Player Spotlight: Malik Johnson (2018)
The D1 coaches are slowly but surely dropping in to Terry Sanford HS this offseason and we expect the numbers to only increase as the season goes on. University of Tennessee was in the building on Wednesday while UMass dropped in last week to check on the talent. So why are these schools dropping in? Plain and simple, one of the top unsigned senior guards in the state is preparing for his senior year and he’s been showing for the last few years that he’s the real deal.
Malik’s high school career has been one that is different from most, he’s won a high amount of game and dealt with numerous obstacles to get where he is today. The talent he has is without a doubt, High Major D1 talent, and the schools that have come to see him agree. Most recently an assistant coach from Tennessee stated that he has the talent to play just about where he wants, and after seeing him workout on Wednesday I would definitely agree.
He’s always been what we would call a streaky shooter but now he’s knocking down shots with a much higher consistency, he can score off the catch as well as all the dribble with ease. Not only can he shoot the ball well but he gets to the paint and finishes at a high rate using his: strength, speed and athletic ability. On the defensive end he brings the effort as well, over the last few years he’s been in the mix for leading the county in steals and has a high amount of blocked shots on his career.
Where he will end up is still a question mark but the right program could really allow him to showcase the talent that we all know he has. He currently has multiple D1 offers at the MM level and has interest from quite a few schools at the high major level.