Prospect Spotlight: Malik Scipio (2021)
It’s becoming a common theme to see players transfer schools looking for a better opportunity either academically or athletically. For the kids who transfer from private schools to public, they usually stand out more than others considering they are used…
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Continue ReadingIt’s becoming a common theme to see players transfer schools looking for a better opportunity either academically or athletically. For the kids who transfer from private schools to public, they usually stand out more than others considering they are used to playing against higher level competition on a nightly basis. One player to add to that specific watch list will be 2021 guard Malik Scipio.
Scipio had a very productive season for Mt. Carmel on the junior varsity level last season before getting moved up to the varsity roster. He will be transferring to Overlea in hopes to become the primary option in just about every situation.
“In the end, the school just wasn’t a good fit for me,” Scipio told Prep Hoops. “Here [at Overlea], my coach expects a lot out of me because I’m one of the older players that we have. He trusts me with the ball in my hands and that’s what I wanted.”
In the EBA Summer League, Scipio has been a bright spot for an Overlea team that has had plenty of struggles. Their youthful roster is a big reason for their lack of wins, but Scipio has been consistent throughout by filling up the stat sheet.
At 6-foot-2, Scipio has nice size and strength to make him effective when playing downhill. He finishes well around the basket through contact and does a nice job of forcing his defender in bad spots where he can pick up fouls. Scipio is a streaky shooter from three. He’s proven that he can hit two or three a game, but still needs to work on holding his follow through on his shot before it becomes more consistent.
Defensively, he competes and uses his size to be physical with other perimeter players. Scipio rebounds well and is aggressive going up for the ball when its at his peak. One thing I’ve like about Scipio is his discipline to stay vertical when contesting shots in the paint. He avoids the foul and does enough to force the shooter into a tough look.
This spring and summer, Scipio has been focusing on his ball handling. He told Prep Hoops that he would describe his game as being an all-around player that can do a lot of things, but feels as though once he tightens up his handle, he’ll be even more of a threat with the ball.
Overlea will experience its fair share of ups and downs with a plethora of young players, but Scipio will likely boast an impressive stat line and learn how to be a leader of a team at the varsity level.