Recruiting Report: DeAndre Thomas (2018)
Steadily rising through the ranks since his freshman season, Millwood guard DeAndre Thomas has been the main reason that close to 20 college coaches have been at each Team Richmond Garner Road game during the live periods this summer. He’s not one of those players who has 30 offers from random schools, but when talking to coaches from the schools that have recruited him they are quick to mention that he is a priority in their class.
As for which schools Thomas says are pursuing him the hardest, he mentioned four that have already offered, and a handful of schools that have recently shown interest.
“Samford, William & Mary, Mount Saint Mary’s and Elon have been the schools that I feel have made me a priority and have been recruiting me the hardest,” Thomas said. “A lot of A10 schools have reached out lately, including Dayton, VCU, Richmond and Rhode Island, and I heard from Cincinnati not too long ago along with some other high major programs coming in late.”
Thomas’ stock is continuing to rise, and his strong play in the first live period means he should have more college coaches following him these next couple of weeks at Hoop Group and in Las Vegas. As for what he said he’s looking for when the decision comes, he wants somewhere he can learn on the fly.
“I want to go somewhere that I can make an impact right away, but also learn from another guard who’s been there for a while,” he said.
DeAndre Thomas has seen college coaches follow him all summer.While Tomas is picking up new interest every day, he’s still remaining loyal to the schools who recruited him first. He plans to set visits after the AAU season, but his only official visit he has set up is to Samford from August 31 to September 2, the first school that offered him his senior season. He’s a big relationship kid, and it’s evident in what he’s looking for when it’s time to make his decision.
“I just want to go somewhere that I’ll feel at home with a family atmosphere and somewhere that feels like a team on and off the court.”
Thomas is in no rush, as he still hasn’t planned all of his visits, but he says he does want to make his decision before the high school season starts so he can have a clear mind with nothing to interfere for his senior year. As for his goals this year coming up, it’s pretty simple.
“I just want to play as best I can and keep on improving before I go to college.”
Be sure to keep an eye out for Thomas, who should make an immediate impact wherever he chooses to go.