DeLAND, Fla. — Stetson University head men's basketball coach Donnie Jones has announced the addition of Delano Thomas as an assistant coach for the Hatters.

Thomas arrives in DeLand with more than two decades of coaching experience and a championship pedigree, having built winning programs at every stop throughout his career.

"Delano brings head coaching experience and championship pedigree after winning a national championship and being part of High Point's Championship run. His experience and leadership will be a tremendous asset to our program," said Head Coach Donnie Jones.

Most recently, Thomas spent the 2025-26 season as Assistant Director of Player Development at High Point University after serving two successful seasons as head coach at Florida Memorial University. During his tenure with the Lions, Thomas compiled a 47-15 overall record and a 21-9 mark in Sun Conference play while leading the program to the 2024 Sun Conference Tournament Championship and an automatic berth into the NAIA National Tournament.

Prior to Florida Memorial, Thomas returned to his alma mater at Shawnee State University, first as an assistant coach in 2014 before taking over as head coach in 2017. He quickly transformed the Bears into one of the premier programs in the NAIA, engineering one of college basketball's most remarkable turnarounds.

"I'm incredibly grateful to Coach Jones for the opportunity to join the Stetson Men's Basketball program. It's an honor to become a Hatter and be part of such an outstanding coaching staff. I'm excited to get to work, build relationships with our student-athletes, and help our program compete for championships," said Thomas.

The pinnacle came during the 2020-21 season when Thomas guided Shawnee State to a 31-2 record and the program's first-ever NAIA National Championship. After opening the season 4-2, the Bears reeled off 27 consecutive victories to capture the Mid-South Conference regular season title, conference tournament championship and national championship. The winning streak eventually reached 31 games over two seasons.

For his efforts, Thomas was named the NAIA National Coach of the Year, Don Meyer Coach of the Year, Mid-South Conference Coach of the Year and HoopDirt.com NAIA Coach of the Year.

Over eight seasons as a collegiate head coach, Thomas amassed 162 career victories while mentoring four NAIA All-Americans, two conference Players of the Year and 28 All-Conference selections. His emphasis on player development has also translated professionally, with nine former players continuing their careers overseas and another currently competing in the NBA G League.

Before beginning his coaching career, Thomas starred at Shawnee State from 2002-04. A First Team NAIA All-American and AMC Player of the Year in 2004, he remains the program's all-time leader in blocked shots and rebounds per game while ranking among its career leaders in scoring and assists. His accomplishments earned him induction into the Shawnee State Athletic Hall of Fame in 2017.

Following college, Thomas enjoyed a nine-year professional playing career spanning six countries across Europe, South America and Asia, highlighted by a Norwegian BLNO Championship during the 2008-09 season.

Thomas also gained valuable coaching experience internationally, serving as a head coach in Uruguay and Norway while continuing his professional playing career.

He joins the Hatters as Stetson prepares for the 2026-27 season.

About Stetson Athletics
At Stetson University, student-athletes don't just compete—they thrive. Located in historic DeLand, Florida, between Orlando and Daytona Beach, Stetson offers the perfect blend of competitive athletics, academic excellence, and an unbeatable Central Florida lifestyle. As the oldest private university in the region, Stetson supports approximately 500 student-athletes across 19 NCAA Division I sports. Nicknamed the "Hatters" after the institution's namesake John B. Stetson, a hat manufacturer who originated the modern-day cowboy hat, most Stetson athletic teams compete in the Atlantic Sun Conference, where they proudly hold the longest active membership since 1985. With top-tier facilities, personalized support, and a welcoming campus community, Stetson is where students can grow, compete, and succeed. Learn more at GoHatters.com or follow social media accounts @StetsonHatters.