Dedan Thomas Jr. Draws Heavy Transfer Interest After LSU Exit and SEC Breakout

Dedan Thomas Jr. has quickly become one of the most closely watched names in the college basketball transfer market after re-entering the portal following his departure from LSU. Once viewed as a rising centerpiece during his time at UNLV, Thomas has now re-established his stock after a strong season in the Southeastern Conference.

His brief stint in Baton Rouge provided both development and exposure at a higher level of competition. Averaging 16.2 points and 7.1 assists per game, Thomas demonstrated his ability to operate as a lead guard while maintaining strong control of the offense.

Even with that production, his season was shaped by interruptions, including a foot injury that limited him to 15 starts. Coaching changes within the LSU program also played a role in his decision to re-enter the portal, as the Tigers shifted leadership direction in the offseason.

Now set to officially become part of the NCAA transfer cycle when the portal opens April 7, Thomas enters the market with proven SEC experience and a résumé that positions him as one of the most valuable guards available.

1. Iowa Emerges as a Strong Contender

Among the early programs linked to Thomas, Iowa stands out as a potential fit under head coach Ben McCollum, who is entering a pivotal stage in reshaping the roster. The Hawkeyes are coming off a surprising Elite Eight run, and expectations are rising quickly heading into the 2026–27 season. Iowa’s system, built around guard play and offensive responsibility, could align well with Thomas’ skill set as a primary ball-handler. His ability to score while facilitating for others fits the type of backcourt leadership the program is expected to prioritize moving forward. The departure of key contributors, including standout guard Bennett Stirtz, creates an immediate opening in Iowa City. Stirtz’s production during his time with McCollum underscores the importance of that position in the team’s structure. With the program aiming to maintain momentum after a breakthrough postseason, adding a proven SEC-level guard like Thomas would represent a significant step toward sustaining national relevance.

2. St. John’s and Rick Pitino’s Portal Blueprint

St. John’s has also emerged as a program to monitor, particularly under head coach Rick Pitino, who has built a roster strategy heavily reliant on transfer additions. The Red Storm’s recent success has been shaped by experienced portal talent, giving Thomas a clear precedent for impact. Pitino’s system has already integrated multiple key transfers, including high-impact players such as Zuby Ejiofor and Bryce Hopkins, helping transform the program into a Big East contender. That approach could make Thomas a natural target as the staff looks to further upgrade its backcourt. The Red Storm’s need for a consistent scoring guard and primary playmaker remains evident, especially after its recent conference title push. Thomas’ combination of scoring ability and passing efficiency would address a central gap in the rotation. If St. John’s chooses to pursue him aggressively, Thomas could step into a featured role on a roster already positioned for postseason contention, with the potential to elevate the team’s Final Four aspirations.

3. Tennessee’s SEC Stability Pitch

Tennessee represents another strong possibility, particularly given its recent consistency under head coach Rick Barnes and its ambition to break through past repeated Elite Eight appearances. The Volunteers remain in search of additional perimeter creation and leadership. Barnes has a history of maximizing guard talent, including previous success with smaller, dynamic point guards who were given significant offensive responsibility. That track record could be a selling point for Thomas as he evaluates his next destination. With Ja’Kobi Gillespie expected to move on, Tennessee faces a potential vacancy at lead guard that would place immediate responsibility on a new addition. Thomas would likely step into a high-usage role within a team still built around defensive discipline and structured offense. Remaining in the SEC could also appeal to Thomas from a continuity standpoint, allowing him to build on his experience against high-level competition while joining a program with legitimate national title ambitions.