MOSCOW, Idaho – Idaho basketball has added another in-state talent, with Damen Thacker joining the Vandals.  Originally from Meridian, Idaho, Thacker spent the last two seasons with Walla Walla Community College.
 
"Damen is an in-state product, having grown up in Boise," said Zac Claus, interim head coach.  "He's a really skilled, competitive point guard who can do a little bit of everything. He has already made an impression here, in terms of how hard he plays on a daily basis.
 
"Out of high school he played at Southern Virginia, but chose to return to the Pacific Northwest.  He helped lead Walla Walla to the NWAC title game last year, playing under a great coach in Jeff Reinland."
 
Thacker was outstanding with Walla Walla.  As a sophomore, the 5-11 guard averaged 22.6 points, 6.1 rebounds and 3.3 assists per game to earn All-Eastern Region First Team honors.  The Warriors had a strong season, finishing at 13-3 in conference play and advancing to the NWAC Championship game.  Thacker earned All-NWAC Tournament First Team honors after averaging 26.3 points, 7.5 rebounds and 3.8 assists per game while shooting 44.2 percent from the floor and 38.5 percent from beyond the arc.
 
In his first season at Walla Walla, Thacker averaged 15.8 points per game and helped lead the Warriors to the NWAC East Regular Season Championship.
 
Thacker began his collegiate career at Southern Virginia.  He appeared in five contests for the Knights, including a pair of exhibitions against Division I opponents.  He scored 14 points in an exhibition against Utah State and also appeared against VMI and Idaho State.  Thacker played his high school basketball at Mountain View High School in Meridian, Idaho.
 
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