University of Houston Athletics
Men’s Basketball Welcomes Tyus Thomas
5/7/2026 12:48:00 PM | Men's Basketball
Incoming freshman guard will have four years of eligibility starting in 2026-27
HOUSTON – Guard Tyus Thomas has joined the University of Houston Men's Basketball program after signing a scholarship agreement, Head Coach Kelvin Sampson announced Thursday.
Standing 6-feet and weighing 180 pounds, Thomas will compete as a freshman and have four years of eligibility remaining starting with the 2026-27 season.
"When we were recruiting DJ, the thing I kept noticing was how tough Tyus was. Tyus is probably going to be a redshirt, but he is also going to push our starters because they will come in every day with the right attitude and the right work ethic and play their role to perfection," Sampson said. "Tyus is a tremendous young man, and I am excited to have him join our program."
Playing for Coach Keith Ulrich, Thomas led Liberty High with 14.9 points and 3.9 rebounds per game and added 1.5 steals per contest as a senior during the 2025-26 season. He scored double-digit points in all but two of the 29 games in which he played with a season-high 29 points against Modesto Christian High on 9-of-15 shooting.
In addition to his scoring, Thomas added 3.1 assists per game with a season-high nine assists against Coronado High (February 20) and in a win over Centennial High (January 8). He enjoyed 10 games with 5+ assists.
For his impressive efforts he was named the Class 5A Co-Most Valuable Player after leading the Patriots to the Class 5A state championship game. He also earned a place on the All-Southern Nevada First Team.
Thomas averaged 10.6 points, 3.7 rebounds and 1.0 steals per game as a junior in 2024-25 and scored a season-high 20 points against Village Christian High (December 29).
He chose Houston over LSU, UNLV and Creighton.
His older brother, Dedan Jr., signed with Houston in April.
BUY TICKETS
Non-season ticket holders interested in purchasing season tickets are invited to place their names on the Season Ticket Wait List by clicking here.
SUPPORT YOUR COOGS
Fans can make a direct impact on the success of Houston Men's Basketball by providing NIL opportunities and by joining the 50-50 Club, which provides financial support directly to Houston Men's Basketball for needs beyond its operating budget.
Fans who join the 50-50 Club will receive embroidered Jordan Brand team apparel, invitations to exclusive events, regular updates about the program and much more.
STAY CONNECTED
Fans can receive updates by following @UHCougarMBK on X and catch up with the latest news and notes on the team by clicking LIKE on the team's Facebook page at UHCougarMBK or by visiting the team's Instagram page at UHCougarMBK.
Standing 6-feet and weighing 180 pounds, Thomas will compete as a freshman and have four years of eligibility remaining starting with the 2026-27 season.
"When we were recruiting DJ, the thing I kept noticing was how tough Tyus was. Tyus is probably going to be a redshirt, but he is also going to push our starters because they will come in every day with the right attitude and the right work ethic and play their role to perfection," Sampson said. "Tyus is a tremendous young man, and I am excited to have him join our program."
Playing for Coach Keith Ulrich, Thomas led Liberty High with 14.9 points and 3.9 rebounds per game and added 1.5 steals per contest as a senior during the 2025-26 season. He scored double-digit points in all but two of the 29 games in which he played with a season-high 29 points against Modesto Christian High on 9-of-15 shooting.
In addition to his scoring, Thomas added 3.1 assists per game with a season-high nine assists against Coronado High (February 20) and in a win over Centennial High (January 8). He enjoyed 10 games with 5+ assists.
For his impressive efforts he was named the Class 5A Co-Most Valuable Player after leading the Patriots to the Class 5A state championship game. He also earned a place on the All-Southern Nevada First Team.
Thomas averaged 10.6 points, 3.7 rebounds and 1.0 steals per game as a junior in 2024-25 and scored a season-high 20 points against Village Christian High (December 29).
He chose Houston over LSU, UNLV and Creighton.
His older brother, Dedan Jr., signed with Houston in April.
BUY TICKETS
Non-season ticket holders interested in purchasing season tickets are invited to place their names on the Season Ticket Wait List by clicking here.
SUPPORT YOUR COOGS
Fans can make a direct impact on the success of Houston Men's Basketball by providing NIL opportunities and by joining the 50-50 Club, which provides financial support directly to Houston Men's Basketball for needs beyond its operating budget.
Fans who join the 50-50 Club will receive embroidered Jordan Brand team apparel, invitations to exclusive events, regular updates about the program and much more.
STAY CONNECTED
Fans can receive updates by following @UHCougarMBK on X and catch up with the latest news and notes on the team by clicking LIKE on the team's Facebook page at UHCougarMBK or by visiting the team's Instagram page at UHCougarMBK.
– UHCougars.com –
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