Four-star Jermel Thomas updates recruiting after transfer to OTE

By CHARLIE PARENT

NEW YORK — Jermel Thomasa four-star in the class of 2026, has taken the Elite Supplemental League by storm since transferring to Our Savior Lutheran in New York, otherwise known as the Jelly Fam. The 6-foot-3 guard posted a double-double last weekend at the Jelly Fam showcase games in Brooklyn, tallying 11 points and 10 assists in a 102-85 win over the Diamond Doves. He had 14 points and 7 assists the night before, taking over as the starting point guard off the bench. This year, he is averaging 12.8 points, 5.4 assists and 2.3 rebounds. Thomas, who gained basketball fandom in middle school for his elite ball-handling ability, has been a household 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 after the game. “I remember when I was younger I would scream of Isaiah Washington the names and all the top players. I used to watch SLAM when I was young and always see the best players in the country. It’s a blessing right here to have them screaming my name and I hope to come back and cheer them on when I’m older.” Thomas began his career with the Cardinal Hayes program in the Bronx, but eventually transferred to OTE in the offseason to continue his development at the next level. “You have 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 sense), but college ball is better. Playing City Ball (with Hayes) isn’t easy either, but this is a step forward.” On the recruiting front, Thomas took a fall visit to Providence, while Seton Hall is pushing the young guard to visit. He broke down the two Big East programs to ZAGSBLOG:

Providence: “That (visit) was a blessing. I enjoyed meeting all the players. i met Corey Floydhe is a great player, he taught me everything: to be mature, to be focused and to keep working for what I want.”

Seton Hall: “They would like me to come visit, but with OTE we have so much (to go.) When we’re not leaving, I’ll probably visit soon. (The relationship) is actually getting better. coach (Shaheen) Holloway He’s always texting me and I’m always texting him, so we just interact with each other.” Thomas and the Jelly Fam will next face New Jersey powerhouse Blair Academy, at the Jordan Holiday Classic at Baruch College in New York. Blair is led by Thomas’ cousin, a Class of 2026 five-star Deron Rippey Jr.