Syracuse Basketball: Analyst praises big-man commit’s defense – fabulous!

Syracuse basketball 2022 three-star commit Maliq Brown continues to earn positive praise from national recruiting analysts for his play during the 2021-22 campaign.

The latest remarks come from Rivals.com national analyst Jamie Shaw, who was checking out the recently held 2022 Chance Harman Classic in Floyd, Va.

The 6-foot-9 Brown, a top-30 power forward in his class according to Rivals.com, is a senior at the Blue Ridge School in St. George, Va. His team, in the 2022 Chance Harman Classic, lost to Centerville High School out of Centerville, Ohio, according to this tweet.

However, Brown’s performance, particularly on the defensive end, was something that Shaw has discussed in detail. Let’s have a look at what the national analyst had to say.

Big man Maliq Brown will be a welcomed addition to the Syracuse basketball zone.

Brown, by the way, committed to Syracuse basketball last October over other finalists Georgetown, Penn State, Virginia Tech and N.C. State.

The Rivals.com analyst wrote that “the defensive end is where Brown shines the most,” and I’m really pleased to hear this, because as we all know the Orange has struggled in its zone for the better part of the current stanza.

Shaw isn’t the first recruiting analyst or scout whom I’ve seen make comments about how the Syracuse basketball signee is always hustling and runs the floor well. Experts commend Brown’s defensive instincts and rebounding ability.

He’s athletic and physical in the paint, according to analysts, and that is something ‘Cuse fans should feel excited about as Brown and four other 2022 players get set to arrive on the Hill next season.

"More from Shaw regarding Brown. “At 6-foot-8, his ability to move his feet is impressive, guarding down a line-up and even the point of attack in pressing situations. He has developed his vertical pop and is an aggressive rebounder both in and out of his area. Brown will need to continue adding strength and diversifying his offensive repertoire, but he leaves his mark on every game he plays.”"

To date, Brown is performing at a high level in his senior term for the Blue Ridge School. According to Shaw, Brown averaged 11.7 points, 12.3 rebounds and two steals per game at the 2021 Beach Ball Classic in Myrtle Beach, S.C.

When the Blue Ridge School captured the 2021 Mercer Invitational Tournament crown, Brown was named the most outstanding player. During that event, he averaged 17 points, 10 rebounds, three steals, two blocks and two assists per encounter, according to media reports.