Recruiting Report: Malachi Smith (2018)
Belleville East 6’3” shooting guard Malachi Smith is one of the more underrated prospects in the 2018 class across the state. Smith is a two guard that is wired to score! He is a slick ball handler through traffic that has the ability to get in the paint. Turns the corner with speed coming off a ball screen attacking downhill. Can beat his man off the bounce and get in the lane where he likes to finish with runners and acrobatic layups. On occasion will throw down a poster dunk. He is a solid jump shooter with the ability to knock down a one dribble pull up from mid-range and has a clean looking shot from three off the catch. Has the ability, but sometimes took a backseat to Javon Pickett last year and faded in games. Rebounds well for his size and is active on the offensive glass getting at least one put back a game. Solid athlete at the wing position. Could improve on the defensive end. Projects as a low-major prospect with mid-major upside.
Smith spoke about his junior season.
“It was a pretty good season. I played a lot of minutes and I played a feature role with a lot of teams focusing on Javon (Pickett). That gave me opportunities to score the ball. I feel like it will make me even more ready next year for the competition. I felt I grew in my confidence and my shot. I did a lot of key scoring in the games. Sometimes I wasn’t as aggressive. I think that is something I have to work on.”
He knows with the graduation of top 5 2017 Javon Pickett it will be his team next year!
“Take on the leadership role. I have to lead my team. A lot of teams are going to be coming at me because they know who I am. It starts in practice the very first day.”
Smith spoke about what he feels the best parts of his game are at this stage.
“My strengths are attacking the basket and being a slasher. I can shoot, but I need to be a little more consistent. I need to work on my defense because a lot of guards are quicker than me.”
The Belleville East wing is running with Jets-Ramey United on the NY2LA Circuit.
“I am excited. We are playing in Dallas, Minnesota, Vegas. We are going to make a lot of noise. People know us, but not a lot of people respect us. We are going to gain a lot of respect this year.”
What is going on with recruiting?
“I have talked to Tulsa, Western Illinois, and North Dakota State.”
Smith broke down what he likes about each beginning with Tulsa.
“They are very nice. They seem like they care.”
North Dakota State
“I have been talking to them since last year. I try to keep in touch.”
Western Illinois
“I like them because they always want to know how I’m doing and they are making sure my grades are right. I am going to be taking a visit there in the spring. Probably May.”