NCAA Basketball Recruiting: Analyzing the 9 main contenders for 5-star Meleek Thomas

Pittsburgh Panthers

As the hometown option, Pittsburgh has a unique sell to Thomas, who has attended several games in person. As a program, they’ve improved over the past two years and have played well with freshmen guards, Carlton Carrington and Jaland Lowe. His current HS teammate is Brandin Cummings, a Pitt commit for next season. There’s a possibility they can continue playing together at the D-I level.

UConn Huskies

The Huskies have become a national power, coming off winning a national championship last season and one of the two favorites to win it in a month. Coach Dan Hurley has also risen to the top in terms of development as of late, both with transfers and young players. With guys like Tristen Newton and Stephon Castle leaving soon, they can make room for Thomas to come in and have a lead role.

Tennessee Volunteers

Seeing how well transfer guard Dalton Knecht has played this year may make Tennessee even more viable for recruits. Coach Rick Barnes has the program as one of the best in the country and they’re going to lose several key guards, including Santiago Vescovi and Zakai Zeigler. 

Seeing Knecht play well alleviates some concerns about the playstyle of the Vols but he’s not a 5th-year senior so Thomas wouldn’t get the same kind of rope. But this season has made them look viable for more talented pure scorers going forward in future classes.