4-star Malachi Palmer talks recruitment, breaks down visits
Malachi Palmer is the No. 74 player in the 2024 On3 Consensus. The 6-foot-4 guard averaged 11.9 points playing with The Syndic8 travel program on Nike’s EYBL 16u Circuit.
“I’m a do it all type of player, able to play the one or the two,” Palmer told On3. “I can get to the mid-range, get to my spots off the bounce, and I can shoot the three. I’ve gotten stronger this season and am getting downhill more, finishing at the rim.”
On3 caught up with Malachi Palmer recently to talk about his recruitment and plan for visits.
“I’ve taken an official visit to Oklahoma State so far,” Palmer said. “I’ve taken unofficial visits to Maryland, Villanova, Pittsburgh, and Arizona State so far
Palmer talks recruitment
Oklahoma State: “I enjoyed watching how hard they played and how much they stressed defense. The environment they had in practice, the competitiveness, I loved that. Cade Cunningham was one of my favorite players, so I’ve just enjoyed their play style. They like my versatility and think it would be a good fit with what they do.”
Maryland: “I like their environment and how fast they played. Their new coaches just came over from Seton Hall; I enjoyed getting to know them.”
Villanova: “Their style of play, they play fundamental and the right way. I like how they play team basketball.”
Pittsburgh: “I love the coaching staff. Me and the coaches are super close, one of the assistant coaches, Gilbert Brown, is from Harrisburg, so there is a connection there.”
Arizona State: “I enjoy the weather out in Arizona, and I enjoy the team, being around them and how they play. I love it out in Arizona.”
“I’ve talked with Miami and Ohio State; they haven’t offered yet,” Palmer said. “I talked with USC, and they haven’t offered, and Louisville too.”
In Palmer’s words
“I’m going to look for whatever school feels like home,” Palmer said. “I want to get to the NBA, so whichever school is going to help me continue developing my game so I can get there. I want to play fast and with a program that stresses playing hard.
“We’ve had conversations about coming out in 2023 or staying in the 2024 class, so that is on the table. Right now, though, I think I’m going to stay in the 2024 class.”
Scouting report
Malachi Palmer is a big-bodied guard. He has a sturdy frame with good positional size. Palmer handles the ball confidently in the half-court and is able to get to his spots off the bounce. He has the size to rise up in the mid-range and shoot over his defender; he can also finish through contact when attacking the basket. There are some defensive questions about Palmer athletically, but he has good instincts off the ball and in the passing lanes. Palmer will also need to work on his shot selection. Overall, Palmer is an aggressive scorer who is capable of creating and knocking down buckets.