By Otis Kirk
FAYETTEVILLE -- Two Razorbacks were taken in back-to-back picks of the 2026 NBA Draft on Wednesday night.
Freshman guard Meleek Thomas was taken by the Cleveland Cavaliers at 34 and then the Denver Nuggets got redshirt senior forward Trevon Brazile at 35. Those two combined with Darius Acuff going to the Sacramento Kings at No. 7 on Tuesday night gave Arkansas three picks in the Top 35.
Thomas, 6-3, 189, played in 37 games in his lone season with the Razorbacks. He averaged 15.6 points, 3.8 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.5 steals per game. He shot 43.5% from the field, 84.3% at free throw line and 41.6% from behind the 3-point line. Cleveland was rumored set to draft him at No. 29 on Tuesday night, but ended up trading the pick. At five picks later they still got their choice and added some draft assets.
Thomas was in the green room on Wednesday night and spoke with ESPN following his selection.
"The emotions tonight, all the hard work paid off," Thomas said. "We're here now. I thought every day, all of my hard work, sacrifices, dedication, everything my parents did for me, siblings there for me. I had to do it all for my siblings. All just one emotion built up into this moment, now it's time to get to work."
Thomas also expressed confidence in his ability despite falling to Round 2 while talking to ESPN.
"With the dedication that I have, always living in the gym, always staying in the gym, knowing nothing else but the work. The work's going to show for itself," Thomas said. "In due time, everybody's going to wake up and realize."
Brazile, 6-10, 226, saw action in 35 games this past season. He averaged 13.0 points, team-leading 7.3 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 1.5 steals and 1.6 blocks, which also topped the team. Brazile shot 52.5% from the field, 71.7% from the free throw line and 34.6% from behind the 3-point line. John Calipari was pleased for Brazile and the Nuggets posting his thoughts on X.
"TB!!!!!!!. Couldn't be happier for Trevon and his family! The Nuggets are getting an incredible athlete."
Brazile started his career at Missouri, but transferred to Arkansas after one season. He played two years for Eric Musselman and then both seasons Calipari has been with the Hogs.
The Razorbacks have now had 50 players drafted by NBA teams while Calipari now has seen 65 picks go in draft.
