2025 Recruiting: Meleek Thomas Electic Boogaloo

[auror]

Two pieces of media today.

This was posted elsewhere, but the relevant Meleek Thomas portion:

INTEL: Breaking down the top-100 prospects and their recruitments | Zagsblog

By ADAM ZAGORIA, SAM LANCE & CHARLIE […]

www.zagsblog.com

• Schools involved: Top seven of Alabama, Arkansas, Auburn, Kansas, Kansas State, Pittsburgh and UConn.
• Official visits set: Working on scheduling Alabama, Arkansas, Kansas and Kansas State.
• Other visits taken: UConn (late June). Auburn (January 2024). Kentucky with John Calipari (February 2024). Pitt in March 2024.

After the UConn official visit, the Huskies seem to be the leader in the clubhouse for Thomas. Dan Hurley said he himself is a badass, and so is Thomas, so he should come to Storrs. Still, you can’t count out Arkansas and the longstanding relationship Thomas has with John Calipari. And schools like Alabama, Kansas and Kansas State will likely have the five-star guard on campus this fall. This recruitment is far from over. Thomas intends to sign during the early signing period.

And I stumbled on this Arkansas forum tuber earlier this summer and he seems to be somewhat well-sourced on this recruitment from Arkansas perspective (he interviewed Thomas in May and seems to have open channel communication with him):
(15:42 starts the Meleek Thomas portion and it rambles a bit


Bullet points from the video:

• Has a visit date planned with Arkansas but it's not 100% locked in. Implied it might be Sept 14. Koa Peet is also visiting Arkansas that day.
• This guy did think UConn was the leader after the UConn visit because his camp got quiet.
• Has heard 3 different things now:
  • UConn is completely out.
  • UConn is still the leader.
  • Other dynamics with other players working itself out (Acuff and Peterson going to Ark and Kansas, will Thomas wan to play alongside them? Acaden Lewis trending to UConn, same thing.) Him still looking to visit Arkansas and Kansas might mean he's okay playing alongside.
• I'll quote this one since it's a bit of a doozy. "But on the Meleek Thomas and Acaden Lewis, since UConn's been heavily factored with both lately. I'm hearing that UConn is struggling with NIL, in terms of matching what other schools have got out there for these players. So they may like UConn a lot, but they're taking their time."
• That all being said, still thinks UConn might get Thomas. Kinda phrased in a way like if Hurley really wants him over Lewis we'll get him, especially if the UConn NIL rumor isn't true. Doesn't think it's moved as far as some people say, in either direction. Wasn't as UConn when people said it was all UConn, Arkansas was still in it. Doesn't think it's moved so far that UConn is out if they prioritize him.

 

[TheChamps990411]

Future NIL salary cap coming in 20 minutes. Terrible idea to implement this with seemingly no real guardrails.

 

[HooperScooper]

Two pieces of media today.

This was posted elsewhere, but the relevant Meleek Thomas portion:

INTEL: Breaking down the top-100 prospects and their recruitments | Zagsblog

By ADAM ZAGORIA, SAM LANCE & CHARLIE […]

www.zagsblog.com

And I stumbled on this Arkansas forum tuber earlier this summer and he seems to be somewhat well-sourced on this recruitment from Arkansas perspective (he interviewed Thomas in May and seems to have open channel communication with him):
(15:42 starts the Meleek Thomas portion and it rambles a bit


Bullet points from the video:

• Has a visit date planned with Arkansas but it's not 100% locked in. Implied it might be Sept 14. Koa Peet is also visiting Arkansas that day.
• This guy did think UConn was the leader after the UConn visit because his camp got quiet.
• Has heard 3 different things now:
  • UConn is completely out.
  • UConn is still the leader.
  • Other dynamics with other players working itself out (Acuff and Peterson going to Ark and Kansas, will Thomas wan to play alongside them? Acaden Lewis trending to UConn, same thing.) Him still looking to visit Arkansas and Kansas might mean he's okay playing alongside.
• I'll quote this one since it's a bit of a doozy. "But on the Meleek Thomas and Acaden Lewis, since UConn's been heavily factored with both lately. I'm hearing that UConn is struggling with NIL, in terms of matching what other schools have got out there for these players. So they may like UConn a lot, but they're taking their time."
• That all being said, still thinks UConn might get Thomas. Kinda phrased in a way like if Hurley really wants him over Lewis we'll get him, especially if the UConn NIL rumor isn't true. Doesn't think it's moved as far as some people say, in either direction. Wasn't as UConn when people said it was all UConn, Arkansas was still in it. Doesn't think it's moved so far that UConn is out if they prioritize him.

Your summarization of the video reads like a typical recruiting saga. In other words, this could go lots of ways and nobody knows what is going on.

 

[husky99]

I have not kept up with my recruiting connections so obviously take this with a grain of salt (lol) . I have heard everything from uconn is out to he is still a solid uconn chance or better.
This is an odd recruitment

 

[awy]

I don't really care anymore. thank you for the acaden lewis news though.

