The UNLV basketball team’s performance hinges on D.J. Thomas, and they’re gaining momentum now that the speedy point guard has returned to the court.
After missing the first five weeks of summer practice to recover from surgery for torn ligaments in his left (shooting) wrist, the sophomore standout was cleared to play two weeks ago and is now back at “full strength.” With just one week left in the summer training period, Thomas is focused on catching up.
“I’m 100% healthy,” Thomas stated. “I’m fully healed. Right now, I’m working on regaining my rhythm. I’ve been in practice and just trying to finish strong.”
Thomas had injured his wrist before the 2023-24 season, and although he managed to play through it and started all 34 games, the persistent issue led to surgery soon after the season concluded in March.
While this isn’t the first injury he has faced, it is the first that sidelined him significantly, and he found the experience challenging.
“It was tough,” Thomas admitted. “I was eager to return. I’m just grateful to be back out there.”
The program is counting on Thomas to be a key player for the Mountain West in 2024-25, especially as they integrate a revamped roster. The summer practice period is essential for building team chemistry, and despite missing the initial five weeks, Thomas embraced his role as a leader.
As a freshman last season, he led the team with averages of 13.6 points and 5.1 assists in 34.9 minutes per game. Now, as a more experienced player, he aspires to take on a more vocal leadership role.
“(Being sidelined) taught me different ways to lead,” he noted. “I don’t have to be on the court to impact my team. I can use my voice, assist my teammates, and help them get into the right positions. It allowed me to lead in various ways.”
This is exactly what head coach Kevin Kruger hopes to see from his star player. Kruger believes that leadership is a crucial next step for Thomas’s development, and now that he’s healthy, he can amplify his presence within the team.
“His biggest growth this year won’t just be on the court,” Kruger explained. “What he needs to focus on this season, starting this summer, is being more vocal. It’s difficult to do when you’re injured because you’re not on the court, so you have to carefully choose when to contribute verbally. But it’s important for the team to hear his voice and value his insights.”
After finishing the last season with a 21-13 record and participating in the NIT, UNLV is counting on Thomas not only to elevate his own game but also to enhance the performance of the team as a whole. Kruger and his staff have brought in seven new players as they aim for the program’s first NCAA Tournament appearance since 2013.
Although Thomas had the option to enter the transfer portal during the offseason and received several lucrative NIL offers from programs likely to be tournament contenders, he ultimately chose to trust Kruger’s vision and remain at UNLV.
After observing from the sidelines for seven weeks and practicing with his new teammates, Thomas is positive about UNLV’s offseason moves.
“I think they did a fantastic job with recruiting,” he said. “They brought in players who can stretch the floor, play hard, and are good people—guys who want to win and are willing to do whatever it takes, regardless of their roles.
“It’s been a productive summer for us,” Thomas concluded. “I like the direction this team is heading. With one week left, we want to finish the summer strong.”
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