Malik's Moves: How Malik Monk Set The Kentucky Freshman Scoring Record
On December 17th, 2016, Malik Monk broke the freshman scoring record (while wearing a stunning pair of Kobe Vs), which was previously held by Jamal Murray and Terrence Jones with 35 points. Monk had 47, including the game-winning shot.
Malik Monk is part of what is being touted as one of the greatest freshmen classes in college basketball history. And his group will certainly make the upcoming NBA Draft extremely interesting. This year's crop of freshmen are dominating the National Player of the Year conversation, and Monk has firmly established himself as the premier scorer of the bunch.
What was most impressive about Monk's 47 points was how within the flow of the offense they felt. I had looked over highlights of the game several times after watching it, and was so mesmerized that I decided to re-watch the entire game with the sole purpose of watching how Monks scored all 47 of his points.
He had already tied a Kentucky freshman record for points in a half when he piled up 27 in the first 20 minutes of action.
On the first play of the game Monk runs North Carolina's Kenny Williams off of a free throw line screen from Wenyen Gabriel. He squares up quickly and uses his lightning quick release to get the shot off before Williams' contest could affect the shot.This first basket was symbolic of the rest of the night, and Monk would later claim he knew his big night was coming after he scored on that initial play.
Monk then went on to hit four three-pointers in the half. The gem buried underneath the flurry of three-pointers was his beautifully executed in-and-out dribble that left Joel Berry II flat-footed in transition.
This move was amazing because it showcased how effective Monk can be in transition, something that is terrifying for opposing defenses when you consider how little space he needs to get his shot off.
As this amazing game came down the stretch it was becoming more and more evident that whoever had the ball last was most likely going to win.
With about 16.7 seconds left....
The beautiful thing about basketball is how elegant the game can look when played at its highest level. Malik Monk uses a jab-step akin to Kobe Bryant to close out the game here. His subtle step and ball-fake get UNC senior forward Isaiah Hicks to open up his defensive stance towards the baseline, which gives Monk all the air space he needs to bury what would be the game-winning three and complete his 47-point masterpiece.
