University of North Dakota men’s basketball Head Coach Paul Sather announced on Apr. 28 the addition of forward Jayden Thomas to the team.
Thomas, who spent two seasons at Lee College in Texas, earned All-Region XIV Honorable Mention in the 2025-26 season and will have two years of eligibility remaining with North Dakota. The announcement is significant as it brings a player with both offensive efficiency and defensive skills to the roster.
“JT is a high flying, hard playing, two-way player that brings size, length and versatility to our team,” said Sather. He added, “He was one of the most efficient offensive players in the country in both high school and junior college, making 62% of his field goals this past year while shooting 44% from behind the arc. JT has always been known as a defensive player as he can matchup with anyone on the court and fits our style of defense well. His aggressive nature combined with his athleticism will make him an immediate impact player on that side of the floor.”
During his last season at Lee College, Thomas averaged 9.4 points, 5.5 rebounds, 1.1 steals, one assist and nearly one block per game over 33 games and 27 starts. He led NJCAA Region XIV in shot percentage at 62 percent from the field and also shot over 44 percent from three-point range.
Thomas had several notable performances during his sophomore year including a season-high of 18 points against Kilgore College where he made seven out of eight shots from the field. He also recorded double-digit rebounds three times during the season and achieved his first double-double against Trinity Valley Community College.
Before joining North Dakota’s roster for next season alongside other transfers and returning players, Thomas participated in the JUCO All-American Showcase in Atlanta prior to his sophomore year—a showcase for top rising sophomores nationwide.
