A long armed forward forward prospect, Malone was outstanding in a Saturday afternoon win. When his activity is up, he’s a force on both ends of the court. Swatting shots and securing boards. Running the floor for dunks, and earning second chance opportunities for his teammates. It was promising when he took a spot up three in rhythm and cashed it. But a little later in the contest, he took an off the dribble three and it wasn’t near as clean. With a pivotal 17U summer ahead, Malone will have a chance to turn coaches’ heads by playing to his strengths.

One of the few bright spots on the defensive end for SCP. Malone was often covering or switched onto quick, smaller guards and he more than held his own. Moves his feet well, good anticipation and leverages his long wingspan to make life very tough for guards. Like the switch-ability potential he showed. Which pairs well with his ability to block shots on defense.

Malone makes some of the top highlight reel plays of any current Oklahoma prospects. He has a massive wingspan, which combined with his hops allows him to assault the rim with authority. This comes from him hustling in transition with his long strides, or with the short area explosiveness to quickly rise up in the halfcourt. On defense he also had moments of havoc, skying for blocks or deflecting passes. Malone even knocked down a triple as a catch and shoot option. These are traits that will open college coach’s eyes and get his foot in the door. But to fully make it through that door and succeed at the next level, there’s need for more consistent production. He’s the interior anchor for a guard heavy team, and yet only averaged 3 rebounds a game. Continuing to build on the highlight reel plays will be crucial as Malone works to achieve his sky high potential.

The bouncy forward prospect showed in spurts why the ceiling is so high for him. Which is partially because his head can nearly reach the rim. Had a sequence on Saturday where he skied to block a shot. Then seconds later was down the court attempting to shut the gym down with a poster slam. His huge wingspan only adds to his ability to play above the rim. The highlights will be there this season with his new program. When the production starts to tick up and be consistent, expect the offers to follow.

Making the move from the 580 to 918, Malone is another important piece of an exciting SCP roster. Long armed forward, good leaping ability making him a strong presence around the rim on both ends of the court. Lob threat and big time rim protector. The basketball focus with daily competition and national schedule should pay immediate dividends for a player with all the physical tools to be a next level forward prospect.