D.J. Thomas takes on leadership role at first UNLV basketball practice

On a day when so much was new for the UNLV basketball team — new season, new players, new hope — it was a familiar face who took center stage.

At the team’s first practice of the 2024-25 season, returning sophomore D.J. Thomas looked comfortable in his new role as the team’s leader, smiling and joking with teammates and coaches. He even assumed the unofficial title of team spokesman, declaring his anticipation of the opening tip.

“I’m excited,” Thomas said. “I like where we’re at. It’s very competitive. It’s going to be a very exciting season this year.”

NCAA rules allow teams to begin practicing 42 days before the season opener, and for UNLV, that was Monday. Head coach Kevin Kruger put the squad through a two-hour session at the Mendenhall Center, focusing on competitive live drills and 5-on-5 sessions designed to help the returning players and the newcomers get a feel for each other.

Thomas is going to be crucial to those efforts over the next five weeks, both on and off the court.

Thomas arrived on the scene as an instant superstar last year, leading UNLV with 13.6 points and 5.1 assists per game as a freshman. With the Liberty product running the show, UNLV went 21-13 and advanced to the third round of the NIT. Now, Thomas is being asked to lead the Scarlet and Gray to the NCAA Tournament, a pursuit that is going to require him to dominate play while bringing together a group that includes seven newcomers — several of whom could serve in key roles.

Thomas focused on asserting himself as a leader during summer workouts, even when he was unable to participate due to offseason wrist surgery, and he carried that over to the first practice.

“Being more of a leader, being more vocal,” Thomas said when asked how he has developed from his freshman to sophomore years. “That’s the biggest thing I’ve been working on this summer. Getting in better control of my teammates and talking more to them.”

Thomas declared his wrist completely healed and did not wear any type of brace on Monday. He did show off his improved physique, boasting about the “six or seven pounds” of muscle he put on via rigorous weight training.

A stronger frame should help the 6-foot-1, 185-pounder deal with the more physical defenses of the Mountain West.

“I was in the weight room a lot this summer. I got bumped around last year, and I just didn’t want that to happen this year.”

Kruger praised Thomas for his offseason work and his dedication to getting back on the court following his rehab.

“When you’ve got a guy who’s a probable preseason All-American out there getting the reps with the guys, it’s a big deal,” Kruger said. “He’s done an unbelievable job in the weight room and an unbelievable job in the gym. He’s primed for a big year.”

In order to surround Thomas with a team capable of making a tournament push, Kruger went to the transfer portal looking for experienced veterans who are equipped to handle the rigors of the Mountain West. Incoming juco transfer Jeremiah Cherry is one example, as the center checks in at 6-foot-11, 280 pounds.

Cherry averaged 12.6 points and 5.8 rebounds per game last year at New Mexico Junior College and is ready to bring a physical edge to UNLV’s frontcourt.

“I’m a presence,” Cherry said. “I hit. I’m not afraid of nobody. I’ll go at anybody they need me to.”

UNLV also figures to lean on junior wing Jaden Henley, a 6-foot-7 transfer from DePaul, and senior guard Jailen Bedford, who transferred in after a year at Oral Roberts. Freshman wing James Evans will also compete for rotation minutes.

Thomas said the newcomers all have one thing in common.

“They’re tough dudes,” Thomas said. “They’re not scared of no one, I can definitely say that.”

Among the returners, senior forward Rob Whaley will be counted on at both ends of the court, and sophomore guard Brooklyn Hicks is poised to take a step forward.

Senior forward Jalen Hill could be a difference maker, depending on his recovery from the ACL tear that ended his season in January. Hill dressed but did not participate on Monday (Whaley also missed practice due to a back injury that Kruger deemed minor).

Thomas knows that with superstar status comes a responsibility to shape those pieces into a competitive team over the next 42 days.

When asked about his goals for the upcoming season, Thomas pointed to a conference title and the NCAA berth that would come with it.

“Winning the Mountain West Conference,” Thomas said. “That’s the most important thing to us right now. That’s our goal.”

Mike Grimala can be reached at 702-948-7844 or [email protected]. Follow Mike on Twitter at twitter.com/mikegrimala.