Malik Thames – More to this book than its cover

At 6’1 160lbs Malik Thames does not cast a physically imposing shadow on the court…..until someone hands him a basketball. Blessed with stellar body control and high-level coordination, Thames has many of the physical attributes NCAA basketball programs seek. Malik has produced well at the High school level (15.5ppg, 3.5rpg, 2.1 apg) as a starting Point guard with the Pleasant Grove (Ca.) Eagles and has D1 basketball success in his family (older brother Xavier is the starting PG for San Diego State). So the question begs, what gives? Strikes me that scouts and D1 coaches have fixated on the 6’1 160lbs and, to this point, have failed to take notice of the man behind the height/weight metrics. Judging from Malik’s highlight reels defenders should ignore the scouts and focus on the man trying to break them off.

Thames’ game centers on a strong ability to drive the lane, and once there, finish. The Pleasant Grove squad ended the ’11-12 season (24-7) and ranked #32 (MaxPreps) in California. Much of the team’s success can be traced to the play of “Lik” and Senior guard Cody Demps. The two combined to put up over (30) points a game and provide the Eagles a strong 1-2 scoring punch. As Demps moves on from Pleasant Grove, Thames should achieve an increased role. Scoring opportunities should rise and, assuming continued improvement, Thames should see a bump in scholarship offers. Malik appears comfortable scoring with each hand and carries a nice collection of moves aimed at breaking down his defender. He currently scores well through traffic, but should add 15-20lbs to play through more substantive D1 physicality. There’s an easy confidence to his game , and I believe he will take advantage of the leadership opportunity afforded during his Senior season.

Assuming Thames continues to develop physically and hits the weights, I expect a strong ‘12-’13, and a haul of mid-major offers (USF has offered, interest from Creighton/UCSB). At 6’1 Thames projects as a Point guard at the D1 level. For that to play out, the ’11-’12 assists per game of 2.1 will require attention. He is strong from the FT line (74%) but has room to improve from beyond the arc (14 for 47). If he does land with the Dons (USF has offered), the NorCal hooper should develop into a Soph/Jr starter and possibly All-Conf level performer as he wraps up his college career. There’s work to be done, but do not make the mistake of judging this book by its cover. Pause or blink and “Lik” will make you pay.

 
 

VIDEO

 

 

PHOTOS