Four Razorbacks Invited to 2026 NBA Combine, Thomas and Richmond Face May 27 Decision

TL;DR

Four Arkansas Razorbacks received invitations to the 2026 NBA Draft Combine in Chicago, but guards Meleek Thomas and Billy Richmond must decide by May 27 at 10:59 p.m. whether to remain in the draft or return for another college season.

Context

The NBA released its list of 73 players invited to the 2026 AWS NBA Draft Combine, which will run from May 10 to May 17 at Wintrust Arena and the Marriott Marquis in Chicago. Arkansas tied with Arizona and Houston for the most invites of any program, with four players selected. The combine gives prospects a chance to undergo measurements, drills, and interviews in front of league personnel.

- Darius Acuff Jr. and Trevon Brazile have already declared they will not retain college eligibility and are expected to attend the combine as prospective first‑round picks.

- Meleek Thomas averaged 15.4 points per game as a freshman, shooting 43.5 % from the field and 41.6 % from three‑point range, including a school‑record 48.7 % from deep in SEC play.

- Billy Richmond averaged 11.2 points, 4.3 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 1.1 steals per game, shooting 56.3 % from the floor and 78.4 % from the free‑throw line.

- Both Thomas and Richmond have entered the draft while preserving their eligibility; they must formally withdraw by the May 27 deadline to return to Fayetteville.

- The combine period (May 10‑17) provides a window for them to gather objective feedback before making that decision.

What It Means

For players with remaining college eligibility, the decision to stay in the draft hinges on a pre‑determined financial threshold—a guaranteed contract amount or projected draft range that makes turning pro more lucrative than another season of scholarship basketball.

The combine will give Thomas and Richmond concrete data on their athletic measurements, shooting percentages, and interview impressions, which their advisors will weigh against that threshold; if the feedback meets or exceeds their target, they are likely to remain in the draft, otherwise returning to Arkansas becomes the financially rational choice.

The outcome will shape the Razorbacks’ roster for the 2026‑27 season, influencing backcourt depth and leadership.

What to watch next

Monitor the combine results for Thomas and Richmond between May 10 and 17, then watch for any official withdrawal announcements before the May 27 deadline to see whether Arkansas retains its two guards or loses them to the professional ranks.