Malik Johnson 6’4 175 2024 Peninsula Catholic (VA) / Boo Williams
Malik is an athletic and skilled shot-maker who can shoot out of a variety of actions with good consistency while also being a physical slasher off the dribble. Could eventually be one of the top scorers in the 757 in his class because not only is he a very good shot maker he’s an instinctive and talented scorer. Malik can shoot it from all levels and has deep three-ball range. Very good on catch and shoot, relocating, and coming off screens. He can also pull up off the dribble and knocks down shots at a good rate.
At 6’4 he has good length as a guard and he does a good job employing his length attacking off the dribble. Malik has a quick handle and changes speeds and directions abruptly, restarting with a strong blow-by-burst. His dribble pull-ups are so hard to contest given his quickness and abrupt stops as he elevates into his shot. With his ideal length and high release, he shoots over most guards with ease. He doesn’t appear overpowering, his frame lengthy and athletic, but he attacks the rim with aggression and is strong enough to finish through contact. Malik has a nice touch using runners and is a solid leaper, a fearless and determined finisher. He can hang in the air and change his shot and finish at the rim and he shows creativity scoring in and around the paint. He knows how to exploit mismatches and just knows how to score! He moves off the ball intelligently, demonstrates solid shot preparation, and has a fairly quick release. He is a strong on-ball defender who uses his length nicely. Demonstrates good lateral quickness and brings energy and effort to the defensive end. Also a rebounding presence on both ends of the floor.
I first watched Malik in 2019 and identified him then as a player to watch. He had a growth spurt last season but also suffered from knee pain as a result and it sidelined him for much of the season. Now a few inches taller, stronger, and more confident and opportunistic on the offensive end he has a chance to be a prolific scorer at the high school level. One to monitor for sure and his best basketball is ahead of him. A definite must-see prospect.