Report: Arkansas basketball guard Meleek Thomas staying in NBA Draft

Arkansas men’s basketball guard Meleek Thomas will remain in the NBA Draft, per a report from Draft Express’ Jonathan Givony on May 29. Thomas had previously indicated he was exploring draft eligibility while keeping his collegiate options open. The NBA Draft is scheduled for June 23-24 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, and the deadline to withdraw and maintain college eligibility passed on May 29. Thomas, who played a secondary offensive role to consensus All-American Darius Acuff, averaged 15.6 points and 3.8 rebounds this season. He was named to the SEC All-Freshman Team and is projected as a late first- or early second-round draft pick. At the NBA Draft Combine in Chicago (May 12-14), he measured 6-foot-3 barefoot with a 6-foot-6 3/4 wingspan and weighed 189.6 pounds. Coach John Calipari expressed optimism about Thomas’ draft prospects, stating he would push for a first-round selection. If drafted, Thomas would become the fifth one-and-done player in Arkansas program history, joining Moses Moody, Anthony Black, Nick Smith, and Jordan Walsh. NBA scouts note his 3-point shooting ability, size for a guard, and defensive willingness, though concerns remain about his rim finishing (67% conversion rate on 19% of shots) and athleticism. The 2024 NBA Draft class is deeper than most recent years, with many freshmen expected to be selected. If Thomas and Acuff are drafted, they would be the fifth and sixth one-and-done players in Arkansas history. Meanwhile, Arkansas has secured two portal commitments for next season: Furman center Cooper Bowser and Georgia guard Jeremiah Wilkinson, alongside five freshmen recruits. Returning players Isaiah Sealy and Paulo Semedo announced their decisions on social media, while forwards Trevon Brazile and Nick Pringle exhausted their eligibility. Five players—Karter Knox, D.J. Wagner, Karim Rtail, Elmir Dzafic, and Malique Ewin—have entered the transfer portal, with Knox and Wagner committing to Louisville and Maryland, respectively.