Player series, Part 10: Mali Smith

[CJ#4]

Malachi Smith, 6-0, 170 pounds, age 18.9 (DOB 11-6-02)
St. Raymond (NYC) … #143 HS recruit (per 247)
Wore #11 in HS, and will wear #11 (Scoochie’s number) at UD … first year of college
19.2 points, 8.0 assists and 5.2 rebounds per game as a HS junior
UD welcomes the younger brother of Scoochie Smith, and yes, we would accept a repeat four years going 102-36 with four straight NCAA appearances. I’d say I don’t want to put that kind of pressure on the kid’s shoulders … except I think maybe he could handle it.
Based on his highlights, he seems to have no fear about driving into traffic against bigger players, and has that Scoochie/Jalen knack for finishing in a crowd.
He’s not a super high-flyer (think fast-break layups instead of dunks), but he’s fairly quick off the floor when he needs to be, and he has some lift on his jumper. While he was definitely a scorer in high school, he shows some nice passing instincts in the lane after he draws defenders.
The videos below show an ability to hit the catch-and-shoot 3 (no idea what his percentage was), and they show some versatility — at one point St. Raymond had him playing the foul line spot in a zone offense. Once he caught the ball there, he didn’t hesitate to go right at the rim, splitting two defenders and showing excellent body control to finish. He led St. Raymond to the 2020 NYC Catholic AA title and was was named third-team all-state.
Smith was born the exact same day as Kobe Brea, who’s a year ahead at UD (they’re the second/third youngest players on the team, 45 days older than Kaleb Washington). Brea and Smith were also teammates with the NY Gauchos AAU team.
Smith chose UD over Georgetown, Oklahoma State, Rutgers, etc., and his recruiting ranking rose late from the 200s to #143.
VIDEOS
Mix of junior year at St. Ray’s plus Rucker games: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cH7uegF_kRo
Senior year preseason game where he got 30: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k_JzVou-CVE

[keats '91]

I can't wait to watch Malachi play. Not because of this individual skill set, but because of the perceived ability to control the game and create opportunities for self and others. Yet to be seen in person. And I hope it translates around bigger, stronger players. REALLY optimistic that he is a real stud/leader.

[Buckleyma]

Malachi Smith is a much smaller player than Mckinley Wright IV (6’0” 195 as a freshman on the Colorado Men’s basketball roster 2017 / 18). I know that I and others coveted Mr. Wright when he committed to Dayton. Then Archie left and Mr. Wright moved on to Colorado. I sense similar high school success between the two players. Let’s hope that Malachi can have the type of college success that Mckinley Wright experienced.
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[San Diego Flyer]

I don't know the actual numbers, but Mali appears to be better built than Scoochie was as an incoming Frosh. Looks like he might naturally add more weight as well.

Scoochie didn't cast a shadow as a Freshman.

[Lifelong Flyer Fan]

Mali has been playing on the courts while home on break. Saw some videos, can’t find them now, but here’s a cool pic of him is talking to Baron Davis after a game.
https://twitter.com/opitino/status/1...5804327936?s=2
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