Malachi Smith to Wright State
One of the state’s top senior shooting guards just came off the board prior to the beginning of the early signing period. Belleville West 2018 shooting guard Malachi Smith has committed to Wright State. He told PHI why they were his choice.
“It felt like home and I just love the relationship I had with all the coaches on the staff. They made me feel like family. Me and two other commits will be there and have the potential to be something special.”
The metro east guard is a strong bodied wing that can play both physical and has skill on the perimeter. Smith has the ability to take over games with his attacking downhill style which was the more dominant aspect of his game on the circuit this spring and summer. He is powerful finishing through contact and getting to the rim. Smith was a bit streaky shooting the ball at times during the summer, but we firmly believe after evaluating him for three years that he will be an adequate perimeter shooter at the next level. Also has improved his passing skills over the summer. He transferred from Belleville East to Belleville West where he will team up with junior EJ Liddell to form one of the best inside-outside duos in the state.
Smith ran with Jets-Ramey United throughout his entire travel team career. He won the program MVP for his play this past spring and summer. The Belleville West senior is the #17 overall prospect and #4 shooting guard in the state’s 2018 class. He is expected to sign his national letter of intent on Thursday.