Why is WVU Basketball Commit DeAndre Thomas Ready for Big 12?

While some may wonder if a player Ross Hodge was originally recruiting to North Texas can handle the higher level of competition in the Big 12, a coach who knows DeAndre Thomas well believes the forward is ready to make an impact at WVU.

Chris Blakeley, who coached Thomas at the prestigious Allen Eagle High School in Texas, labels his former player a “very high ceiling small forward” to keep an eye on. He then used some big words like “fluid, highly skilled, great passing feel, good mindset, winning background” to describe what Thomas brings to a team.

💡6’8 2025 @WVUhoops commit DJ Thomas (@DeandreThom15) is a very high ceiling SF out of (@AllenEagleBball) to keep an eye on.

Fluid, highly skilled, great passing feel. good mindset, winning background.

⬇️ some footage from@TheThroneHoops National Championship https://t.co/TpL5lEwtgc pic.twitter.com/OkTf0fID2X

— Chris Blakeley (@CoachCBlakeley) April 9, 2025

But beyond what Blakeley out there publicly, he expanded on his evaluated of Thomas to WV Sports Now.

“DJ has a college-ready body. If you just look at him up close in person you’ll see that he’s ready to handle the level of physicality he’ll face. Few freshmen in the country are ready to truly impact games and winning at the highest level. DJ, like many, will likely need time to acclimate as he continues to grow and develop. Time will tell, but we fully expect him to compete and bring winning habits, along with a level of versatility and skillset that so many programs desire these days,” said Blakeley.