In a major coup for Arkansas basketball, five-star guard Meleek Thomas announced his commitment to the Razorbacks on Monday, giving head coach John Calipari his second top-10 recruit in the 2025 class. Thomas, a 6-foot-4 standout from Pittsburgh currently playing for Overtime Elite, joins forces with point guard Darius Acuff to form a dynamic backcourt duo that has Hogs fans dreaming of championship banners.
Calipari’s Recruiting Prowess on Full Display
Since taking over at Arkansas in early 2024, Calipari has wasted no time putting his stamp on the program. The Hall of Fame coach, known for his ability to attract and develop elite talent, has the Razorbacks positioned as the early leaders in the 2025 recruiting race. Landing Thomas and Acuff gives Arkansas the distinction of being the only school with multiple top-10 commits in the class.
Everyone I spoke with was so positive on Coach Cal. He has touched so many lives with his guys becoming NBA players and so many others. He and the staff stayed in contact with both me and my family the whole time.
– Meleek Thomas on his decision to commit to Arkansas
Calipari’s track record speaks for itself. During his legendary tenures at UMass, Memphis, and Kentucky, he consistently brought in top-rated recruiting classes and sent dozens of players to the NBA. Now, he’s looking to replicate that success in Fayetteville and return the Razorbacks to national prominence.
Arkansas’ Style of Play Appeals to Elite Guards
For Thomas, Arkansas’ up-tempo system and Calipari’s history of developing guards were key factors in his decision. The Razorbacks’ style allows playmakers like Thomas and Acuff to thrive in transition and creates plenty of opportunities to showcase their scoring prowess.
- Thomas ranked 9th on the Nike EYBL circuit in scoring last spring, averaging 20.3 points per game
- Shot 34% from three-point range and demonstrated ability to create for others, averaging 3.1 assists
Pairing Thomas with Acuff gives the Razorbacks a potent inside-outside punch. Acuff, the nation’s top-ranked point guard, excels at breaking down defenses and setting up teammates. His presence should generate plenty of open looks for Thomas, a confident shooter and scorer who can light it up from anywhere on the court.
Hogs Eyeing More Top Targets in 2025
With Thomas and Acuff in the fold, Arkansas has a strong foundation for its 2025 class. But according to sources close to the program, Calipari and his staff aren’t done yet. The Razorbacks are heavily pursuing Caleb Wilson, the No. 5 overall prospect in the ESPN 100, and are considered one of the favorites to land the versatile forward.
Wilson’s recruitment will likely draw out into the winter, giving Arkansas time to sell him on the opportunity to form a star-studded trio with Thomas and Acuff. If the Hogs can pull off the trifecta and secure Wilson, they’ll have a group reminiscent of the star-laden classes Calipari routinely brought to Kentucky.
The crowds and energy for the program is exciting, and I want to be part of it.
– Meleek Thomas on Arkansas’ passionate fan base
Regardless of how Wilson’s recruitment plays out, there’s no denying the buzz around Arkansas basketball. Calipari has endeared himself to the Razorback faithful with his engaging personality and relentless recruiting, stoking hopes of a return to the glory days of the mid-1990s. If Thomas and Acuff are any indication, those hopes may soon become reality.
