NEWS FLASH: Five Star Guard 2025 Recruit Meleek Thomas Committed to Nebraska Cornhuskers over….
In a surprising turn of events, five-star shooting guard Meleek Thomas, a standout in the 2025 recruiting class, has committed to the Arkansas Razorbacks, led by head coach John Calipari. This decision comes after Thomas had been heavily pursued by several top-tier programs, including two-time defending national champion UConn, Pittsburgh, Kansas, Auburn, Alabama, and Kansas State.
Thomas, a 6-foot-4 guard from Pittsburgh, currently showcases his talents with the City Reapers in the Overtime Elite (OTE) league. His commitment marks the second five-star addition to Arkansas’s 2025 recruiting class, joining point guard Darius Acuff Jr., who committed in late July. This duo positions Arkansas as the only program nationally with two top-10 recruits in the 2025 class.
During his official visit to Arkansas from October 4-6, Thomas experienced the program’s culture firsthand. Notably, Acuff was also on campus during this period, marking his second visit to Arkansas. Both players had previously visited UConn, but ultimately chose the Razorbacks, highlighting the program’s growing appeal under Coach Calipari’s leadership.
Thomas’s performance in the OTE league has been impressive. He recorded back-to-back double-doubles in his first two games, averaging 25 points, 12 rebounds, 3 assists, and 1 steal per game. His shooting efficiency stands out, with a 40.6% field goal percentage, 47.1% from beyond the arc, and an impressive 88.9% from the free-throw line.
Before joining OTE, Thomas led Lincoln Park Performing Arts High School in Pittsburgh to consecutive state championships during his sophomore and junior years. His scoring prowess, combined with his length, athleticism, and fearless approach, makes him a versatile asset capable of initiating offense both in structured plays and isolation scenarios.
Coach Calipari’s recruitment strategy has been notably aggressive. He and his staff maintained consistent communication with Thomas and his family, emphasizing a family-oriented environment. Thomas acknowledged this approach, stating, “Family is so important to me – and with Coach Cal and the team at Arkansas, I felt at home.”
The Razorbacks’ playing style also played a pivotal role in Thomas’s decision. He expressed appreciation for the program’s approach, noting, “Their play style was a separating factor. Coach Cal holds himself accountable and his players accountable. I am the type that wants to know the truth so I can learn and grow.”
With the addition of Thomas and Acuff, Arkansas’s backcourt is set to be one of the most formidable in the nation. Both players bring elite scoring abilities and a competitive drive that aligns with the Razorbacks’ aspirations for national prominence. As they prepare to sign their national letters of intent during the early signing period from November 13-20, the anticipation for their arrival in Fayetteville continues to build.
Thomas’s commitment signifies a significant win for Coach Calipari and the Arkansas program, reflecting the Razorbacks’ rising stature in collegiate basketball recruiting.
