Potential Tennessee Mr. Basketball Malik Riddle Raises His Stock

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Malik Riddle
Photo By: Scout

Malik Riddle made noise in Rossville, Tennessee becoming a finalist for Mr. Basketball in the state of Tennessee. The 6’4″ 180lbs Class of 2018 shooting guard averaged 24 points per game, 12 rebounds per game, and 3 blocks per game his junior year at Rossville Christian Academy (Rossville, Tennessee). Malik has the body type of Kentavious Caldwell-Pope with long lanky arms. He’s a great athlete and his rebounding numbers help back that up. Malik also uses his length to be disruptive on the defensive end. He seems to really take pride breaking down into a stance while getting into his opponent.

His activity on the glass mixed with his length separates him from most shooting guards. Malik shows his versatility by being a big guard who does not mind posting up down low to get a bucket. With his ability to score inside and out its no wonder why many mid-major programs are starting to call his name. With have a hot summer playing for his M33M AAU team, I have a feeling bigger schools are going to come calling after this versatile guard. Malik took the time to talk with me about his rising stock this summer.

What schools do you hold offers from at this moment?

Malik: East Tennessee State University, Troy, South Alabama, South Florida, Missouri State, Lipscomb, and Campbell University.

What schools are showing at least medium interest who haven’t offered yet?

Malik: LIU-Brooklyn, Drake, Texas El-Paso, SIUE

What do you consider your strengths and weaknesses on the court?

Malik: My strengths are shooting and playing solid defense, but my weaknesses are that I need to penetrate more, become a better ball-handler, and just overall be more aggressive on the court.

What player do you compare yourself to?

Malik: I would say either Devin Booker or Klay Thompson.

What do you do differently than anyone else on the court?

Malik: I rebound a lot for my height. I can play around the paint well too.

 

How do you see your game translating to the next level?

Malik: I think ill be 10 times better in college. I believe my mind set will be stronger and smarter.

Any fellow Class of 2018 guys you’d like to play with on the next level?

Malik: Well I don’t know many people, so I’ll play with whoever.

What are your goals for your senior year?

Malik: Just to be the best player that I can be.

Why do you think you’ve gone underrated for this long in the recruiting process?

Malik: I just think I haven’t shown everyone how good I can be yet.

Malik is a versatile shooter who should be able to snag 5-6 rebounds per game on the next level. He almost reminds of a young Bradley Beal, that is obviously rawer than he was. Malik needs to tighten up his handle, but not many guards bring the versatility on both ends of the floor like Malik. It will be interesting to see if he can top his 24 points per game, 12 rebounds per game, and 3 blocks per game during his upcoming senior season. If he does, you can go ahead and name Malik Riddle Mr. Basketball for the state of Tennessee.

I believe this kid is raw and has a lot of potential. He seems to be one of those guys that’s going to keep getting better year after year. We will keep you updated with Malik’s recruiting process.

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