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NCAA Basketball: Analyzing early contenders for 5-star guard Maleek Thomas

Nov 22, 2022; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Panthers guard Nelly Cummings (0) shoots a three point basket against the Fairleigh Dickinson Knights during the first half at the Petersen Events Center. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 22, 2022; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Panthers guard Nelly Cummings (0) shoots a three point basket against the Fairleigh Dickinson Knights during the first half at the Petersen Events Center. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /
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Indiana Hoosiers guard Xavier Johnson NCAA Basketball Iuiowabigtentourneymbb 031222 Am2412
Indiana Hoosiers guard Xavier Johnson NCAA Basketball Iuiowabigtentourneymbb 031222 Am2412 /

It’s obviously early when it comes to looking at the 2025 NCAA Basketball recruiting class but it’s shaping up to being one of the best overall groups when it comes to the starpower at the top. But while prospects such as Cameron Boozer and Cooper Flagg have gotten all the attention, other five-star recruits such as Maleek Thomas have also gotten national praise.

Thomas is a 6’4 point guard out of Midland, Pennsylvania. It’s a 30-minute drive from downtown Pittsburgh so he’s essentially a Steel City product. He’s an elite athlete and dominant scorer with the size to create his own offense on all three levels. Thomas can play off-the-ball but he’s a true point and facilitator of an offense.

Recently, Thomas talked about teams that he’s been in the mix with. And as you would expect, plenty of local and national powers have been involved. Here’s a look at the teams that the five-star prospect is reportedly interested in and whether or not any of them has a shot at landing him.

Duke Blue Devils

The Blue Devils have been and will always be an appealing option for top prospects. This upcoming season will be fairly interesting when looking at the perimeter players. Former five-star prospect Tyrese Proctor is back for his sophomore season and will be the first true test of Coach Jon Scheyer’s ability to develop players into eventual NBA talent.

Thomas would certainly have a rotation spot at Duke but even as a five-star prospect, wouldn’t be guaranteed a starting role as a freshman. If he’s looking to have a maximum lead role, this could be a tricky spot depending on who else comes in the 2025 class.

Indiana Hoosiers

Coach Mike Woodson has landed a couple of five-star prospects this offseason, including former Duke commit Mackenzie Mgbako and Oregon center transfer, Kel’el Ware. It looks like the program plans to be in big recruiting battles in the future and has the resources to land top talent.

Starting point guard Xavier Johnson has just one more season left so it’ll be interesting to see what the program’s plans are next offseason. If they land a grad transfer rental, then someone like Thomas can come in and be the guy as a freshman. Otherwise, he may have to share the ball-handling duties with whoever Indiana goes with before he arrives.