Central Arizona Junior College 6-foot-2 sophomore point guard Malik Thames is coming off an excellent sophomore season under head coach Tramaine Aaron, where Thames earned all-conference honors and also was recognized as an honorable mention selection for the NJCAA All-American team.
Thames improved his recruiting stock as much as any prospect in the conference this season, and was our #2 overall point guard prospect in the conference, behind the Conference Player of the Year, Phoenix College's Brandon Brown. Thames' play was steady all season long and he proved that he was worthy of serious college recruitment.
Recently, it all paid off for Thames, as he signed a national letter of intent with UC-Riverside and head coach Dennis Cutts and his basketball staff. Thames was also receiving strong interest and numerous division-I offers from many other programs, before deciding on UC-Riverside.
Arizona Hoop Review Scouting Report: Thames is a very quick point man with an excellent handle of the basketball. He pushes the ball up the floor and is always looking to attack. A floor general. Sees the floor very well and finds the open man. A very good athlete. Very good defender with excellent lateral quickness - quick hands and feet. A consistent perfomer and a steady guard. Verballed to San Diego State in high school, before not making it academically. One of the top point guard prospects in the conference.