 

[dennismenace]

So we are right next to Duke and ahead of North Carolina, Tenn, Memphis, Texas. How bad can our NIL be???????????????

Considering how selective we are about who we offer this goes a long way for me.

Recruits are seemingly in the drivers seat as everyone is waiting on them to make the first move this year. This seems very short-sighted since NIL is only a small fraction of the potential income a recruit can make vs all the rest a school might have to offer.

This seems in line with the brain development not being completed until mid 20's with the last part being the section related to judgment.

When Does the Brain Reach Maturity? It’s Later than You Think – Journey To College – Realize your potential.

journeytocollege.mo.gov

 

[NJHusky]

Two pieces of media today.

This was posted elsewhere, but the relevant Meleek Thomas portion:

INTEL: Breaking down the top-100 prospects and their recruitments | Zagsblog

By ADAM ZAGORIA, SAM LANCE & CHARLIE […]

www.zagsblog.com

And I stumbled on this Arkansas forum tuber earlier this summer and he seems to be somewhat well-sourced on this recruitment from Arkansas perspective (he interviewed Thomas in May and seems to have open channel communication with him):
(15:42 starts the Meleek Thomas portion and it rambles a bit


Bullet points from the video:

• Has a visit date planned with Arkansas but it's not 100% locked in. Implied it might be Sept 14. Koa Peet is also visiting Arkansas that day.
• This guy did think UConn was the leader after the UConn visit because his camp got quiet.
• Has heard 3 different things now:
  • UConn is completely out.
  • UConn is still the leader.
  • Other dynamics with other players working itself out (Acuff and Peterson going to Ark and Kansas, will Thomas wan to play alongside them? Acaden Lewis trending to UConn, same thing.) Him still looking to visit Arkansas and Kansas might mean he's okay playing alongside.
• I'll quote this one since it's a bit of a doozy. "But on the Meleek Thomas and Acaden Lewis, since UConn's been heavily factored with both lately. I'm hearing that UConn is struggling with NIL, in terms of matching what other schools have got out there for these players. So they may like UConn a lot, but they're taking their time."
• That all being said, still thinks UConn might get Thomas. Kinda phrased in a way like if Hurley really wants him over Lewis we'll get him, especially if the UConn NIL rumor isn't true. Doesn't think it's moved as far as some people say, in either direction. Wasn't as UConn when people said it was all UConn, Arkansas was still in it. Doesn't think it's moved so far that UConn is out if they prioritize him.

Thx for summarizing and saving me from listening!!

 

[NJHusky]

So we are right next to Duke and ahead of North Carolina, Tenn, Memphis, Texas. How bad can our NIL be???????????????

Considering how selective we are about who we offer this goes a long way for me.

Recruits are seemingly in the drivers seat as everyone is waiting on them to make the first move this year. This seems very short-sighted since NIL is only a small fraction of the potential income a recruit can make vs all the rest a school might have to offer.

This seems in line with the brain development not being completed until mid 20's with the last part being the section related to judgment.

When Does the Brain Reach Maturity? It’s Later than You Think – Journey To College – Realize your potential.

journeytocollege.mo.gov

Is it really bad judgment? These kids believe they are good enough to be a pro regardless of where they go to school. And 2-3 mil is real money in my book.

 

[Ricker]

You can bet that actual NIL is a closely guarded arm's race secret that is just a guess. The NIL list in the post above may have exponential orders of magnitude between the top few and UConn at #13. Hurley has to juggle retaining promising talent that he has already invested in, and, pulling in new guys at market prices with a minor discount for UConn current cache'. That discount isn't going to be large for most players. Top 25 5* guys are going to feel they are going to the league with or without Hurley. Why should guys take less in college than they could get from another major program, and risk major or chronic injuries like Akok achilles, Gilbert shoulders, Diarra chronic knees, Hawkins who was getting so many concussions he was at risk for a period, (think Ducharme on women's side), etc. The difference in NIL might allow them a Lloyds policy guaranteeing them future money in case of injury that prevents a pro career. Could that be worth something? Hurley is in a good spot for talent, but a tough spot for the best talent.

I do have a question. Are agents advising kids on their market value, visit strategies, etc.? Even if not being paid in this college recruiting stage, it would seem like the logical way to be building relationships with players to become their agent when turning pro.

 

[runner11]

First, Zagoria truly is a master recycler. And wrt NIL, people like Goodman and Trilly have alluded to us being around 4 milli. But it could be the case where we spend a majority on retention and transfers. We do not have an unlimited supply like some of these schools and our healthy 500k offer could be squashed. All speculation but would not surprise me.

 

[dennismenace]

Is it really bad judgment? These kids believe they are good enough to be a pro regardless of where they go to school. And 2-3 mil is real money in my book.

1) I did not say they were making bad judgments since no one has access to anyone's criteria for choices.

