NCAA Basketball Recruiting: Analyzing top 8 teams for 3-star forward Malcolm Thomas

Villanova Wildcats

The Wildcats focused exclusively on the transfer portal this offseason, which should set them up nicely for success next season. But that also creates a situation where the entire frontcourt is upperclassmen, with guys like Eric Dixon and Lance Ware leaving after next year. Thomas can definitely work to be part of the new era at Villanova and get minutes early on.

Virginia Tech Hokies

After losing both Grant Basile and Justyn Mutts this offseason, the Hokies’ frontcourt is set to look different. They added UNC transfer Tyler Nickel to be the potential new starting forward, while Lynn Kidd and Mylyjael Poteat will get the minutes at center. There’s certainly room for Thomas to come in and get into the rotation and his offensive skillset would fit nicely in Coach Mike Young’s system.

Xavier Musketeers

Outside of big man Kachi Nzeh, Xavier has exclusively focused on backcourt players in the last couple of recruiting classes. That includes four-star class of 2024 commit, Jonathan Powell. But the team has been targeting other frontcourt players, making a couple of recent lists for four-star prospects as well.

With Jerome Hunter and Zach Freemantle leaving after next season, that could leave a pair of junior transfers (Abou Ousmane and Logan Duncomb) on the roster for the Musketeers going forward. So this option definitely has the appeal of playing time for this prospect.