For Jon Scheyer and staff, Brown might be the answer to many issues.
Maliq Brown, a former big man, center, and forward for Syracuse, committed to Duke on Sunday. What qualities does he offer the program?
Experience is the most important factor. Brown, a rising junior, has a lot to contribute to this young club. An All-ACC defender, he was. Although Cooper Flagg is still a freshman and has a lot to learn, he is predicted to be an excellent defender. Brown already knows the most of them.
Furthermore, Brown is a center who can support Khaman Maluach or even start in his place if Maluach isn’t ready or has problems for any other reason (mostly injuries, but possibly other challenges as well).
If Patrick Ngongba’s foot issue from last season continues to keep him behind this autumn, then this is even better.
Although Brown’s offensive skill level is not particularly high, he is effective; in the previous season, he made around 70% of his shots. We’ll have to wait and see how this plays out, but since he will likely score in close proximity to the hoop, Flagg might be able to score from outside the area and, to borrow/paraphrase what Shane Battier stated Mike Krzyzewski advised him to do on defense, simply “do things.”
It is imperative not to undervalue the significance of this as well.
Maluach and Flagg are both anticipated to be outstanding defenders, but neither player is really strong right now. Maluach is making up ground on numerous fronts. After 12 to 24 months in the weight room, he’ll be a completely different player, but that won’t happen right away, and probably not by November. Despite his potential, Flagg still has the body of a 17-year-old.
Brown is a fantastic addition if all he does, which we believe he can do more, is defend, rebound, and confront hoops bullies.