2) I don't doubt that they believe that they are "good enough" to be a pro regardless of where they go to school.

3) I am not against NIL money and believe they are entitled to it now that it is the rule.
They will get NIL money wherever they go. It is the difference in NILS which is all that is really on the table in that respect and that is unknown to us.

What is inarguably different is the level of coaching (among other variables) at different programs so the point is getting the bang for your buck (diff in NIL$) NOW or investing in the future because of other variables.

I only am saying that NIL money alone is not necessarily the best criteria for choice and it is of course tempting to see the bird in the hand.

And becoming 25 or older doesn't automatically mean one will make better judgments but brain development is a scientific fact.

 

[awy]

with the league shifting to value team play more and development, it's increasingly becoming a poor decision to waste a year. the other factor is how good the college programs are at teaching the same skills desired by NBA. UConn is certainly a leader there but there's some others as well

 

[RichCTBB]

+1 for the “Breakin’ 2” reference. It was my second favorite breakdancing movie.

 

[TheHorde]

1) I did not say they were making bad judgments since no one has access to anyone's criteria for choices.

2) I don't doubt that they believe that they are "good enough" to be a pro regardless of where they go to school.

3) I am not against NIL money and believe they are entitled to it now that it is the rule.
They will get NIL money wherever they go. It is the difference in NILS which is all that is really on the table in that respect and that is unknown to us.

What is inarguably different is the level of coaching (among other variables) at different programs so the point is getting the bang for your buck (diff in NIL$) NOW or investing in the future because of other variables.

I only am saying that NIL money alone is not necessarily the best criteria for choice and it is of course tempting to see the bird in the hand.

And becoming 25 or older doesn't automatically mean one will make better judgments but brain development is a scientific fact.

There’s a huge difference in “being a pro” where you get drafted in the first round but outside the lottery versus getting drafted 4th or 7th like Castle or Clingan. I doubt that there is really a $2-3 million disparity in NIL offers. But our pitch is look at the disparity in the guaranteed money you’d get being developed here and getting drafted in the lottery or high in the lottery versus outside it. Hurley doesn’t have a really long track record here (yet), but there are around a handful of examples already of guys getting drafted WAY above their incoming recruiting rankings, meaning they improved while they were here. That’s worth a lot of money. As fans imo we should point to that and tout that, since that is our biggest selling point besides winning. If we take a woe is me approach about the 10-12 other schools that will have deeper pockets and fixate on that, it doesn’t help our cause.

 

[JustbrewitMan]

View attachment 103037

Based on a poll? LMAO

 

[StllH8L8ner]

+1 for the “Breakin’ 2” reference. It was my second favorite breakdancing movie.

What’s the third?

 

[awy]

the nba development story got a big boost from clingan/castle et al going high in the draft but it will really take off if some of these guys become stars. I think especially someone like castle who is with the spurs and whose future success can be easily associated with the culture and development at UConn. he'll be playing with one of the highest profile players in the league for a long time as the featured guard so it's a good bet.

 

[HuskyWarrior611]

View attachment 103037

BYU??

 

[HuskyWarrior611]

Can’t pay me enough NIL to go “soak” for a year.

 

[RichCTBB]

What’s the third?

Breaking’ 1. My favorite was Beat Street

 

[TheHorde]

the nba development story got a big boost from clingan/castle et al going high in the draft but it will really take off if some of these guys become stars. I think especially someone like castle who is with the spurs and whose future success can be easily associated with the culture and development at UConn. he'll be playing with one of the highest profile players in the league for a long time as the featured guard so it's a good bet.

Even guys like Andre and Cam can help push the brand forward. They were second round picks but appear to be valuable long term bench or contributor guys. This program prepares guys for the next level.

 

[GoConn]

Our NIL is literally fine.

 

[HooperScooper]

Our NIL is literally fine.

That was my thought also. This quote below from that Arkansas guy is stupid. UConn is not matching NIL with Arkansas, Kansas, Kentucky, etc. for recruits so there's no "struggling". Hurley has already said he's not going to compete on NIL deals with schools desperate to hand out NIL like candy to get recruits. That's not who he is and he's not making the program's culture about that either. UConn's NIL is competitive in the market but they're not out there just buying recruits like some schools. I'm predicting that strategy is going to back fire for these type of schools and it will be great to watch.

"But on the Meleek Thomas and Acaden Lewis, since UConn's been heavily factored with both lately. I'm hearing that UConn is struggling with NIL, in terms of matching what other schools have got out there for these players. So they may like UConn a lot, but they're taking their time."

 

[auror]

Breaking’ 1. My favorite was Beat Street

You got served got served.

 

[auror]

Our NIL is literally fine.

The information is being filtered through someone rooting for the #1 NIL team, so him being told we're failing to match what they (and likely some other top, top collectives) offer is unsurprising. So yes, the NIL is literally fine, in all that entails. We're going up against exceptional NILs for exceptional players, and hoping our exceptional cache will cover the gap.