Kansas City, MO (March 18, 2026) - Sophomore Jayden Thomas earned yet another honor this afternoon being named an NABC First-Team All-American as announced by the organization.

Thomas becomes just the second player in team history to earn First-Team All-American honors joining DeSales Hall of Famer, Darnell Braswell, who earned First-Team AA honors twice in his career. He is the first men's basketball player to earn AA honors since Matt Kachelries in 2021-22 and the eighth All-American in DeSales men's basketball history.

Thomas has now been named the Player of the Year three times including MAC Freedom, NABC District 4, and ECAC Player of the Year. He adds this honor to also being named D3hoops.com Region IV First-Team, NABC All-District First-Team, ECAC First-Team, and All-MAC Freedom First-Team.

Thomas had a record breaking sophomore campaign that saw him lead the team in scoring (25.6 PPG), rebounding (7.1 RPG), assists (5.5 APG), and steals (1.5 SPG). He broke the single-season record for both free throws made (212) and attempted (264), shooting 80.3 percent from the free throw line. Thomas scored 30+ points in a game seven times including a season-high 36 twice. He had three double-doubles and recorded just the second triple-double in team history with 23 points, 10 rebounds, and 12 assists in a win over Gwynedd-Mercy University in December.

He finished the season as one of just four players to rank among the top 20 in the country in both scoring (8th) and assists (18th). Thomas also ranked third in the country in free throws made and second in free throws attempted. 

Thomas became the first player in school history to score 1,000 career points in his first two seasons and finishes the year with 1,026 career points. He also tied the single-game record for FT's made with 17 and broke the single-season record for points scored (666) and field goals made (210).