FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Arkansas freshman Meleek Thomas is not wasting time making his mark.
The five-star guard from Pittsburgh, Pa., is already drawing praise for his energy, skill and willingness to learn as the Razorbacks prepare for the upcoming college basketball season.
Thomas, one of the country’s top 2025 recruits and a McDonald’s All-American, stood out during an open practice this week, showcasing his shot-making ability and intensity on both ends of the floor.
His transition to the college game is being closely watched, especially with the Razorbacks returning four key contributors from last season’s Sweet 16 team.
“He’s different. He’s a basket-getter,” Calipari said. “But he is used to having the ball and then getting a basket, where we’re going to create opportunities for him to run downhill, to shoot floaters, come off a screen, pull up in transition, shoot.
“You’re not going to bounce it 50 times. And if you do, it better go in. Now, go ahead. You can do it. But if they don’t go in, you’re coming out. You’re not playing that way.”
Thomas’ adjustment is ongoing, but his work ethic and approach have already impressed his coaches and teammates. He logged more than 1,700 points in three years at Lincoln Park and averaged 20.3 points per game during Nike EYBL play, ranking among the circuit’s best.
“I’m getting used to everything. Some things are new for me,” Thomas said after the practice Wednesday. “Just when it comes to college, everybody gets that college welcoming, but some things are new. I’m getting adjusted to everything.
“Nothing’s really too fast or too sped up for me. Like, I’m going to handle everything the way I need to, but everything is going good and the way I feel should be going.”
Thomas credited Calipari for helping him focus on the details.
“I really wouldn’t say it’s been a welcome to college moment,” Thomas said. “I would just say coach Calipari is doing a great job at critiquing every little thing that needs to be critiqued. That’s just the guy he is.
“He wants to make sure everything’s perfect or in the best shape or form. He’s going to make sure he keeps getting it through your head, make sure he’s making his message clear.”
Thomas’ ability to score is unquestioned, but Calipari is pushing him to improve his decision-making.
“I’m making Meleek dribble less and still score, but you’re not going to dribble as much,” Calipari said. “He’s very uncomfortable. He’s wide open, but that’s growth. Growth comes from discomfort.”
That willingness to be coached is drawing notice. “One thing I loved about Meleek was his willingness to be coached,” Calipari said. “When I spoke with him about his game, I told him he needed to add a floater.”
Veteran guard DJ Wagner is also helping Thomas adjust. Wagner, who is entering his third college season, has become a mentor.
“DJ, he’s doing an amazing job of just teaching me to slow things down at times,” Thomas said. “Everything doesn’t need to be so sped up, and he’s learned that through multiple years of college, and just a lot of good talks. ‘Slow things down.’
“He’s helping me be in better positions on the floor, helping me know where to be at on offense and defense, helping me to continue to communicate even though I already do that at a high level, I feel. Just add an extra gear, I would say, and be an amazing teammate.”
Wagner’s support and Calipari’s direction are part of a broader effort to blend experience and young talent.
Thomas and fellow five-star recruit Darius Acuff are expected to form one of the nation’s most dynamic backcourts, guided by Wagner’s experience and the physicality of Arkansas’ transfer additions.
Thomas’ high motor and relentless work ethic are already evident in practice. Reporters observed him diving for loose balls, playing aggressive defense and sprinting in transition.
“The work ethic, motor and hustle from Thomas were all on full display,” one observer wrote.
Calipari, who has mentored many future NBA guards, believes Thomas is on the right path.
“He’s a gym rat, and he lives in the gym. So, he’s going to be fine. I just got to kind of point him in the right direction and let him go figure it out,” Calipari said.
Arkansas is coming off a Sweet 16 appearance, and expectations remain high. Thomas, with his scoring ability and willingness to learn, is seen as a key part of the team’s future.
“Nothing’s really too fast or too sped up for me,” Thomas said. “I’m going to handle everything the way I need to.”
With the season approaching, Thomas is focused on improvement and team success. “He’s going to be fine,” Calipari said. “The coach has seen enough to know when a player is ready for the next step.”
For now, Thomas continues to put in the work, earning the trust of his coaches and teammates as he begins his college career. The Razorbacks’ hopes are high, and Thomas is ready for his shot.
