Incoming senior Malachi Smith talks recruitment

In November of 2019, I sat inside of St. Ray’s in New York City and watched high-level prospect Malachi Smith go through pre-game warmups. Behind me, one person says ‘this kid is going to get noticed right after the jump’ – it was spoken into existence. Smith scored his first point seconds into the game and the rest was history.

Smith, a native of New York City, is currently rated amongst the Top-five best prospects in the state of NY but is worth much more than a three-star ranking. Best known for his IQ and passing ability, many college coaches see his strengths on the defensive end and love his ability to do the right things on the court, not just the flashy things.

“I hear the most from Wake Forest, Georgetown, Seton Hall, Washington State, ECU, Rutgers, and Dayton,” Smith told Stockrisers.com.

Dayton is considered an early favorite for Smith due to the fact that his brother, Dayshon ‘Scoochie’ Smith, attended and played basketball for the Flyers where he started all 32 games during his senior year. Head coach Anthony Grant visited with Smith at the start of the high school season in September and in-person extended his scholarship offer.

He also recently zoomed with Georgetown and has talked with head coach Patrick Ewing who has been very vocal in landing Smith. Ewing has pointed out that teaming up with future Hoya, Tyler Beard could be very scary for opponents in the Big East.

But, according to Malachi, his recruitment is wide-open and programs continue to take a look at him.

As far as other programs, he’s completed virtual visits with Rutgers, Georgetown, and many other of his finalists. He would love to take in-person campus visits but of course with the COVID-19 pandemic that is currently unlikely. I think Smith really wants to visit programs but if he is unable to I believe a decision could come sooner.

Smith said, “I’m looking at a November or December timeline as far as a final choice goes, but I’m not really rushing anything.”