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Meleek Thomas Will Remain in 2026 NBA Draft and Forgo College Eligibility

His decision leaves Arkansas without the SEC All‑Freshman scorer as scouts weigh his shooting and size against concerns about his frame and athleticism.

Overview

  • Meleek Thomas has elected to keep his name in the 2026 NBA Draft and will not return to Arkansas for his sophomore season.
  • Scouts view Thomas as a late first‑round or early second‑round prospect because of his 3-point shooting and guard size while expressing worries about a thin frame, non‑elite athleticism, and rim finishing.
  • Thomas averaged 15.6 points, 3.8 rebounds and made the SEC All‑Freshman team in 2025–26 while playing alongside projected lottery pick Darius Acuff.
  • He participated in pre‑draft evaluations in Chicago but skipped the combine scrimmages and measured 6‑foot‑3 barefoot with a 6‑foot‑6 3/4 wingspan and an 8‑foot‑4 standing reach.
  • Arkansas coach John Calipari publicly pushed for a first‑round outcome, Billy Richmond has decided to return to school, and Thomas’s choice will shape the Razorbacks’ roster decisions ahead of the June draft.