Malachi most recently received an offer from Ottawa University in Kansas. Chatman has been on a tear lately for his Missouri Flight squad. The senior has utilized his size and strength to impact games as both a scorer and rebounder this summer. His activity and motor have also shown to be very dependable game in and game out.

I’m not sure anybody just about anywhere had the numbers per game last weekend that Malachi did. The Missouri Flight 2027 led his team to three wins with FOUR double-doubles. That’s right…. games of 15 and 17, 13 and 15, 23 and 14, and 11 and 16! A 14 point and nearly 14 rebounds per game average! And if that wasn’t enough, he had 22 assists and 16 steals in those five games. That’s a stat stuffer!

Chatman has long had a good rep as a shooter, with a solid feel for the game. Over the last 18 months, he’s worked hard to trim up his body. Now he’s a physical guard who is a few steps quicker. Which allows him to often be in the right place and right time for “stocks” on defense and to battle against taller players. Also leverages his strength to play at his own pace and find ways to score at the rim and in the mid-range.

His willingness to rebound is a great compliment to his knockdown shooting ability. And helps paves more pathways to him playing collegiate basketball. Now he will be expected to carry over quality summer production to being the main man for Bethany. As the Bronchos look to make back to back Class 4A State Tournament appearances.

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.