Rutgers pursuing the top shooting guard in the 2025 class

Midnight last Thursday morning marked the first time college basketball coaches could speak with recruits from the class of 2025. Even though offers could previously be extended and interest expressed, it was the first chance for coaches to make direct contact with recruits in the upcoming cycle. One of the players that Rutgers made immediate contact with was Meleek Thomas, the top rated shooting guard in the 2025 class.

The 5-star prospect from Midland, Pennsylvania is rated No. 6 overall and the highest in his state per 247 Sports composite rankings. Head coach Steve Pikiell extended an offer to Thomas in their conversation on Thursday. He also received offers from Kansas and Auburn this past week. He holds an impressive offer list so far, which also includes UConn, Kentucky, Duke, Xavier, Tennessee, Villanova, Alabama, Michigan, Indiana, Penn State and Kansas State among others.

Thomas recently competed at the Nike Elite One Hundred camp where he performed at a high level. National recruiting analyst Adam Finklestein detailed his play in a positive way.

“Thomas probably made more high-level plays than any other guard in the field this week,” Finklestein said. “There were a series of tough jumpers off the dribble, whipped crossovers, and stretches where he scored in bunches. The next step in his development is to use his versatility to make the easy plays more frequently.”

This past season for Lincoln Park Performing Arts High School, Thomas averaged a team high 24.9 points, leading the way to a state title and 30-1 record. This came after growing about three inches from the previous summer. Teammate Brandon Cummings, a Pitt commit, has helped form a potent backcourt duo with Thomas.

In addition, Thomas has played well for the NY Lightning on the Nike EYBL circuit. He’s averaging 13.5 points per game on 48.9% shooting from the floor, 36.5% from behind the arc. and 74.3% from the foul line. Through 17 games at 24.4 minutes per game, Thomas also averages 4.7 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 1.5 steals,

He is quick at the point of attack and has a great handle. Thomas can get into the paint off the dribble, finish in multiple ways, has a soft touch and good body control. He is also a willing defender and has good shooting form.

Thomas is one of several guards in the 2025 class that Rutgers is targeting. They also are making the top recruit in New Jersey, Darius Adams, a major priority. However, midway through their scholastic careers it is Thomas who is ranked higher so far. Recruiting both is a great strategy and Adams has indicated he considers his future as a point guard. Pikiell and the coaching staff continue to build relationships with many elite prospects in every recruiting cycle. The competition for Thomas is fierce. It was good to see Rutgers make a point to contact him and present an offer as soon as they were able to.

You can watch highlights of Thomas in action below.

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