Player Breakdown: Malachi Bullington
Malachi Bullington Malachi Bullington 7'0" | C North Idaho Christian | 2022 State ID is a 7’0″ center from the class of 2022. Last season, Malachi helped lead North Idaho Christian to a 23-5 overall record and played a large…
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Continue ReadingMalachi Bullington Malachi Bullington 7'0" | C North Idaho Christian | 2022 State ID is a 7’0″ center from the class of 2022. Last season, Malachi helped lead North Idaho Christian to a 23-5 overall record and played a large role in their success throughout the year. In the upcoming season, Bullington will look to help lead the Royals to a shot at their district title and the hopes of completing a run at the state tournament. Continue reading for a breakdown of Malachi’s skills and abilities on both sides of the ball ahead of the 2020-21 season.
Defense: Bullington is a great defender for North Idaho Christian. As a 7-footer, Malachi holds down the middle with ease. He has long arms and he rarely leaves the paint as a shot blocker. He does the best against other posts, but he is long enough to guard players on the perimeter by giving them space and contesting with an outstretched arm. In the post, he will play behind and blocks a lot of shots simply by staying on the ground and reading where the offensive player will attempt to shoot from. He is patient and does not leave his feet on shot fakes which makes him extremely difficult to shoot over. Again, due to his height, Malachi is a great rebounder that routinely grabs 12-15 rebounds per game with ease. You can’t coach someone to be taller!
Offense: Malachi is an offensive force. In the post, he has a ton of skill and ability around the rim where he can shoot with finesse over the top of shorter players. Against physical post defenders, Bullington has great footwork and ball-handling skills that he can use to spin off of the post and finish at the rim. As he continues to grow and put on weight, Malachi will become more comfortable with his body in space and he will turn into a really great center. In any given game, Malachi will have a double-double, and not a small one at that. 25 points and 15 rebound games are not rare for Bullington and he can completely change a game plan for an opposing team. Bullington rarely leaves the paint on offense as well, but he can shoot a solid floater and has a mid-range jump shot that he uses sparingly.
Overall: Altogether, Bullington is a rare player that would help any team. He knows his defensive strengths and uses them to his advantage. On offense, he stays around the rim and finishes with both hands well. Malachi will be a dominant center at the next level.