NCAA Basketball: Analyzing top 6 teams for 2024 4-star PG Dedan Thomas Jr.
UCLA Bruins
The Bruins have senior guard Tyger Campbell and five-star combo guard Amari Bailey for this upcoming season but look to be in good hands in 2023 as well. Top-50 recruits Will McClendon and Dylan Anderson are currently on the roster and the team is currently targeting a pair of five-star PG recruits, Elmarko Jackson and Isaiah Collier in the 2023 class.
Whether or not UCLA lands one of them makes how viable an option it is for Thomas in the 2024 class. Coach Mick Cronin has made this program back towards being an annual Pac-12 and NCAA Tournament contender and landing five-star recruits once again. They’re also a team after Diallo as well, which has to be a factor as well.
UNLV Rebels
With his father being an alma mater to the school and them being one of the first to offer, the Rebels are a unique contender in the mix. Head coach Kevin Kruger has been landing power conference talent, including multiple transfers from the Big 12 this offseason. But with Jordan McCabe and Oklahoma transfer Elijah Harkless set to leave after this season and Duquesne transfer Jackie Johnson more of an off-guard, there’s a huge need for a point guard for the program.
Next. Preseason top-25 power rankings for 2022-23. dark
Unlike the other options, there’s no concern for Thomas being over-recruited or put in a logjam. In fact, he’ll likely be the focal point of the offense for however long he would be in the program. Playing in the Mountain West would be a downgrade from the Pac-12, Big 12, and SEC, but not by much. He could dominate in the league and the ability to play at home is a major selling point as well.