Arkansas freshman Meleek Thomas reportedly remained in the 2026 NBA draft ahead of the early entry withdrawal deadline on Wednesday, according to Jonathan Givony of DraftExpress.
Thomas was named to the SEC All-Freshman team, averaging 15.6 points, 3.8 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.5 steals while shooting 41.6% from 3-point range in 37 games. He registered nine 20-point games, including a season-high 30 points and seven rebounds on March 7.
The 6-foot-4 guard shot a program record 48.7% from beyond the arc in 18 SEC games. He connected on five or more 3s in a game four times, which was tied for the seventh-most such occurrences among all players in the conference.
NEWS: Arkansas’ Meleek Thomas kept his name in the 2026 NBA Draft at the NCAA withdrawal deadline, a source told DraftExpress.
The 6’4, 19-year-old guard made the SEC All-Rookie team, averaging 15.6 PPG on 42% from 3 in 31 MPG. pic.twitter.com/pS4vOCCjzQ
— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) May 28, 2026
Thomas initially declared for the draft on April 13 while maintaining his remaining college eligibility. He is currently projected to be a late first-round pick, which likely factored into his decision to leave school and remain in the draft this year.
The 19-year-old Thomas was among the 70-plus prospects who competed in the draft combine earlier this month in Chicago, Illinois. He recorded a 38-inch max vertical jump in the strength and agility testing and measured in with a 6-foot, 6 3/4-inch wingspan.
Thomas will have the opportunity to improve his stock in team workouts and interviews. He has already worked out with five teams, including the Boston Celtics and New York Knicks, and has other visits scheduled ahead of the two-night draft on June 23-24.
This article originally appeared on Rookie Wire: Report: Arkansas freshman Meleek Thomas to remain in 2026 NBA draft