Prospect Spotlight: Malcolm Farrington
With a vastly increased strength of schedule and maximized exposure for a number of events, The Grind Session now features a veritable “who’s who” of the nation’s prep superpowers. And while West Palm Beach native Malcolm Farrington displayed deft, timely 3-point shooting while at The Conrad School (FL) as a junior, he will embrace bigger stages on the Grind Session in 2017-18.
A Class of 2018 guard, Farrington has the make-up and essential attributes of a Division-1 player. He’s entered the preseason at Believe Prep Academy (TN) with a tightened handle, a new knack for attacking and creating his shot off the dribble, and a notable defensive focus.
With a 4.0 GPA and a chock full of advanced courses, Farrington will be your prototype “safe bet” recruit.
Farrington has also developed the build and all-around strength required for the ensuing level, where encountering 7-foot rim protectors is a sure promise. In making fitness a livelihood, the 6-foot-4, 185-pound guard has become more prone to attack the basket, where he now finishes with either hand.
While flanked by bullish 6-foot-4, 200-pound Arizona State-commit and heady 6-foot point guard David Sloan on last year’s Conrad team, Farrington capitalized on kick-out opportunities.
He scored 20 points on the strength of four fourth quarter 3-pointers during a win against Potter’s House (Jacksonville, FL). During an 18-point performance against Tennessee Prep Academy, Farrington bagged four 3-pointers in the first half, as Conrad seized a double digit lead it never relinquished.
Against a Wesleyan Christian Academy (N.C.) team featuring Wake Forest-commit Jaylen Hoard, Maryland-commit Aaron Wiggins and a number of high level Division-I prospects, Farrington kick-started Conrad’s offensive engine with a 6-for-7 first half shooting performance.
Two weekends ago, at the Hoop Exchange All American Jamboree in Apopka, Fla., Farrington showed much of the same. He again hit timely shots, connecting on 5-of-7 from beyond the arc and finishing with 20 points (7-for-12 FG) during Believe’s wowing 64-61 upset of Oldsmar Christian.
Oldsmar, the defending SIAA Florida state champions, staged a late rally but was never able to close the door.
A homegrown Florida product, Farrington grew up playing alongside All American probable Reggie Perry with the Wellington Wolves. He’s played for Nike South Beach hoops under Alex Acevedo, where he led the club in scoring.
While a majority of Farrington’s touches came on 3-pointers, step-backs, fade-always and transition finishes last season, Farrington spent the summer finely tuning his craft and expanding his offensive toolbox.
“I was in the weight room pretty much every day and I worked a lot at going to the basket, creating off the dribble and basically working at all aspects of my game in which there was room for growth,” Farrington said.
“Getting stronger was key in becoming more of an all-around threat. I put in a lot of consistent work, unseen hours and I’m looking to capitalize on all of that this season.”
He’s worked at increasing his vertical, explosiveness and also adapted to the role of facilitator.
Interchangeability and versatility will be pivotal components of Believe Prep’s focus under head coach Randy Casey this year. Thus, Farrington’s multi-positional status will pay dividends as his recruitment takes off this winter.