Syracuse Basketball: 2022 big-man commit is playing at an ultra-high level

Syracuse basketball 2022 three-star commit Maliq Brown has competed exceptionally well of late at several tournaments, and from my perspective, the 6-foot-9 power forward should be garnering more attention on a national scale.

At the recently held 2021 Beach Ball Classic in Myrtle Beach, S.C., Brown guided his team to the championship game of the tourney’s prep bracket.

Although Brown’s squad, the Blue Ridge School in St. George, Va., fell in the title contest to the Liberty Heights Athletic Institute in Charlotte, N.C., the Orange signee was fabulous, according to a recruiting expert.

According to Rivals.com national analyst Jamie Shaw, Brown collected averages of 11.7 points, 12.3 rebounds and two steals per game at the 2021 Beach Ball Classic.

"Check out what the Rivals.com analyst had to say, in part, about Brown’s performances. “Brown flexed throughout this event, using his length and ability to run and jump to maximize his production. Brown, a 6-foot-9 forward, showcased his defensive versatility, often finding himself guarding the opposing team’s best perimeter threat. Brown also rebounded at a high rate, high above everyone else. … Offensively, Brown played within himself, finishing well around the basket and getting out in transition.”"

Syracuse basketball commit Maliq Brown is having a special senior season so far.

Ever since ‘Cuse coaches offered Brown in February of 2021, I’ve been high on his skill-set and talent, regardless of his national ratings from recruiting services. He’s part of a sneaky-good, five-member class for Syracuse basketball in 2022.

I always preface in these types of stories that I’m not a recruiting analyst, however, Brown sure looks the part of a four-star, top-100 prospect in the 2022 cycle.

When I penned this column, the industry-generated 247Sports Composite had him ranked at No. 230 nationally, with Rivals.com rating Brown as a top-30 power forward.

Brown verbally committed to the Orange over Georgetown, Penn State, Virginia Tech and N.C. State in mid-October and has signed his national letter of intent to suit up for Syracuse basketball.

As we noted in a column not too long ago, Brown was named the most outstanding player as the Blue Ridge School recently captured the 2021 Mercer Invitational Tournament crown.

In leading the Blue Ridge School to this tourney’s championship, Brown was stellar in a variety of areas on the court, as he tallied averages of 17 points, 10 rebounds, three steals, two blocks and two assists per encounter.