Tag: Elijah Malone

New Colorado center Elijah Malone setting high goals for final college season

Elijah Malone is looking to become “one of the best bigs in the country” this upcoming season

New Colorado men’s basketball center Elijah Malone is expecting big things out of himself as his final college season approaches.

In an interview with Buffaloes Wire, the 6-foot-10, 268-pound transfer from Grace College said he’d like to become “one of the best bigs in the country” this upcoming season. Malone should see big minutes for the new-look Buffs, who lost all five starters from last year.

A two-time NAIA All-American, Malone described himself as an “old-school big guy.” His NBA inspirations include Tim Duncan, Nikola Jokic and Hakeem Olajuwon.

Malone was named the 2024 NAIA National Player of the Year following a stellar senior season at Grace College. While leading the Lancers to a 34-2 record, he averaged 17.3 points, 8.3 rebounds and 2.5 blocks in 36 games played,

Colorado will host Eastern Washington in its season opener on Nov. 4.

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Colorado men’s basketball signs NAIA Player of the Year Elijah Malone

Tad Boyle and the Buffs picked up a commitment from NAIA Player of the Year Elijah Malone

It’s not often that players make the jump from NAIA to Division I hoops. Yet Colorado men’s basketball head coach Tad Boyle is making that leap happen for Elijah Malone, a 6-foot-10 center who signed with the Buffs on Monday.

Malone spent the last four years playing at Grace College, helping the Lancers to a 34-2 record and the NAIA Fab Four last season. Malone averaged 17.3 points, 7.3 rebounds and 1.3 assists per game en route to winning the 2023-24 NAIA National Player of the Year. As a junior, he was a first-team All-American.

While his size helped him dominate, Malone’s athleticism and coordination showcased his well-rounded offensive game. He shot 65.3% from the field, 39.4% from deep and 72.2% at the stripe over four years with the Lancers.

Malone was active on the defensive end as well, averaging 2.5 blocks as a junior while earning Crossroads League All-Defensive honors.

Malone joins a Colorado transfer class that includes Division II standout Trevor Baskin and former Washington State forward Andrej Jakimovski. All three players have one year of eligibility left.

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