Armstead Moving Up and Moving on

Ivan McDowell
Southeast/Midsouth Editor

Lightning quick Malcolm Armstead is intent on rounding out his game.

I recently caught up with Malcolm Armstead, one of the fastest rising guards in the class of 2008 and a member of the Alabama Challenge AAU squad.

Armstead’s performance at the recently completed Nike Peach Jam in Augusta, GA, turned the heads of many coaches, while making believers out of non-believers in his skill set. Brandishing a lethal lefty crossover, Malcolm repeatedly got to the rim versus some of the more highly ranked guards in the nation.

“I still have a lot to work on, but I feel I’m playing well right now”, said the 6’0, 170-lb. point guard.

Work will also need to be applied to his right hand as well. During one stretch against Boo Williams guard Chris Wright (Top 25, 2007), Armstead used his slick lefty handle to get by on three consecutive possessions and either got to the cup or shot the mid-range jumper.

Unfortunately for Malcolm, Wright made the necessary adjustments on defense and forced him to right, which Armstead wasn’t as adept at doing as well, and contained the ultra quick dynamo for the rest of the contest. A contest Boo Williams won easily, but not due to a lack of effort on Malcolm’s part.

Despite the Challenge’s struggles in the event, they finished with a 1-4 record; Armstead shined through and led the camp in steals, just ahead of Wright.

Despite his minor shortcomings, Malcolm averaged 18 points and five assists per game as a shooting guard for Florence High. Malcolm boasts a 3.5 grade point average as well.

“My shot selection was poor, but I’ll get better and that will in turn improve my jump shot as well”, stated Armstead, who will change schools attend Central Park Christian in Birmingham next season.

The move certainly will present new challenges for the youngster, but it’s clear the decision was made by his entire family so as to better himself both athletically and academically.

“That’s why I decided to make the move. I wanted more of a challenge on the court and in the classroom”, exclaimed Armstead briefly before his AAU team left for the Super Showcase in Orlando. Malcolm will switch to point guard at Central Park Christian, taking advantage of his quick first step and superior on the ball skills.

South Carolina, Tennessee, Ole Miss, Kentucky, Mississippi State, Michigan State and Michigan and UAB fills Malcolm’s laundry list of schools. He hasn’t made a decision yet, but stated he may make one soon after returning from Disney or right before the school year begins.