Huge weekend for Niko with the Cascade Kings as he pretty much led the team in all categories, whether it be scoring, rebounding, or assists. Offensively, the work he’s put in on his jumper was evident in a win over D-1 Elite as he seemed virtually automatic from deep off the catch-and-shoot and he continued to be hard to handle near the basket thanks to his size and strength. As always, his passing was sharp in both the half-court setting and on the break.

Niko put on arguably the best shooting performance we’ve seen in June in Benson’s opening game win over Putnam on Sunday morning. The rising senior simply could not miss from the perimeter as he was hitting threes left and right, often times with a hand in his face. Getting the ball from kick-outs, his release was quick and smooth as the ball simply was nothing but net as he knocked down seven threes. Niko didn’t just shoot either as he pulled down 12 rebounds and dished out 6 assists as well.

Almost a double-double with 13 points and 9 rebounds as Niko showed great balance with his game with Benson at the Rose City Showcase. Great skill with his shooting and passing (5 assists) from the Benson rising junior and his physicality down low couldn’t be matched by the opposing team. His ability to be a great knockdown shooter off the catch-and-shoot yet also be a force in the paint made him a real problem for defenders.

A unique blend of strength and skill, Niko proved to be a tough defensive matchup. He capably used his bulk and strength to create space for himself underneath for scores, but also capably used his ball-handling and passing skills on the perimeter to find teammates for their own buckets. The Benson sophomore was tough on the glass, especially on the offensive boards.

Malu Niko in Benson’s upset against Clackamas finished with 12 points and 5 rebounds. A defensively sound player, Niko competes hard and contributes on the glass as a good rebounder. Offensively, he’s a solid shooter who isn’t afraid to attack the rim when lanes open up. Niko also proved to be clutch in key moments, while knocking down free throws at a reliable rate, making him a dependable presence on the floor.

He may not be as much of an offensive go-to guy at Benson this season as he was his freshman campaign, but that’s been just fine with Niko who has the diverse game to be an offensive contributor just as much with his passing as with his scoring. With his strong 6-foot-2 frame and his ability to create from the perimeter, he still stands as a matchup nightmare for most defenders.

One of the state’s top sophomores, Niko may not have ranked among the event’s leaders in scoring but that was meaningful in terms of showing how he could dominate the game without having to put points on the board. The 6-foot-2 swingman did blow through defenders to score around the hoop, but what was really impressive was his passing as he consistently looked for open teammates on the perimeter or cutting to the hoop for points. His all-around earned him the all-camp team honors he deserved. (JT)

Dreison Malu Niko Dreison Malu Niko 6'2" | CG/PG Benson Polytechnic | 2028 State OR | 6’2 CG | Benson Tech | 2028
Dreison Malu Niko Dreison Malu Niko 6'2" | CG/PG Benson Polytechnic | 2028 State OR is a strong, skilled combo guard who can score and facilitate. He uses his size and strength to create space, whether it’s backing down defenders or carving out driving lanes he’s able to get to his spots. Malu Niko has an excellent off hand, he is able to finish through contact and make difficult layups and floaters using his left. 

Offensively, Dreison has a smooth step-back fadeaway that he makes at an efficient clip. Malu is also an elite passer who finds teammates in stride, especially in transition. He plays at his own pace, never rushed, always under control.

With his physical tools, creativity, and high basketball IQ, Dreison Malu Niko Dreison Malu Niko 6'2" | CG/PG Benson Polytechnic | 2028 State OR continues to emerge as one of the most complete guards in the region’s class of 2028.

One of the state’s top sophomores, Niko may not have ranked among the event’s leaders in scoring but that was meaningful in terms of showing how he could dominate the game without having to put points on the board. The 6-foot-2 swingman did blow through defenders to score around the hoop, but what was really impressive was his passing as he consistently looked for open teammates on the perimeter or cutting to the hoop for points. His all-around earned him the all-camp team honors he deserved. (JT)

With his unique blend of size and skills that he demostrated his freshman season, Niko moves up a couple of spots to #2. The 6-foot-2 swingman quickly established himself as one of Benson’s leaders on the floor and ended up averaging 15.1 points, 4.5 rebounds, 3.2 assists, and 2.7 steals – the last category ranking in the Top 10 in 6A. Niko has been suiting up with Dynasty this spring.