Dedan Thomas Jr., a four-star guard, commits to the LSU Tigers.

The LSU Tigers just secured one of the biggest wins of their offseason—both figuratively and literally. On Wednesday, four-star point guard Dedan Thomas Jr., one of the top prospects in the nation, officially announced his commitment to LSU, giving head coach Matt McMahon and his staff a major recruiting victory. After months of speculation and heavy competition from other blue-blood programs and professional options, Thomas made his choice clear: he wants to be the face of a revitalized LSU basketball program.

For the Tigers, Thomas isn’t just another addition—he’s a centerpiece. The 6-foot-1 floor general from Las Vegas brings elite playmaking, poise beyond his years, and a high basketball IQ that projects to make an immediate impact in Baton Rouge. As LSU looks to claw its way back into national relevance, Thomas’s commitment could be the spark that turns a rebuilding project into a contender.

Who is Dedan Thomas Jr.?

Dedan Thomas Jr. has long been viewed as one of the top point guards in the 2024 recruiting class. A consensus four-star prospect, Thomas is ranked No. 27 overall nationally by 247Sports and No. 5 among all point guards. Hailing from Liberty High School in Las Vegas, he is the son of former UNLV and NBA player Dedan Thomas Sr., and basketball runs deep in the family.

From the time he was a freshman, Thomas has been lauded for his court vision and leadership qualities. He’s not the flashiest player on the court, but his command of the offense, his ability to manipulate defenses, and his unselfish nature have earned him respect from coaches and scouts alike.

Thomas also had a standout AAU career with the Vegas Elite, where he played against some of the best talent in the country. Known for his calming presence under pressure, he often served as the glue that held his team together. He doesn’t shy away from the moment—he embraces it.

The Recruiting Battle

LSU’s recruitment of Thomas wasn’t a walk in the park. In fact, it was anything but.

Programs like Gonzaga, Arizona, UCLA, and UNLV made strong pushes for the guard. UNLV in particular had a sentimental edge given his family ties to the program. At various points, it seemed like Thomas might even explore professional options, including the G League Ignite or overseas alternatives.

But McMahon and his staff never wavered. They prioritized Thomas early and made him feel like the focal point of their future vision. Multiple in-home visits, campus trips, and consistent communication made the difference. In the end, the pitch worked: Thomas chose LSU because he believed in the opportunity to lead.

“I wanted to go somewhere I could grow as a player and a person,” Thomas said during his announcement. “LSU showed me they believe in me and have a plan for me. I want to help bring something special to Baton Rouge.”

A Program in Need of Star Power

To understand the significance of Thomas’s commitment, it’s important to look at where LSU currently stands. Since the fallout from Will Wade’s departure in 2022 amid NCAA violations, the program has been fighting to reestablish itself in the SEC and on the national stage.

In McMahon’s first two seasons, the Tigers have shown flashes of promise but have lacked consistency and elite-level talent. LSU finished 17-16 this past season and failed to make the NCAA Tournament. While the team played hard, it was clear they needed a floor general who could elevate the rest of the roster.

Enter Dedan Thomas Jr.

Not only does he fill LSU’s most glaring need at point guard, but he also brings a culture of winning and accountability. He’s a natural leader who thrives in big moments and makes others better. For a program still rebuilding its identity, Thomas is exactly the type of player who can become the foundation of a new era.

Fit and Impact on the Court

Thomas’s impact will be felt immediately.

LSU struggled with offensive flow and decision-making last season. Too often, the Tigers relied on isolation plays and lacked a true facilitator who could get others involved. With Thomas running the show, that dynamic changes.

He’s a pass-first point guard who controls tempo, finds shooters, and rarely forces bad shots. His handle is tight, his feel for the pick-and-roll is advanced, and his ability to break down defenses and get into the lane is exceptional.

While he’s not known as a volume scorer, Thomas is capable of hitting open threes and has a soft touch around the basket. His value lies in his ability to manage a game—something LSU has been sorely missing.

Defensively, Thomas is a smart, disciplined on-ball defender who understands angles and help-side positioning. While he may not overwhelm opponents with athleticism, his anticipation and effort level help him hold his own.

Expect Thomas to start from Day 1. Whether McMahon surrounds him with veteran shooters or athletic wings, Thomas will be the one orchestrating the offense and making sure everyone is in the right position.

Boosting the 2024 Recruiting Class

With Thomas in the fold, LSU’s 2024 recruiting class is starting to take shape—and it’s gaining serious momentum.

Thomas becomes the highest-rated recruit to commit to LSU under McMahon and instantly elevates the class into top-20 territory. His decision could also have a domino effect, attracting other high-level players who want to play alongside an elite point guard.

There’s already buzz that a couple of top-100 forwards are now reconsidering LSU in light of Thomas’s commitment. That’s the kind of power a true floor general brings. When you land a point guard of this caliber, others want to follow.

The Message It Sends

For Matt McMahon and LSU, landing Thomas sends a message to the rest of the SEC and college basketball world: LSU is serious about getting back to the top.

The SEC is loaded with power programs like Kentucky, Tennessee, Alabama, and Arkansas—all of whom are stacking talent every year. For LSU to compete, it needed to start winning big-time recruiting battles again. Snagging Thomas—over top-tier programs and professional suitors—proves the Tigers still have cachet on the recruiting trail.

It also reflects positively on McMahon’s ability to connect with elite players. Despite a couple of tough seasons, recruits are still buying into the long-term vision in Baton Rouge. That’s a testament to his staff’s persistence and strategic approach.

What Thomas Brings Off the Court

Beyond the stats and highlight reels, Thomas brings maturity and professionalism. He’s known for his work ethic and quiet confidence—traits that tend to rub off on teammates.

He’s not interested in being flashy for the sake of attention. He’s focused on winning. He studies film religiously, shows up early to workouts, and embraces coaching. That mindset is invaluable for a young team looking to turn the corner.

Thomas has also made it clear that he wants to be a part of the Baton Rouge community, not just a short-term visitor. He’s already spoken about mentoring younger players, working with local youth, and helping to change the culture around LSU basketball.

Long-Term Projection

It’s too early to say if Dedan Thomas Jr. is a one-and-done prospect. While he has the pedigree and skillset to eventually make the NBA, his focus right now is on building something special at LSU.

Scouts have praised his potential, comparing his style to NBA point guards like Tyus Jones or Monte Morris—players who may not dominate highlight reels but consistently win games and control tempo.

If Thomas continues to develop his outside shot and becomes more aggressive looking for his own offense, his draft stock will rise. But whether he’s in Baton Rouge for one year or three, his impact will be long-lasting.

Dedan Thomas Jr.’s commitment to LSU marks a turning point for the Tigers. In a sport where elite point guards often dictate the fortunes of a program, LSU just landed one of the best.

This isn’t just about adding a star recruit—it’s about changing the narrative around LSU basketball. With Thomas as the new face of the program, Matt McMahon finally has his cornerstone. The rebuild has a leader.

For LSU fans hungry for a return to the NCAA Tournament and beyond, this is the kind of player who can turn those dreams into reality. Dedan Thomas Jr. is coming to Baton Rouge—and he’s bringing hope with him.