"That lil statement spoke volumes!": Hoops fans react to Arkansas signee Meleek Thomas' fired-up response to coach

Modified Dec 18, 2024 02:04 GMT

Arkansas signee Meleek Thomas was in the spotlight as he led his high school team to a thrilling 85-81 victory over YNG Dreamerz last weekend. The five-star point guard had 28 points, seven rebounds and five assists. However, it wasn't just his impressive performance that had fans talking.

A viral clip from the game, which was posted on the Overtime Elite league's official Instagram account, also generated reactions since it was posted on Sunday.

In the video, which captured a heated timeout exchange between his coach, Doug Martin, and Thomas, Martin passionately addressed his team:

"Throw the ball to the corner, man ... Y'all just taking bulls**t shots. And then, Leek, you don't rebound. Abu gets offense rebounds."

Meleek Thomas responded:

"I'm trying, I'm down there. Two hands on it. … I'mma do better. I'mma do better, Couch Doug. I'mma do better."

The exchange has sparked a wave of reactions, with many praising Thomas for his positive reaction to the coach's instruction and his accountability and determination to do better, even in the heat of the moment.

"I'm tapped in now! That lil statement spoke volumes! He gets it! See u in da league," a fan wrote.

"That's a kid with hunger. Put his pride aside and followed the coaches lead," another commented.

"I love that you understand that you always can do better," another posted.

"ACCOUNTABILITY. I love it," another commented.

Although the reactions were mostly laudable of Meleek's reaction, a small section chose not to buy the reaction.

"He realized the camera was on em," one fan posted.

"MANNNN PLEASE TAKE THESE CAMERAS AND MICROPHONES out of these huddles... Dudes be putting on for the camera and the microphone. Get back to hooping please," another commented.

"That lil statement spoke volumes!": Hoops fans react to Arkansas signee Meleek Thomas' fired-up response to coach. (Image via Instagram @ote

Meleek Thomas has been instrumental for the City Reapers (6-3) in the Overtime Elite League this season. He's averaging 27.7 points, 9.8 rebounds and 4.4 assists per game. Their recent victory handed YNG Dreamerz their first loss of the season.

What's next for Meleek Thomas?

Meleek Thomas, ranked No. 9 overall by ESPN, will be heading to Arkansas to team up with the Razorbacks after this season. The Razorbacks can only hope that he continues this red-hot play next season. He will be joining 6-foot-2 point guard Darius Acuff, who is ranked No. 7.