MJ Thomas

Men's Basketball

MJ Thomas To Join Men's Basketball Program

6-foot-8-inch forward to transfer to the Runnin' Rebels from New Orleans.

LAS VEGAS (UNLVRebels.com) - The UNLV men's basketball program has received a signed commitment from MJ Thomas to join the Runnin' Rebels for the 2026-27 season, head coach Josh Pastner announced Wednesday.

Thomas, a 6-foot-8-inch, 225-pound forward originally from Denton, Texas, is transferring from New Orleans, where he played the last two seasons as a freshman and sophomore.

This past season, he appeared in 32 games and made 30 starts, averaging 10.8 points and 8.0 rebounds per game. He shot 53.1% from the field. He scored in double figures on 19 occasions with a season-high 20 points, and recorded 10 or more rebounds in a game nine times with seven double-doubles. His rebounding high in a game was 19.

"MJ is an extremely high-motor player who impacts the game in so many ways," Pastner said. "He's a relentless rebounder that has a lot of skill inside and outside, along with the ability to make plays for others. He's a high-level forward that brings a lot of winning intangibles, and we are excited to have him join our program."

As a freshman in 2024-25, Thomas played in 31 games with 27 starts. He averaged 11.2 ppg and 7.8 rpg. He recorded six double-doubles and was one of just eight freshmen in the NCAA that season with 32 or more points in a game. He was also one of only three freshmen in the country with a game of 18 or more rebounds.

Thomas is a 2024 graduate of Denton High School. As a junior at Calvert High School, he led his team to the state championship game and was named All-State, MVP, and ESPN Texas Top-25. He was also a McDonald's All-American nominee.

Thomas joins Cam Miles as an incoming player to the Runnin' Rebel program for the 2026-27 season.

COMMITTED RETURNING REBELS: Tyrin Jones and Issac Williamson have both committed to return to the program in 2026-27 after playing as freshmen in 2025-26. Jones was selected to the Mountain West's All-Defensive Team and earned honorable mention All-MW honors. He averaged 11.9 points and 5.0 rebounds per game, while leading the league in blocks with 2.2 per contest. Williamson scored 8.6 points per game.

PASTNER ENTERING SECOND SEASON: The 2026-27 campaign will be the second for Josh Pastner as head coach of the Runnin' Rebels. He led the program to the postseason in his first year at the helm, advancing to the second round of the NIT.

2026-27 SEASON TICKETS: Season tickets are on sale now for the 2026-27 season, starting at just $115. To purchase or for additional information, please visit UNLVtickets.com or call (702) 739-FANS (3267). 


 
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Players Mentioned

Issac Williamson

#12 Issac Williamson

G
6' 0"
Freshman
Tyrin Jones

#6 Tyrin Jones

F
6' 9"
Freshman

Players Mentioned

Issac Williamson

#12 Issac Williamson

6' 0"
Freshman
G
Tyrin Jones

#6 Tyrin Jones

6' 9"
Freshman
F