Recruiting Report: Malik Johnson (2017)
For the last two seasons, legendary George Wythe Head Coach has been raving about his 6’4” point guard, claiming that they usually don’t get those caliber of players in Wytheville, a small town on Interstate 81 about an hour south…
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Continue ReadingFor the last two seasons, legendary George Wythe Head Coach has been raving about his 6’4” point guard, claiming that they usually don’t get those caliber of players in Wytheville, a small town on Interstate 81 about an hour south of Virginia Tech. While they may not usually get point guards with that size, rising senior Malik Johnson has what every kid that plays for Burns does have, and that’s heart and determination.
“I just want coaches to see that I’m a guy who is going to give it 100% both on the basketball court and in the classroom,” Johnson said.
The two time First Team All State guard in the VHSL 1A classification led George Wythe to the state semifinals last year before they fell to regional rivals and eventual state champs Radford. He has a bevy of schools at all levels that have shown interest in his size and work ethic. Sporting a 4.2 GPA in the classroom, Johnson claims interest from schools like VMI, Hampton, Radford, Emory & Henry, Hampden-Sydney and Randolph, and has said he’s had contact with UT Chattanooga, Liberty and Howard as well. As for what he’s looking for in a school, Johnson says he wants a good fit and opportunity for both basketball and academics as well.
“First, I’m looking for a school that is academically strong and has a major I’m interested in studying,” Johnson said. “Basketball wise, I would like a system that is uptempo and heavy in pick-and-roll sets.”
Behind Malik Johnson George Wythe has been one of the best 1A teams in the VHSL the last 2 seasons.An uptempo style is perfect for Johnson, who’s not a true point but is a more than capable ball handler who can push tempo, use his size to finish at the rim and is an underrated creator for his teammates. As the best player at George Wythe, he’s relied on more to create with the ball in his hands, however he’s shown this summer with Spectrum that he’s also a weapon off the basketball because of his consistency from deep (he shot over 40% the last two high school seasons) and his willingness to crash the offensive glass as a guard.
Despite coaches wondering what guard position Johnson will play at the next level, he’s excelled in high school career splitting time at both of them. He has the vision to make plays for others, the shooting touch to play off the ball on the wing and the size to guard positions 1-through-3. As for his remaining time in high school, Johnson is focused on just getting better, well along with the two things that he has yet to accomplish.
“My goals for the rest of the summer is to boost my stock in the July live periods and continue to improve my handles and defense. For the high school season, I’m looking to assert myself as the senior leader, control the tempo and finally get us over the hump for a state championship!”
He may not play in the biggest market, but Johnson is a bonafide scholarship level talent that will bring energy, versatility and a “win at all costs” attitude to whatever program takes him. Don’t be surprised if you hear more from him with Spectrum in July and with George Wythe come state tournament time in March.