The churn of the transfer portal is only just beginning even though a number of players have already found new homes for next season. Just days ago there was actually basketball being played, but now prominent names are finding their next landing spots and that’s what’s happened here with Dedan Thomas Jr. heading into his fourth year of college ball.
A 6-1 guard originally from Las Vegas, Thomas spent a pair of seasons in his hometown, playing for UNLV under Kevin Kruger. He scored in double-figures and was a full-time starter in the Runnin’ Rebels’ backcourt as an underclassman before transferring to LSU last season after a coaching change. A similar trend has struck yet again and Thomas is heading to his third home.
NEWS: Houston has landed LSU transfer guard Dedan Thomas Jr., source told @TheFieldOf68.
— The Field of 68 (@TheFieldOf68) April 11, 2026
The 6-1 junior averaged 15.3 ppg/6.5 apg across 16 contest for the Tigers. Started at UNLV and has averaged double-digit points his whole career. pic.twitter.com/UtGMdBndjD
Houston lands LSU transfer Dedan Thomas Jr.
Thomas spent this past season in Baton Rouge, though the year didn’t exactly progress as he expected. He averaged 15.3 points and 6.5 assists per game and was extremely productive for the Tigers, but a foot injury cut his season short at the end of January, as he appeared in just 16 games on the season. Thomas showed potential even as his shooting numbers took a step back as a junior.
A talented playmaker and distributor, Thomas had a trio of double-doubles this past season, including a 16-point, 12-assist showing in an impressive win over SMU, a team that would make the NCAA Tournament. Unfortunately for him and his program, LSU finished at the bottom of the SEC standings and certainly missed his services in the final weeks of the season.
With head coach Matt McMahon and a regime change at LSU, Thomas entered the transfer portal and has already found what could be a really great situation for next season. Thomas lands at Houston and it’s a fantastic decision in multiple regards. He ends up at a contender and a program committed to winning, but it’s more than just that. Kelvin Sampson and the Cougars have had a habit in recent years of transforming their guards into real stars.
Houston had significant star power in their backcourt this season before falling in the Sweet Sixteen, but Kingston Flemings is off to the NBA and Milos Uzan won’t be back either. The Cougars desperately needed a point guard and certainly fill that need with the addition of Thomas. They’ll heavily depend on him not only as a shot maker but in someone who can set up this offense and also play hard on defense.