Dedan Thomas Jr. Scouting Report
Electric Offensive Catalyst with Deep Range and Playmaking Instincts
Dedan Thomas Jr. is a 6-foot-1 junior guard for the LSU Tigers who profiles as a competitive, downhill-oriented backcourt scorer with clear lead-guard tendencies. Since arriving at LSU, he has carved out a role defined by pace, shot creation, and toughness, operating primarily as a scoring guard who can also initiate offense in stretches. His physical profile is more compact than prototypical NBA guards, but he compensates with burst, balance, and a strong competitive edge.
Offensively, Thomas’s game is built around his ability to put pressure on the ball. He plays with pace and confidence, attacking defenders off the dribble and looking to create advantages early in possessions. He is comfortable pulling up from midrange, finishing through traffic, or getting to the free-throw line, and his scoring production reflects a guard who is unafraid of volume or responsibility. Analytically, his usage has trended toward primary or secondary creator levels, and while his efficiency has fluctuated, the shot profile shows a player capable of manufacturing offense when structure breaks down. He is at his best when he is decisive—using one or two moves to get downhill rather than over-dribbling—and his scoring efficiency improves noticeably when he plays within that rhythm.
As a passer, Thomas shows functional playmaking ability rather than elite table-setting instincts. He can make basic reads out of penetration and find shooters on kick-outs, but his assist numbers and tape suggest he is more naturally wired to score than to orchestrate. When asked to carry heavier lead-guard responsibilities, decision-making and shot selection become areas to monitor, particularly against set defenses. Continued growth as a pick-and-roll reader and a quicker processor would raise his overall offensive value.
Defensively, Thomas competes. He applies ball pressure, uses his quickness to stay attached to opposing guards, and plays with energy at the point of attack. His size limits his margin for error, especially against bigger guards, but effort is consistent and he shows good engagement. Team-defense awareness and off-ball positioning are still developing, yet his willingness to defend gives him a chance to be a net-positive guard defender at the college level.
From a projection standpoint, Thomas fits the mold of a high-usage college guard who can swing games with shot-making and aggressiveness. For LSU, he provides offensive edge, confidence, and toughness in the backcourt. At the next level, his path depends heavily on efficiency gains—particularly perimeter shooting consistency—and continued refinement as a decision-maker. If those areas trend positively, he projects as a competitive scoring guard who can contribute in rotation minutes and bring energy off the bench. Without those improvements, his value remains tied to matchup-based scoring rather than full-time lead-guard reliability.
Scouting Report: Dedan Thomas Jr. (JR) | 6-1 PG| LSU
Physical / Athletic Profile
6’1 lead guard with a compact, strong build.
Quick first step and good lateral agility.
Not an above-the-rim athlete, but plays with pace and toughness.
Handles physical play well for his size.
Offensive Evaluation
Primary ball-dominant guard who thrives with the ball in his hands.
Excellent downhill attacker; consistently generates paint touches.
Crafty finisher using angles, body control, and touch rather than vertical pop.
Strong pick-and-roll operator who can score or pass depending on coverage.
Comfortable taking big shots late in the clock.
Jumper is streaky but improving; capable pull-up shooter when in rhythm.
Better creator than spot-up shooter at this stage.
Playmaking / IQ
Natural floor general with strong feel for pace and timing.
Sees the floor well and creates advantages for teammates.
Assist numbers reflect real lead-guard responsibility.
Can occasionally over-dribble or force drives when defenses load up.
Defensive Evaluation
Competitive on-ball defender with good lateral movement.
Pressures the ball and fights through screens.
Size limits his versatility against bigger guards and wings.
Team-defense awareness is solid; effort level is consistently high.
Areas for Improvement
Perimeter shooting consistency, especially catch-and-shoot threes.
Decision-making efficiency against set defenses.
Finishing efficiency against elite rim protectors.
Defensive impact limited by size at higher levels.
Role & Projection
Projects as a high-usage college lead guard and offensive engine.
Best suited as a primary creator rather than an off-ball guard.
At the next level, profiles as a spark-plug scoring guard or backup initiator.
Ceiling tied to shooting efficiency and ability to scale offense against length.
Overall Evaluation
Tough, confident lead guard who embraces responsibility.
Strengths lie in shot creation, competitiveness, and playmaking feel.
Not a prototype-sized guard, but production-driven and resilient.
Projects as a high-impact college guard with professional potential in the right role.