The John Calipari effect has started to get results in Fayetteville.
Arkansas has landed five-star recruit Meleek Thomas as part of its recruiting class for 2025, per ESPN’s Shams Charania. Thomas currently plays in the Overtime Elite basketball league.
Five-star Meleek Thomas of Overtime Elite – ranked in the top 10 of the 2025 high school class – has committed to the University of Arkansas and coach John Calipari, he told ESPN. pic.twitter.com/qw9Xkq0IIg
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) November 12, 2024
Thomas had previously been choosing between three schools: Arkansas, defending champion UConn, and his hometown school, Pitt.
The 18-year-old will form what is expected to be the best freshman backcourt in the nation next year alongside fellow five-star recruit Darius Acuff Jr. Thomas ranks No. 8 in the nation and first among shooting guards, per 247’s composite rankings. Acuff isn’t far behind him as the No. 12 recruit and second-best point guard prospect on the list.
Calipari’s reputation for producing NBA-caliber guards likely played a huge role in Thomas’ decision to team up with Acuff. The former Kentucky coach may not have had success in the NCAA ranks of late, but his former recruits have continued to thrive at the pro level.
Kentucky alumni such as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Devin Booker, and De’Aaron Fox are considered among the best guards in the NBA today. Younger faces like Tyrese Maxey and Immanuel Quickley are on the rise as well.
Calipari recently sent a warning to NBA teams about passing on his most recent crop of Kentucky alums. He’ll likely do the same for both Thomas and Acuff when the time comes.
