I’ve been tracking Dedan Thomas Jr. for over five years—long before the national headlines and transfer portal buzz—back when he was a smooth, cerebral point guard showcasing his poise, polish, and natural feel for the game at Schofield Middle School, Dream Vision, and Liberty High School in Henderson, Nevada.
I intentionally held back from doing a formal scouting report early on because I knew I was watching a player still unfolding—one who processed the game like a high skilled player even as a teenager.
Once he stepped onto the floor at UNLV, that growth was undeniable. He was the guy. And now, as he makes his move to LSU, he’s walking into a perfect opportunity: a program that needs a true floor general—someone to bring scoring punch, toughness, and vocal leadership.
So what can we expect from Dedan in Baton Rouge? Let’s break it all down—statistically, analytically, and with a scouting lens built for coaches, evaluators, and serious hoops heads alike.
📊 Statistical Recap: UNLV Career Breakdown
Season Games PPG APG 3P%
2023-24 34 13.6 5.2 36.2% (FR)
2024-25 26 15.6 4.7 35.3% (SO)
- All-Mountain West Third Team selection
- Broke UNLV freshman assist record (174)
- Played more minutes than any guard in the conference last season
Thomas’s sophomore leap was evident—not just in numbers, but in how he controlled games. From crunch-time decision-making to steady scoring and efficient usage, he showed he could command a high-major offense.
🎯 SEC Point Guard: Where Dedan Ranks
📍Dedan Thomas enters the SEC as arguably the most balanced, prepared, and poised point guard in the league. He blends scoring, passing, and intangibles in a way few others do at the high-major level.
🔍 Scouting Breakdown: Strengths That Translate to LSU
🧠 Court Vision & Passing IQ
Thomas has a natural feel for orchestrating offense. He sees rotations early, threads passing angles others don’t, and keeps LSU’s tempo fluid. He’ll be the Tigers’ primary creator, likely averaging 5–6 assists per game.
🎯 Scoring Balance
Crafty midrange pull-up, floater touch, and catch-and-shoot consistency from deep (35%). Can score in isolation, but thrives off reads. He’ll give LSU 10–12 efficient PPG with potential for more.
🗣️ Leadership & Composure
Played nearly 36 minutes per game at UNLV—handling high usage, defensive pressure, and big moments without rattling. Coaches rave about his voice in the huddle and calm in chaos.
🛡️ Defense
🛡️ Room for Growth: Defense in the SEC
Defense is where Thomas still has the most ground to gain. While he’s smart and positionally sound, he’ll face stronger, faster guards in the SEC—and improvement here will determine his long-term ceiling.
Current Weak Spots:
- Struggles containing elite speed off the dribble
- Can get caught navigating ball screens late
- Not yet a disruptor in on-ball situations
Path to Improvement:
- Adding strength (especially core/lower body) to handle contact
- Film work to anticipate actions and cheat angles
- Sharpening closeout discipline and communication in switches
He doesn’t have to be an elite stopper—but becoming a reliable point-of-attack defender would make him a complete two-way asset.
“Dedan’s always been a leader on the offensive end, but he’s working every day to become more vocal and physical on the defensive side. He wants that next level.”
— Coach Matt McMahon, LSU
🔮 Projected Role & Stats at LSU (2025–26)
- Role: Starting Point Guard
- Usage: Primary Ball-Handler / Secondary Scorer
- Projection: ~12 PPG / 5–6 APG / 35–36 MPG / 35% 3PT
- Impact: Stabilizes LSU’s late-game execution and floor spacing while enhancing team chemistry
🗣️ Coach & Insider Quotes
“Creative and skilled … makes everyone around him better … vision on the court and the ability to throw the lob pass are fun to watch.”
— Matt McMahon, LSU Head Coach (LSUSports.net)
“The best addition of the offseason by far for LSU.”
— On3 National Transfer Rankings Staff (On3.com)
✅ Final Take: Why Dedan Thomas Jr. Will Matter This Season
There are fast guards, flashy guards, and then there are the ones who win possessions. Dedan Thomas Jr. does that. Every dribble has a purpose. Every decision flows from IQ, not ego. LSU needed a table-setter and a tone-setter—and Thomas brings both. He won’t just run the offense; he’ll raise the standard.
Expect Thomas to elevate the Tigers in the SEC—and to reintroduce the league to the value of true point guard play.
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