,” Waka reluctantly admitted. “Well, wait, wait… We’ll have to set that up. I don’t know. It’d be a good one. We’re gonna set that up and see how it goes. But for high school, I’ve got him as the No. 1 player.”

When asked what he thought about Waka’s ranking projection, Thomas was very matter-of-fact with his co-sign.

“As Waka would say, ‘Facts,” Thomas said.

Follow Jason Jordan on Twitter: @JayJayUSATODAY