Arkansas Guard Meleek Thomas Declares for NBA Draft

Freshman standout will maintain college eligibility while exploring professional options.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 6:41pm

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A cubist-style painting depicting a basketball player in motion, with their body and movements broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in shades of red and white.Thomas' NBA Draft declaration adds an intriguing new chapter to Arkansas' offseason plans.Today in Pittsburgh

Arkansas freshman guard Meleek Thomas has announced he will declare for the 2026 NBA Draft while maintaining his college eligibility. Thomas, a 6-5 guard from Pittsburgh, was a standout for the Razorbacks this past season, finishing second on the team in scoring at 15.6 points per game and setting a school record for 3-point shooting percentage in SEC play.

Why it matters

Thomas' decision to enter the NBA Draft process as a freshman is a significant development for the Arkansas basketball program. As a highly touted recruit, his potential departure would be a major blow, but the Razorbacks will have the opportunity to retain him if he ultimately decides to withdraw from the draft and return to school.

The details

Thomas, an Overtime Elite alum, emerged as a key contributor for Arkansas this past season, showcasing his scoring ability and 3-point shooting. He scored at least 17 points in each of the Razorbacks' NCAA Tournament games and set a school record by shooting 48.7% from 3-point range in SEC play. The Pittsburgh native was named SEC Freshman of the Week in the final week of the regular season after averaging 21.5 points and 4.5 rebounds against Texas and Missouri.

  • Thomas announced his decision to declare for the NBA Draft on April 13, 2026.
  • The 2026 NBA Draft is scheduled for June.

The players

Meleek Thomas

A 6-5, 185-pound freshman guard for the Arkansas Razorbacks, Thomas was a highly touted recruit out of Overtime Elite in Georgia.

Darius Acuff Jr.

The leading scorer for the Arkansas Razorbacks this past season, with Thomas serving as his complementary backcourt partner.

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What they’re saying

“Meleek Thomas' strong play was somewhat overshadowed, but he showed out as a freshman in a Razorback uniform.”

— Daniel Fair, Author

What’s next

Thomas will now go through the NBA Draft evaluation process, including the NBA Draft Combine, before deciding whether to remain in the draft or return to Arkansas for his sophomore season.

The takeaway

Thomas' decision to enter the NBA Draft process as a freshman is a testament to his talent and potential, but it also creates uncertainty for the Arkansas basketball program as they look to build on their NCAA Tournament appearance this past season.