As the NBA Draft headlines fade and Summer League heats up in Las Vegas, the city’s next wave of basketball talent is preparing to leave its mark on the college game. While NBA hopefuls gather under the bright lights, we’re keeping our focus sharp on the names you need to know heading into the 2025-26 NCAA season — and many of them have deep Las Vegas roots.
As the new college basketball season approaches, a trio of Las Vegas-bred guards is set to command the spotlight across three high-major programs. Milos Uzan (Houston), DJ Thomas (LSU), and Pop Pop Isaacs (Texas A&M) are all returning veterans with proven production, leadership, and a hunger to elevate their teams on the national stage. These aren’t freshmen trying to find their way — they’re experienced competitors stepping into starring roles.
Whether it’s Uzan steadying the ship in Houston, Thomas reviving LSU’s hopes, or Isaacs igniting a fast-paced rebuild in College Station, one thing is certain: Las Vegas will be well represented when college basketball tips off this fall.
🔴 HOUSTON COUGARS: MILOS UZAN, THE FLOOR GENERAL RETURNS
Kelvin Sampson and the Houston Cougars can exhale. Milos Uzan’s decision to withdraw from the 2025 NBA Draft was more than just a roster win—it was a program stabilizer. The 6’4” junior point guard is the engine that makes Houston go, and his return is a signal to the nation that the Cougars aren’t going anywhere.
Uzan, a Las Vegas native, started all 40 games last season—setting a Houston single-season record—and led the team in assists (170), assist-to-turnover ratio (2.98), and composure. His 4.3 assists per game ranked eighth in the Big 12 and 11th nationally in assist efficiency.
He returns to a loaded roster that blends veteran savvy with one of the best freshman classes in school history. The projected starting five—Uzan, sharpshooter Emanuel Sharp, 5-star freshman Isiah Harwell, elite 6’10” forward Chris Cenac Jr., and defensive anchor Joseph Tugler—forms a blend of talent and toughness built for March.
According to multiple recruiting outlets, this is Coach Sampson’s best freshman haul yet. In addition to Harwell and Cenac Jr., Houston adds 4-star guards Kingston Flemings and Bryce Jackson. If the freshmen can adjust to Sampson’s famously demanding defensive system, Houston should once again be in Final Four conversations.
🟣 LSU TIGERS: DJ THOMAS, THE CATALYST FOR A TURNAROUND
DJ Thomas is ready to bring some Vegas fire to Baton Rouge.
After a breakout freshman season at UNLV where he was named Mountain West Co-Freshman of the Year and averaged 15.6 points and 4.7 assists, Thomas transferred to LSU with the opportunity to lead an SEC program that desperately needs a spark. He ranked ninth in the Mountain West in scoring and third in assists, while shooting 41.3% from the field and 35% from deep.
Now under the direction of head coach Matt McMahon—whose seat is hotter than ever after going 14-35 in league play over three seasons—Thomas represents LSU’s best hope for revival. The Tigers’ 2024-25 campaign ended at 14-18, and Thomas’s command at the point guard spot will be central to flipping that narrative.
Thomas is joined by key contributors like 6’10” Michael Nwoko (a transfer from Georgia who averaged 6.1 PPG and 4.6 RPG), 6’5” scorer Vyctorius Miller (8.9 PPG), 6’8” Corey Chest (6.6 RPG), and 6’6” sniper Tyrell Ward (9.1 PPG, 41.3% from three).
If this group gels—and Thomas continues to play with poise and pace—LSU could surprise some people in the SEC. One thing’s for certain: with Thomas at the controls, the Tigers will be competitive every night.
🟡 TEXAS A&M AGGIES: POP POP ISAACS JOINS THE FAST LANE
Pop Pop Isaacs is built for speed—and under new Texas A&M head coach Bucky McMillan, he’s going to get the green light to run wild.
Known for his time at Texas Tech (15.8 PPG as a sophomore) and a short but electric stint at Creighton before a hip injury cut his 2024-25 season short (16.3 PPG in 8 games), Isaacs arrives at A&M as a volume scorer and playmaker with a chip on his shoulder. He’s a guard who can fill it up in a hurry—14 games with 20+ points, including a career-high 32—and has the vision to facilitate, averaging nearly 4 assists at Creighton.
McMillan’s system is a dream fit. Known for leading Samford to one of the fastest tempos in college basketball, McMillan’s teams ranked top 15 in scoring and three-point attempts, and top 5 in forced turnovers. Isaacs will thrive in the Aggies’ new up-tempo offense and pressure defense.
He joins a retooled roster headlined by:
- 🟢 Mackenzie Mgbako (former Indiana 5-star recruit, now the highest-ranked signee in A&M history)
- 🟢 Jacari Lane (17.3 PPG at North Alabama)
- 🟢 Zach Clemence (Kansas transfer)
- 🟢 Josh Holloway (7.9 PPG, 2.7 AST at Samford)
With everything from the Buzz Williams era now reset, Isaacs has a golden opportunity to become the face of a revitalized Texas A&M program—and it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him take the SEC by storm.
🔥 Las Vegas Representing Big in 2025-26
This season, expect big things from Milos Uzan, DJ Thomas, and Pop Pop Isaacs—three proud Las Vegas products leading three major programs in three different Power 4 conferences. Their stories, leadership, and talent will not only impact Houston, LSU, and Texas A&M, but serve as a reminder of the basketball pipeline thriving in Southern Nevada.
Stay locked in with Unit 1 Hoop Source as we continue to bring you behind-the-scenes insight, coverage, and player updates from Las Vegas athletes making noise across the country.
We’ll have full schedules, national TV dates, and feature pieces throughout the year.
Unit 1 Hoop Source 