Chatman had a great weekend in Tulsa at the PRO16 League Event. Malachi showed his shooting prowess to go along with some strong defensive performances. Against Omaha Elite 17U, he helped propel his Missouri Flight 17U team to victory. The junior had 18 points, six rebounds and six steals. He played with active hands and was routinely in the right position as a help-side defender. Offensively, he looked comfortable spotting up in transition, while also using his big frame to attack the rim.

Chatman picked up where he left off against Clinton earlier in the week. He started the game off with a left wing 3-pointer, setting the tone for his team to be aggressive again offensively. In the second quarter, the junior read the defense well on multiple occasions and found teammates for open looks. The Bethany ball movement was outstanding throughout the evening, with lots of contributors making an impact. Chatman aggressively finished on the baseline after attacking a close out as well late in the second quarter. Malachi showed tremendous activity, while playing under control.

As noted in the last write up on Chatman, July would be a big month for him with a couple weeks in Augusta. One positive development out of his games there were the signs of improving defense. Defense is often effort and understanding where to be at the right times. Chatman has a strong frame he uses to wall off drives and be in the right spots on help defense. It’s a good starting point as he looks to build off a strong spring and summer. A concerning sign was that he wasn’t at his best from three. He went 4-25 from three in E16 play. The speed of the game and jump from regional action to national competition usually does have an adjustment period. Hopefully the reps help the game slow down for a potentially big junior season.

It’s been interesting to track Chatman. Shooting has always been at the forefront of his game. But a knee injury slowed the start of his high school career. And while he’s excelled in camp settings and AAU play, the strong performances haven’t translated so far to the varsity level. Summer league/team camp play does seem to indicate that could change this season. Especially as he’s transformed his body over recent months. He has a naturally strong frame, but has trimmed up and seems to be maximizing his athletic gifts to be more of a true guard. Even before high school season starts, he has a big summer test with Nike E16 play in South Carolina. Which could help decipher the potential of Chatman.

A strong spring continues for Chatman, this time against 17U competition. Understands his role perfectly, moving to open spots on the perimeter in the halfcourt. And racing down in transition. All while always being ready to shoot. Shooting has and will continue to be Chatman’s calling card. Giving him a great foundation to build on. Which he has started to rapidly add more to his all around game over the last few months.

Chatman has seen a transformation to his game this spring. He’s grown a bit taller and started to lean up. One thing has stayed the same though. He can let it fly from deep. With quickness. Chatman seemingly is always ready to shoot, and has a quick, compact and fluid shooting motion. Interesting name to monitor the rest of the grassroots season and with his new high school team, Yukon.

Malachi Chatman Malachi Chatman 6'3" | SG/CG Bethany | 2027 State OK is a strong and physical guard who shoots the ball very efficiently from deep. Whether he shot off the dribble or from catch-and-shoot opportunities, his form was extremely consistent. He has a tight handle and bumps opponents to create space which resulted in easy looks for himself or created wider passing lanes to quickly zip the ball all over the court. Chatman gets to his spots regularly and shoots with a quick release with a high arc to avoid contests.

Malachi Chatman Malachi Chatman 6'3" | SG/CG Bethany | 2027 State OK is a strong guard with one of the cleanest jumpers at The Expo. He hit tough threes off pull-ups and catch-and-shoot looks with great consistency. His ability to overpower defenders to create space was eye-catching and led to open looks for himself and his teammates. He was able to whip passes all over the court including several cross court passes after defenses collapsed.

Malachi Chatman showcased a soft shooting touch as a jump shooter from short to long range. He thrived in catch-and-shoot situations, whether spacing the floor or relocating to an open spot, rarely needing to dribble to create his shot. Comfortable shooting from all areas on the court, Chatman’s form remained consistent regardless of the distance, always maintaining the same smooth release and reliable touch. His ability to seamlessly transition into his jumper made him a constant threat, particularly in off-ball situations.

Malachi is an aggressive guard who thrives at driving to the basket and finishing through contact. His strength allows him to absorb hits and still convert at the rim, making him a tough player to defend in the paint. He’s also a capable shooter from mid-range, though he primarily looks to attack the rim. On defense, Malachi is physical and disruptive, using his size to guard multiple positions. His intensity and motor are high on both ends of the floor.

Translatable Skills: ✅ Finishing at the rim, ✅ Defense, ✅ Physicality.