West Virginia basketball has landed a promising young talent in Deandre Thomas, a 6-foot-7, 210-pound forward who brings a blend of size, skill, and upside to the Mountaineers’ roster. Thomas originally committed to North Texas in November, but after a coaching change in Denton, he was granted his release — ultimately pledging to West Virginia on Tuesday night.
This marks a significant addition for new head coach Darian Hodge, as Thomas becomes the first high school recruit to commit under his leadership.
A Familiar Fit for Hodge
Hodge’s early recruiting strategy has centered on players he knows well or has worked with before. Thomas fits that mold. While he never played for Hodge directly, the two have built a level of familiarity that made the move a natural fit.
That trust goes both ways — Thomas is choosing to play far from home because he believes in Hodge’s system and vision. And for the Mountaineers, giving a scholarship spot to a high school recruit in today’s transfer-heavy world shows the staff sees something special in him.
Solid High School Production
Coming out of powerhouse Allen High School in Texas, Thomas put up solid numbers. He averaged 10.3 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 1.8 assists as a junior, followed by 10.9 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 2.1 assists as a senior — all while playing on one of the state’s top teams.
Thomas’s versatility and willingness to move the ball make him a valuable piece. He can score in multiple ways and shows promise as a strong two-way player who can adapt to the pace and pressure of Big 12 basketball.
Building with Length and Defense
Thomas is the third new addition for Hodge this offseason, joining former North Texas standout Brenen Lorient and UNC Wilmington center Harlan Obioha. A common thread among all three? Size and defensive potential.
It’s clear Hodge is building a team that values length, athleticism, and defensive grit — all traits that will serve well in the ultra-competitive Big 12. Thomas, with a full four years of eligibility, has the time and tools to grow into a key contributor, both in the short and long term.
A High School Prospect in a Transfer Era
What makes Thomas’s commitment particularly intriguing is its rarity. In an age dominated by transfer portal additions, grabbing a high school prospect with upside like Thomas is almost unconventional. But it may prove to be a smart long-term investment.
With his size, skill set, and developmental ceiling, Thomas could very well emerge as a cornerstone player for West Virginia in the years ahead. If given the time and support to develop, he has a chance to not only make an early impact — but to grow into a leader for the program’s future.
Thomas’s decision to commit to West Virginia highlights both his potential and Coach Hodge’s confidence in building something meaningful. It may not be the flashiest move of the offseason, but it could prove to be one of the most important.
