Cavalier Center made his decision to attend Cleveland State last summer. Saturday it becomes official.
He verbally committed to Cleveland State last summer. Saturday, MaLik London signs on the dotted line.
In a special signing ceremony in the Alumni Library at CHS, the Cavs 6’9”
center takes the next step to his dream of playing basketball in college.
Through 16 games London has averaged 14.8 points per game, 9.8 rebounds per game and 5.3 blocks per game this season. The pivot man’s field goal percentage is 61% up from 49% his junior year.
Cavs Head Coach Gary Kellough “We’re really proud of him, he’s come a long ways. I remember when we got him as a Freshman, he shot the basketball with one hand. In four years, he’s worked really hard… one thing you can always count on about MaLik, he worked hard in practice and year ‘round.”
Following a Cavs game at Dayton Stivers last December, assistant coach Dave Hammond said “He’s just got that ability to get up, block a shot and then go get a rebound and you don’t teach that’s just raw athletic ability.”
While London has been a human highlight reel of dunk demonstrations and blocked shots, he unveiled another side of his game this season, the mid-range jumper. In a postgame interview on WBEX in January, London explained “I want to have that power to dribble inside, take it down the court sometimes… I have to develop a shot (mid-range) if I want to be that lethal (a player).”
Coach K adds “(He’s) probably one of the most dramatic shot blockers and
rebounders in the state and this year, with his offensive threat becoming greater as a shooter, he’s rounded himself as a really good basketball player.” One the Cavs coach is happy to have on his side.
Warren’s Blane Maddox minces no words when discussing London. “You press them (the Cavs defensively) and MaLik’s down there and ready to jam it on ya.”
Something that opened the eyes of CSU recruiters was London’s commitment and ability move up and down the floor as a big man. “If you’re gonna play at the Division 1 level, you have to set yourself aside from what other kids are doing… he’s got a great work ethic” said Kellough.
The Vikings are a perennial powerhouse in the Horizon League under 6th year head coach Gary Waters. Entering Thursday’s game with Valparaiso, CSU is 16-4 and in first place of the Horizon.
Cleveland State has five seniors in its 2012 class, only Aaron Pogue a Dayton Dunbar product, at the forward where London will play. The spot is filled with underclassmen and London will be part of the mix.
CLICK HERE to read more about the Cleveland State Men’s Basketball program.
