Norfolk State University's star guard Jamarii Thomas leaves the Spartans after one season, completing his transfer to fellow Virginia institution, VCU. Thomas revealed the news through a social media post depicting him in his new black-and-gold VCU jersey. He also seems to have switched numbers from “6” at Norfolk State to “2” with the Rams.

Thomas' departure is a gut punch to head coach Robert Jones' Spartans. The transfer from UNC Wilmington led NSU in points, assists, and steals. He averaged 16.9 points, 3.8 assists, 3.8 rebounds, and 2.1 steals. He also shot 38% from three-point range and 80% from the free-throw line on about seven attempts per game. Thomas previously spent two seasons at UNC Wilmington but never enjoyed the level of success and dominance he experienced as a Norfolk State Spartan.

With Thomas' help, Norfolk State secured its second regular season title since the pandemic. They finished with a 24-11 overall record, but they also posted an 11-3 record within the MEAC that bested North Carolina Central, Howard, and South Carolina State's three-way tie for second place as they all finished 9-5. Thomas ended the season with a treasure trove of accolades, including MEAC Player of the Year, Newcomer of the Year, All-MEAC Defensive Team, and All-MEAC First Team.

In Norfolk State's 34 games, Thomas led the team in scoring 21 times; led in assists 24 times; and led in rebounds seven times. He scored 15 points or more 20 times last season, including an electric 31-point performance in a win over Illinois State. In that game, he made 15 of 17 free throw attempts.

Coincidentally, right before the matchup against Illinois State, Thomas and the Spartans played VCU. Norfolk State won, 63-60, largely due to Thomas' 17 points, five assists, three steals, and three rebounds.

In the last game of the regular season, the Spartans took on their rivals, Howard University. Thomas ended the game with 16 points, six rebounds and four assists as his team eased their way to a 77-58 victory. The win further solidified their status as MEAC regular season champions before the start of the tournament. The Spartans played and defeated Coppin State in the quarterfinal round of the tournament, 75-51. On their way to a MEAC title stood Howard, whom they had just beaten eight days prior.

This matchup against Howard didn't go nearly as well for Jamarii Thomas and the Spartans as last time. Thomas struggled to score efficiently, going 4-13 from the field for 14 points. He racked up four assists and four steals, but it wasn't enough: the #4 seed Howard stunned the top-seeded Norfolk State. They would eventually win the MEAC and defeat Wagner in the First Four to make it into the NCAA Tournament.

While Howard celebrated as conference champs, Norfolk State entered the College Insider Tournament. They defeated Alabama A&M in the semifinal without Thomas, though he returned for the championship game against Purdue Fort Wayne. Thomas recorded 10 points, five assists, three steals, and three rebounds as the Spartans won the College Insider Postseason Tournament.