Can Calipari Close On Coveted 5-Star Visitor?

Arkansas basketball is set to host 5-star Class of 2025 guard Meleek Thomas for an official visit in Fayetteville this weekend. Can John Calipari close on his coveted priority target?

Thomas, a 6-3 shooting guard out of Philadelphia who is playing with Overtime Elite, ranks as a consensus 5-star prospect overall and top-3 shooting guard in his class by all major recruiting services.

The visit for Thomas was originally scheduled to take place in July, but was postponed shortly after Arkansas landed the commitment of fellow five-star guard Darius Acuff.

Now, Calipari will look to pair the duo up in what would be a star-studded backcourt for the future.

Despite the delay, the Razorbacks have held momentum in Thomas’ recruitment since the end of the summer as they look to fend off a number of heavy hitters.

Thomas has already taken visits to Pitt, Auburn and UConn — as well as Kentucky during Calipari’s tenure. He recently canceled a planned visit to Alabama but scheduled a trip to Kansas State the weekend of Oct. 25.

A big-time guard with major scoring pop, deep range and ability to create off the bounce, Thomas is also a willing and capable perimeter defender who profiles as one of the most complete guards in the 2025 class.

If Calipari was able to secure a commitment from Thomas alongside fellow 5-star Darius Acuff, it would give Arkansas the to backcourt duo in the 2025 class.

Thomas’ official visit to Fayetteville corresponds with Arkansas football’s primetime football game against No. 4 Tennessee, and he will also be able to take in official practices that are underway for the Hoop Hogs.

Arkansas also remains actively engaged with several prospects, including Nate Ament, Caleb Wilson, Chris Cenac and Shon Abaev.