By CHARLIE PARENT
NEW YORK — Jermel Thomas, a four-star in the class of 2026, has taken the Overtime Elite League by storm, since transferring to New York’s Our Savior Lutheran, otherwise known as Jelly Fam.
The 6-foot-3 point guard posted a double-double last weekend at Jelly Fam’s showcase games in Brooklyn, tallying 11 points and 10 assists in a 102-85 win over Diamond Doves. He recorded 14 points and 7 assists the night prior, taking over as the lead guard off the bench. On the year, he’s averaging 12.8 points, 5.4 assists and 2.3 rebounds.
Thomas, who earned basketball fandom in middle school for his elite ball-handling ability, has been a popular name on the OTE circuit this season, drawing young fans into the building to watch ‘Magic Mel.’
“This means everything to me,” he told ZAGSBLOG postgame. “I remember when I was younger I was screaming Isaiah Washington’s name, and all the top players. I was looking at SLAM when I was young, and was always seeing the top players in the country. This is a blessing right here to have them screaming my name, and I hope to come back and cheer for them when I get older.”
Thomas began his career at the Bronx’s storied Cardinal Hayes program, but ultimately transferred to OTE this offseason to further his development for the next level.
“You get a lot stronger and better players here, which is going to get me where I want to go, and that’s college. I know college is going to be very tough, and very strong. I think OTE is similar to college [in that regard], but college ball is better. Playing city ball [with Hayes] is not easy either, but this is a step up.”
In terms of recruiting, Thomas took a fall visit to Providence, while Seton Hall has been pushing the young guard to visit.
He broke down the two Big East programs to ZAGSBLOG:
Providence: “That [visit] was a blessing. I was happy to meet all the players. I met Corey Floyd, he’s a great player, he taught me everything: be mature, stay focused and keep working for what I want.”
Seton Hall: “They’d like me to visit but with OTE we’ve got so much [going on.] When we not going away, I’ll probably take a visit soon. [The relationship] is actually getting better. Coach [Shaheen] Holloway is always texting me, and I’m texting him, so we’re just interacting with each other.”
Thomas and Jelly Fam will next matchup with New Jersey powerhouse Blair Academy, at the Jordan Holiday Classic at Baruch College in New York City. Blair is led by Thomas’ cousin, class of 2026 five-star point guard Deron Rippey Jr.
“Deron and I, we’re going to compete. We’re going to put the city on notice.”
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