In a major recruiting coup, Florida State University has landed one of the most electrifying high school basketball players in the country. ESPN confirmed today that Meleek Thomas, a 5-star guard from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has officially committed to join the Florida State Seminoles, turning down powerhouse programs such as Alabama, Kentucky, and the Tennessee Volunteers.
Thomas, ranked among the top 10 recruits in the class of 2025, made his announcement via social media, accompanied by a video montage of his high school highlights and a heartfelt message to his fans, coaches, and family. The 6’4” guard is known for his explosive athleticism, elite ball-handling, and a clutch shooting touch that has drawn comparisons to NBA stars like Damian Lillard and Donovan Mitchell.
“Florida State felt like home,” Thomas said during a live interview on ESPN. “Coach Hamilton and the entire staff showed real love, not just to me but to my family. They’ve got a vision for my game and my future, and I believe I can win and grow there both as a player and as a man.”
Thomas’ decision is a major statement for Florida State and its legendary head coach Leonard Hamilton, who has made a name for himself developing NBA-caliber talent in Tallahassee. With this commitment, the Seminoles now boast one of the top recruiting classes in the nation for 2025.
His commitment comes as a surprise to many analysts. Alabama, led by Coach Nate Oats, had been considered a frontrunner, with Thomas taking multiple unofficial visits to Tuscaloosa. Kentucky, long viewed as a blue-blood destination for elite guards, had reportedly made a late push, and Tennessee was heavily involved, emphasizing their recent success in the SEC.
But in the end, Thomas cited “loyalty, fit, and trust” as the biggest reasons for his choice.
Meleek Thomas has dominated the national circuit, playing for Lincoln Park Performing Arts Charter School and leading his AAU team, New Heights Lightning, to multiple tournament wins. He averaged 24.8 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 4.3 assists as a junior and was named a McDonald’s All-American nominee, with many projecting him to be a one-and-done player en route to the NBA.
Basketball insiders see Thomas’ commitment as a potential turning point for the Seminoles, who are looking to rebound from a couple of inconsistent seasons. With Thomas on board, Florida State is expected to become a serious contender in the ACC and a dangerous team come March Madness 2026.
Recruiting expert Paul Biancardi told ESPN, “This is a massive win for Florida State. Meleek is the kind of guard who can shift a program’s entire trajectory. He’s got the tools, the leadership, and the mindset.”
Thomas is expected to sign his national letter of intent during the early signing period later this year. With his high school senior season approaching, all eyes will be on how he continues to evolve — and what his presence will mean for Florida State’s bright future.
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