Freshman to Watch: Malik Missouri (2021)
As our Freshman to Watch series continues, we make our way to Gilman School to bring the spotlight to one of their highly-skilled incoming freshman in Malik Missouri.
Gilman struggled mightily last season in a loaded MIAA A Conference finishing with an 8-19 overall record. With a new coaching staff and some added talent, they’ll look to improve their place in the standings for the 2017-18 season. One of those contributing factors will be Missouri.
Missouri had an active summer to help prepare him for the high level of play he’s going to face this season.
“I played up on 15U for the UAA circuit (with Team Thrill) and last week I went to CP3 camp,” Missouri told PrepHoops. “It was great competition, a lot of exposure and I had fun at the same time. It was a good experience.”
Missouri has good size at 6’4 for the shooting guard position. There may be times where he is featured at the three-spot because of his length as well, but his comfort and most effective position will be at the two. While many kids coming into high school are worried about how many points they’ll have at the end of the game, Missouri concentrates on the other end.
“I love defense,” Missouri said with a smile. “I play good defense. I love to strap up and I hate when someone scores on me.”
Don’t let his love for defense take away from the offensive end, though. What makes him valuable is his ability to knock down the long ball as well. In NBA conversations, Missouri would fit the mold of a 3-and-D type of player. He has a smooth shooting stroke and with his length and quick release, it’s effective against the majority of close outs.
Becoming more dynamic as a play maker with the ball is something he has been focusing on improving.
“I’ve been focusing on how I score the ball,” Missouri said. “Just scoring more off the dribble and becoming harder to guard.”
Looking ahead to his freshman season, Missouri’s only concern is getting used to playing against players who are the same size or bigger than him. He’s been used to being one of (if not the) biggest player on the floor, so once he adjusts his game accordingly, it should be a smooth transition and developmental process from there.
Hampton has been the only school to express interest thus far in Missouri.
He’ll play alongside players like Jalen Rucker (2019), Ciaran Sandy and Chase Drew (2019). With that nucleus put into place, Gilman should be a much more competitive team this coming season.
Malik Missouri balling out 🏀 @yeadatleek @CP3 pic.twitter.com/lhVnsbtKxz
— Overtime (@overtime) August 12, 2017