30—When the coaches gave Malcolm Thomas reasons he should return to the Dayton Flyers for the 2026-27 season, their pitch came down to this:"Everything that was true at first is still true." Thomas, a 6-8 forward from Mitchellville, Md., and DeMatha Catholic High School, announced in April he would remain with the Flyers for a second straight season. AdvertisementAdvertisement AdvertisementFor Thomas, his first season on the court in college basketball after a redshirt year at Villanova had some bright spots and low moments. AdvertisementAdvertisement AdvertisementLate in the season, there was a three-game stretch in which Thomas didn't see any action even though he was healthy. Thomas finished the season with averages of 4.0 points and 1.5 rebounds in 26 appearances.