The college basketball transfer portal welcomes Villanova freshman Malcolm Thomas, a 6’8″ forward from DeMatha High School. The son of former Syracuse star and NBA veteran Etan Thomas entered the portal April 16 with all four years of eligibility intact.
Once a Top 100 recruit, he chose Villanova over Florida State, California, Xavier, and Vanderbilt.
Malcolm Thomas Is Moving On
Thomas’s decision comes amid significant roster changes at Villanova, with six Wildcats entering the transfer portal. Having not played during the 2024-25 season, Thomas likely seeks playing time and development opportunities elsewhere.
Villanova 6-foot-8 freshman forward Malcolm Thomas will enter the transfer portal, his agency @MomentousSP told @TheFieldOf68.
Thomas is a DeMatha product who is the son of former Syracuse standout Etan Thomas, and was a Top 100 player coming out of high school.
— Jeff Goodman (@GoodmanHoops) April 17, 2025
The ongoing coaching search at Villanova may have contributed to his decision to explore new collegiate environments for his athletic and academic future.
5 Programs That Could Land Malcolm Thomas
1. Florida State University
New FSU head coach Luke Loucks brings NBA experience from his time with the Kings, Warriors, and Suns. He emphasizes player development in his coaching philosophy. With numerous forwards departing via the portal, Thomas could find immediate playing time with the Seminoles.
Thomas’s defensive versatility aligns perfectly with what Loucks has stated he’s looking for in recruits: competitive players with high basketball IQ who harbor professional aspirations. The program’s previous interest during Thomas’s initial recruitment suggests a mutual fit could easily be rekindled.
2. University of California, Berkeley
Head coach Mark Madsen’s emphasis on hard work and detail-oriented player development could appeal to Thomas as he looks to maximize his potential. The Golden Bears experienced a significant turnaround under Madsen, achieving ten more wins in his first season than the previous year.
As California transitions into the ACC, Thomas could provide much-needed athleticism to their frontcourt. Madsen’s background as a former NBA forward offers Thomas valuable position-specific guidance that could accelerate his development while contributing to a program on the rise.
3. Xavier University
Recently hired head coach Richard Pitino brings a strong defensive focus that could perfectly complement Thomas’s existing defensive strengths. With Xavier’s roster featuring a significant number of seniors, Thomas could grow into a more prominent role as his career progresses.
Pitino’s track record of building successful programs and emphasis on defensive fundamentals create an environment where Thomas could thrive while refining his offensive game. The Musketeers’ previous recruitment interest indicates they recognized his potential fit in their system.
4. Vanderbilt University
Head coach Mark Byington’s up-tempo, fast-paced style could showcase Thomas’s athleticism and energy. Byington emphasizes versatility and position-less basketball, valuing players who can guard multiple positions and contribute in transition, areas where Thomas already excels.
The Commodores’ significant roster turnover creates opportunities for newcomers to earn playing time. Byington’s success in rebuilding programs demonstrates his ability to develop players’ talents, potentially helping Thomas evolve into a more complete offensive player while utilizing his defensive prowess.
5. University of Maryland
Maryland’s geographic advantage cannot be overlooked. It is located in Thomas’s home DMV area, where he starred at DeMatha High School. The proximity to family and familiarity with local basketball culture could provide Thomas with a comfortable environment to develop his game.
Maryland has been making use of the transfer portal already, bringing in commitments from players at other positions. Thomas has local ties and provides defense, and may be a great fit for a program looking to add local frontcourt talent.
KEEP READING: 2025 Men’s College Basketball Transfer Portal Tracker
While considering these options, Malcolm Thomas will probably weigh the immediate playing time opportunities against possible long-term development opportunities.
Identifying a program that will evaluate his defensive strengths while allowing him to progressively develop offensively will be key for a player of this caliber with four years of eligibility remaining.
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