Electric at the Jordan Brand Classic: Meleek Thomas Drops 22 with Swagger, Darius Acuff Hits Clutch Threes with 16 — Arkansas Duo Shows Out on National Stage
Brooklyn, NY —
If there was any doubt about the hype surrounding Arkansas commits Meleek Thomas and Darius Acuff Jr., it was erased under the bright lights of the Jordan Brand Classic, where the two future Razorbacks lit up the court and proved they belong among the elite.
In one of the most star-studded high school showcases of the year, Meleek Thomas delivered a jaw-dropping 22-point performance, dishing out 4 assists and snagging 3 steals in a performance that combined finesse, physicality, and fearlessness. Meanwhile, Darius Acuff Jr. added a smooth 16 points, knocking down 3 of 6 from beyond the arc and adding 2 steals of his own in a showcase of deadly perimeter shooting and poise under pressure.
Together, they made a resounding statement: the future of Arkansas basketball is in electric hands.
Thomas Turns Heads With Explosive Performance
Sporting the crimson Jordan Brand jersey, Meleek Thomas played with confidence and charisma that captured the crowd’s attention from tip-off to final buzzer. His ability to attack the rim, create separation, and find teammates in tight spaces made him one of the most complete players on the court. But it was his defensive tenacity that truly stood out—ripping passes in the lane and igniting transition offense with his quick hands.
“Meleek’s motor never stops,” said one NBA scout in attendance. “He competes on every possession, and his leadership presence is undeniable even in an all-star environment.”
Thomas, a consensus five-star guard and top-10 national recruit, has long been on the radar of college hoops fans. But his Jordan Brand Classic performance elevated his reputation to a new level, especially among those unfamiliar with his two-way impact.
Acuff Heats Up from Deep, Shows Veteran Composure
While Thomas attacked downhill, Darius Acuff Jr. brought a surgical calm to the backcourt, spacing the floor and punishing defenders who gave him any daylight. His 3-for-6 shooting from deep came in timely bursts, swinging momentum and keeping defenders honest with his smooth, compact release.
Acuff’s ability to read the game and make decisive plays set him apart in a game filled with highlight chasers. His court awareness, combined with a scorer’s mentality, makes him an ideal complement to Thomas in Arkansas’s backcourt plans.
“He doesn’t force the game—he controls it,” noted ESPN analyst Paul Biancardi. “That’s a rare quality for a young guard, especially on a big stage like this.”
Arkansas Fans Have Plenty to Be Excited About
With both Thomas and Acuff set to join Arkansas next season, Head Coach John Calipari’s recruiting class looks increasingly like one of the nation’s best. Their performances in New York only reinforce what Razorback Nation has been buzzing about since signing day: this duo could transform the program.
“Watching those two out there, you can already see the chemistry building,” said a college hoops insider. “It’s not just talent—they understand how to play with and off each other. That’s dangerous.”
On a night when the nation’s top high school prospects were out to impress, Meleek Thomas and Darius Acuff didn’t just show up—they showed out.
And if the Jordan Brand Classic was any indication of what’s to come, Bud Walton Arena is about to be rocking like never before.
Up Next:
With the high school season now wrapped and all-star showcases coming to a close, Thomas and Acuff will shift their focus to preparing for the collegiate grind. Both are expected to make immediate impacts for Arkansas, with roles that could grow quickly in Calipari’s fast-paced, guard-friendly system.
Razorback Nation, get ready—this is just the beginning.
