UNLV transfer Dedan Thomas Jr. finds new basketball home at LSU

UNLV Rebels guard Dedan Thomas Jr. (11) is introduced before a NCAA basketball game against Alabama State at Thomas & Mack Monday, Nov. 4, 2024. Photo by: Wade Vandervort

Coach Matt McMahon had a lot of needs in forming the LSU men's basketball team for the 2025-26 season — none bigger than point guard.

The third-year coach not only found his new lead guard but earned a commitment from one of the best players in the transfer portal in UNLV sophomore Dedan Thomas Jr.

Thomas averaged 15.6 points, 4.7 assists and 1.9 turnovers per game during his sophomore season at UNLV. He also shot 41.3% from the field and 35.3% from the 3-point line.

The 6-foot-1, 185-pound guard joins sophomore center Michael Nwoko as a part of the new additions for the Tigers. Thomas is ranked fourth on 247Sports transfer portal rankings and No. 19 player on The Athletic's rankings.

Thomas boasts an impressive 2.4:1 assists-to-turnover ratio — 43rd in the country — which will be a welcome sight for McMahon. LSU (14-18) ended the season 132nd in offensive rating on KenPom. This is worse than ranking in the 2023-24 season, where it was 99th.

Thomas was the 41st-ranked player on 247Sports Composite rankings in the 2023 class. LSU's new point guard led UNLV in scoring and assists as a freshman, 13.6 and 5.2, respectively.

He was the Mountain West Conference Co-Freshman of the Year and his 174 assists set the conference record for most assists in a season by a freshman. This also led the NCAA in assists among freshmen.

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