Thursday, May 13, 2004
Malik Hairston, Part I: The Mighty Ducks
(Sorry, I couldn't resist).Malik Hairston's decision to matriculate at Oregon has the folks in Eugene counting their lucky stars. Bob at the Ducks Blog goes nuts:
Ernie lands the biggest recruit in Oregon history. Malik's a Duck.
The biggest signing in the history of Oregon basketball. Not even close. Rinour? Great. Jones, Ballard, Lee, Anthony Taylor, Rassmussen, Brooks and Luke Jackson? All terrific signings. This one takes it to a whole 'nother level. Seriously. This kid can flat out ball. The Number 7 overall rated player in the nation. Maybe the best player 'not' going straight to the NBA. Hairston's likely to only stick around for a year or two. But he could have a phenomenal impact on the Ducks ability to raise the profile of the entire program.
Hard to disagree with Bob's analysis or frown upon his enthusiasm. Malik was a McDonald’s High School All American. A 6’6 shooting guard, he averaged 22 points per game in his senior year at Detroit's Renaissance High School. He's a skilled perimeter player who can contribute on offense and on defense, as a shooter or a slasher, and as a scorer or a passer. Plus, he's got the intangibles. Scouts say he has "a passion and feel for the game."
He joins an already impressive group of recruits. Marty Leunen, Chamberlain Oguchi, Bryce Taylor and junior college transfer Kenny Love round out a crew that is sure to propel Oregon into the NCAA.
Conversely, how would you feel if you had just lost the Hairston sweepstakes? Columnist Chuck Woodling captures the mood in Lawrence, Kansas.
