NBA Draft 2017 Prospect Watch: Malik Monk

Nov 25, 2016; Lexington, KY, USA; Kentucky Wildcats guard Malik Monk (5) shoots the ball against the Tennessee-Martin Skyhawks in the second half at Rupp Arena. Kentucky defeated Tennessee-Martin 111-76. Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 25, 2016; Lexington, KY, USA; Kentucky Wildcats guard Malik Monk (5) shoots the ball against the Tennessee-Martin Skyhawks in the second half at Rupp Arena. Kentucky defeated Tennessee-Martin 111-76. Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports
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Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports

Malik Monk has spent the past year blowing up box scores on a prospect-stacked Kentucky team. He’s now ready to bring his explosiveness and scoring ability to the league as one of the top prospects in this year’s NBA Draft.

Who Is Malik Monk?

Malik Monk declared for the NBA draft fresh from a heartbreaking loss to the eventual NCAA Champions, the North Carolina Tar Heels. Monk would have been the hero were it not for a last-second game-winner by some guy named Luke Maye.

Heartbreak aside, Malik Monk spent his single-season as a Kentucky Wildcat earning himself a reputation as an offensive juggernaut. In 38 games, Monk led the SEC (seventh in the NCAA) in points, averaging 19.8 per game.

Despite starting on a Kentucky team stacked with NBA talent, Monk stood out and was named the 2016-17 SEC Player of the Year.

Malik Monk, who turned 19 in February, brings to the NBA a string of amazing offensive performances and consistent scoring ability in an extremely-athletic 6’4” frame.

Let’s take a closer look at Malik Monk, and how his skills might translate to an NBA setting.