WGL Sports Performer of the Day (1/31/17)
Kentucky Wildcats Guard Malik Monk (37 points, 3 rebounds, 3 steals)
After losing two in a row, the 8th ranked Kentucky Wildcats entered Tuesday’s conference showdown with Georgia in a bit of a tailspin. As usual, Kentucky is loaded with freshmen talent, but with that youth brings bouts of inconsistency. The Wildcats very nearly suffered a third straight defeat last night, but freshman guard Malik Monk was there for the rescue. He scored 37 points and added in 3 rebounds and 3 steals. Monk hit the jumper with eight seconds left that forced overtime before Kentucky ultimately prevailed 90-81. 31 of Monk’s points came in the second half and overtime. For the game, he was 10 for 21 from the field, including 7 for 11 from distance, as well as 10 for 12 from the free throw line.
For Monk, the season of brilliance continues. This is the third time he has scored 30 or more points this season, which is tied with Jamal Murray for the most ever by a Kentucky freshman. It was Monk’s first such performance, a 47-point outburst in a nationally televised win over North Carolina, that put his name on the map. A five-star prospect and the #5 overall player in his class, Monk is surpassing everyone’s expectations, averaging 22.4 points per game, which is ranked 11th in the country. He is also the only freshman to be named among the 10 finalists for the Jerry West award, which is given to the nation’s top shooting guard. Monk is an elite talent who will likely go pro after one season, but for the time being, he will have bigger things in mind, like bringing another championship to Lexington.
