WVU Basketball Makes Addition of Freshman Forward DJ Thomas Official

WVU basketball head coach Ross Hodge believes DJ (DeAndre) Thomas is ready for the Big 12, making him officially the latest addition to the Mountaineers.

West Virginia announced the signing of Thomas on Wednesday, locking up the Texas high school star.

“We are excited to have DJ join our Mountaineer basketball program,” Hodge said. “DJ played for one of the best high school programs in the country. He has experienced winning at a very high level and has incredible character. His size and versatility give him the chance to be a great player.”

𝓢𝓲𝓰𝓷𝓮𝓭 ✍️

Welcome to Almost Heaven, DJ Thomas!

🔗 https://t.co/12ppwM5BK9 pic.twitter.com/5dG1wcWvjb

— WVU Men's Basketball (@WVUhoops) April 16, 2025

Thomas became Hodge’s first high school commit for West Virginia when he locked in with the Mountaineers on April 8.

Thomas, a 6-foot-7, 210-pound forward from Allen, Tx., had signed at North Texas, but will now follow the former UNT coach to West Virginia instead. To fully emphasize Blakeley’s connection to Thomas and willingness to speak on this particular Hodge recruit, he spent time on Hodge’s staff at North Texas.

Thomas is rated as a three-star prospect and the 27th-best player in Texas by 247Sports. He is unranked by Rivals and ESPN. Along with North Texas, Thomas also held offers from Holy Cross, Oral Roberts and Rice.

Thomas averaged 10.9 points, 4.4 rebounds and 2.1 assists as a senior at Allen High, earning UIL 6A All-Region honors while helping his team to the Class 6A Division I semifinals. He led Allen to The Throne National Championship game, scoring 25 points in the finals and being named to The Throne All-Tournament Team.

Last year as a junior, he averaged 10.3 points, 5.4 rebounds and 1.8 assists per game, helping Allen to a 32-win season and top five 6A ranking in the state. Thomas had a breakout summer on the Adidas 3SSB circuit for Southern Assault that gained him national attention.

Thomas is ranked by numerous scouting services as a top 25 recruit in the state of Texas and as one of the top 75 forwards in the nation, playing on an Allen team that ranks as a top 25 team in the country.

Find more coverage of WVU basketball recruiting at WV Sports Now.

For a related story, Texas high school coach explained to WV Sports Now why Thomas is ready for the Big 12.