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Four-star Malachi Palmer announces his commitment to Maryland

After going through the entire 2023 year without picking up a high school commitment, head coach Kevin Willard kicked off 2024 with a bang after Mt. Zion Prep (MD) four-star guard Malachi Palmer announced his pledge. Palmer, a 6-foot-5, 185-pound guard, committed to Maryland over a final group of Seton Hall, Florida State, Oklahoma State and West Virginia. While the Seminoles had coaches in to see Palmer in action this fall, Maryland was the main school in pursuit over the last two months. Former assistant Tony Skinn once led the pursuit for Maryland, but it’s been assistant David Cox who has picked up the pieces since then after becoming a frequent face to watch Palmer practice this fall. After unofficially visiting for a pair of games this season, Palmer took an official visit to Maryland beginning Dec. 18 where he and his family were able to see the program inside his out. With others in Palmer’s circle also fond of the idea of the four-star guard to stay local, Palmer made the call on the Terps last week before announcing his decision on New Year's Day alongside his family back in Harrisburg, PA. “I love how fast they play, it’s a fun style of basketball. They play that fullcourt defensive game and getting on transitions so it’s a playstyle I can see myself fitting into,” Palmer told IBG. “I enjoy coach Willard a lot. He’s a great person, a great coach. I love his coaching style.” A ball-dominant guard, Malachi Palmer recently scored his 1,000th career as Mt. Zion has opened the season 12-1. Palmer now becomes the first commitment in Maryland's 2024 class, ending a year-long commitment drought from the high school ranks. Malachi Palmer is rated a four-star prospect and the top-ranked prospect in Maryland, according to On3. He checks in as the 109th-best prospect in the country in On3’s 2024 rankings. Scouting Report from R1A Classic via Tyler McKittrick At least part of what Palmer is known for is his ability to get to his spots in the midrange, using a blend of feel and body usage to pull up for his smooth, accurate jumper. But as this season has pressed forward, it’s obvious that the even-keeled scoring guard has become a well-rounded, complete player. So when he struggled with shooting from the perimeter over the weekend, it was the perfect opportunity to catch a glimpse of his effect on the game outside of his jump shot. In their 2-point loss to IMG, Palmer’s playmaking capabilities stood out as he consistently set his teammates up for quality looks. He officially recorded 6 assists in the contest, but had at least another half-dozen setups that went unconverted or led directly to free throws. He’s poised on the drive and heady in traffic. His eyes are always up off the bounce and his passing skillset includes touch, placement, and a very skilled use of his left hand. Defensively, he was solid on the ball and sound off of it. He effectively checked Eric Dailey, Jr., flashing his mature strength and attention to detail. In their second game, a double-OT win over The Skill Factory National (GA) in which he played all 50 minutes, Palmer, again, adjusted his approach accordingly, purposefully electing to pressure the rim en route to 27 points on 8-for-17 shooting. He showed his taste for physicality, utilizing impressive functional strength to absorb contact on the floor and create and finish through it at the rim. He was 10- 12 from the foul line and tied the game at 70 on the last possession of regulation to send it to overtime. Even with his shooting woes (36.8 FG%), he averaged 21 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists, and 1.5 steals across his two games. Related Links

 
 
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