In a major development for college basketball, five-star recruit Meleek Thomas has announced his commitment to the University of Arkansas.
The highly sought-after prospect, ranked in the top 10 of the 2025 high school class, made the decision public in a statement to ESPN, confirmed by NBA insider Shams Charania.
Thomas, a standout player in the Overtime Elite league, is considered one of the best basketball prospects in his class. His commitment to Arkansas is a significant coup for head coach John Calipari, who has been building a powerhouse program with the help of elite recruits.
The 6-foot-7 forward from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has quickly risen to prominence due to his impressive skills and physicality on the court.
Thomas’ journey to this point has been anything but conventional. Born in Pittsburgh, he moved to Charlotte, North Carolina, at age 10 before returning to Pittsburgh four years later. It was here that he began to make a name for himself as a basketball player.
During his time at Lincoln Park Performing Arts Charter School, Thomas was a dominant force. As a junior, he led the team to a second consecutive PIAA state championship, averaging 23.5 points, 10.8 rebounds, 5.8 assists, and 3.3 steals per game. Over three years, he scored 1,750 points, showcasing his all-around abilities on both ends of the floor.
After his successful junior season, Thomas made a pivotal decision to leave high school basketball behind and join the Overtime Elite league. This move, which allowed him to preserve his college eligibility, proved to be a strategic one
Playing for the City Reapers, Thomas continued to develop his game against top-tier competition while keeping his options open for a collegiate future.
As a consensus five-star recruit, Thomas has garnered attention from major recruiting services and is widely regarded as one of the top players in the 2025 class.
