Killian Malwaya

Killian Malwaya (SG | 198 cm | ‘05) ~ Asvel

13.3 pts, FG2-52.9%, FG3-28.6%, FT-71.4%, 6.0 reb, 1.0 ast, 1.3 st, 2.0 to, 0.3 blck

Killian is a player every team would want in his team. He doesn’t need the ball a lot in his hands and is not a high usage guy but when he gets it, he will make something happen. His driving off the catch is on elite level and he understands the driving angles very well and usually defense had a hard time stopping him because his first step was just too explosive and his angles too sharp. He felt great on open court and made a few attractive above the rim plays and I believe his game will translate great to the wider NBA floor. Has amazing instincts on the defensive end and is always at the right place at the right time and very good as a 1vs1 or team defender. He is still two seasons away from being draft eligible and I think his draft stock price will get bigger and bigger in the next few years.   

(Written by Marko Turk)

Killian Malwaya (SG | 192 cm | ‘05) ~ Asvel

20.0 pts, FG2-68.6%, FG3-28.6%, FT-77.8%, 5.5 reb, 0.8 ass, 1.3 st, 2.0 to, 0.8 blck

Killian was named as the MVP of the tournament after he stepped up in the last two games against Mega and Crvena zvezda. He was one of the best athletes at the tournament and used his athletic tools well on the defensive end and when going for offensive rebounds and he got quite a lot of offensive rebounds from the second plan. Killian still needs to put more work on his shot from distance and his shooting motion needs some fixes but due to his athleticism he has no problems with finishes in the vicinity of the rim and is not scared to rock the rim. He was one of the most talented players at this tournament and one of the few that could hear his name in some future NBA draft. 

Killian Malwaya (SG | 197 cm | ‘05) ~ France

13.4 pts, 2FG-54.8%, 3FG-30.8%, FT-69.2%, 3.8 rebs, 1.6 ast, 2.0 stl, 2.8 to, 0.2 blks

Athletic & versatile guard with great positional size. Played mostly off-ball and was scoring a lot of points on catch & drives or catch & shoots. Good scorer on all levels, shooting is not completely there yet but it isn’t expected from such a young player to make shots in high percentages consistently. Great slasher and has the ability to absorb and finish under contact at the rim. His body control is above his age and one of the best around the rim finishers among guards in this competition. Has the tools to be a great defender too, versatile with his size and also showing some good motor in energy on the defensive end. The combination of his confidence, athleticism and basketball skills could bring him a long way in the future.

Despite underwhelming team result if we took under consideration individual potential only, ASVEL could very well lead the tournament. If i had to pick one the most intriguing prospect on that team I would go with Killian Malwaya. Despite being two years younger than competition embraced his role nicely and played with surprising composure. French wingy talent really has a great feeling for moving without the ball and is not only very bouncy but also crafty around the hoop. He spreads his noteworthy wingspan, gets into passing lanes and has the makings of high level defender. May still have some growing left and end up fully equipped to play 3 position but being on and off the ball swingman option would certainly add some value. Secondary playmaking was not not easy to evaluate as he wasn’t getting many touches here playing alongside dominant physical force like Kymany Houinsou. Took only 2 three pointers in more than 75 minutes of the floor but hard to find someone who is still such a big threat in the corner before he even develops the shot after catch. Foundation of desirable glue guy based on defensive potential, finishing, high impact – low usage, room for improvement and physical tools make him prospect with as much upside as anyone here especially if he continues to broaden his offensive game.