In a bold move to enhance his basketball career, Meleek Thomas, the No. 7 basketball prospect in ESPN's class of 2025, has announced his departure from Lincoln Park Performing Arts High School in Pittsburgh. Thomas revealed to ESPN on Tuesday that he will be signing with Overtime Elite (OTE).

Citing the desire to be seen by NBA personnel, general managers, and scouts, Thomas believes that joining OTE will provide him with the exposure necessary to take his game to the next level. As the highest-ranked recruit to join OTE this offseason, the talented 6-foot-4 combo guard is eager to showcase his skills on a platform that reaches a global audience.

Thomas is having an impressive spring season, averaging 20.3 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game for New Heights Lightning in the Nike EYBL. Known for his aggressiveness and versatility on both ends of the court, Thomas possesses the ability to score from various positions on the floor.

Joining a talented group of recruits, including five-star players Bryson Tiller, Mikel Brown, Akai Fleming, and Lincoln Cosby, Thomas is set to make a significant impact in OTE. The league, based in Atlanta, will soon announce more signings for its upcoming fourth season, which will feature eight teams from across the country.

Expressing his commitment to professionalism, Thomas is determined to develop a winning mentality and improve his game further. The rigorous training and fast-paced style of play in OTE will provide him with the opportunity to compete against top-tier talents on a daily basis.

Founded in 2021, OTE has already seen success in sending talented players to the NBA. The Thompson twins, Amen and Ausar, were selected as top-five draft picks last year, and more alumni are projected to follow suit this year, including potential No. 1 pick Alex Sarr and projected top-10 pick Rob Dillingham.

In addition to advancing his basketball career, Thomas will also preserve his college eligibility by signing a scholarship agreement with OTE. This agreement allows him to profit from Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) opportunities while still in high school, similar to Dillingham's situation at the University of Kentucky this past season.

Despite committing to OTE, Thomas remains on the radar of several distinguished college basketball programs. He is currently being heavily recruited by UConn, Arkansas, Kansas, Auburn, Pitt, Alabama, Kansas State, Indiana, Tennessee, and Miami, among others.

Thomas has recently scheduled official visits to UConn and Arkansas later this month, with UConn gaining more appeal following the news that head coach Dan Hurley turned down an offer from the Los Angeles Lakers. Thomas sees Hurley's commitment to the school and the program he has built as a positive sign, making UConn a serious contender in his recruitment.

With his sights firmly set on the NBA, Meleek Thomas is ready to embark on the next chapter of his basketball journey with Overtime Elite. As one of the top prospects in his class, Thomas is determined to leave an indelible mark in the world of basketball and fulfill his dreams of becoming a professional player.