Malik Reneau Explained

Malik Reneau
Number:5
Position:Power forward
Height Ft:6
Height In:9
Weight Lb:233
League:Big Ten Conference
Team:Indiana Hoosiers
Birth Date:1 April 2003
Birth Place:Miami, Florida, U.S.
High School:Montverde Academy
(Montverde, Florida)
College:Indiana (2022–present)
Highlights:

Malik Reneau (born April 1, 2003) is an American college basketball player for the Indiana Hoosiers of the Big Ten Conference. He previously played for Montverde Academy, where he helped lead his team to back-to-back GEICO High School Basketball National titles (2021 and 2022). He is ranked as one of the top 30 recruits in the 2022 recruiting class and the Big Ten's top-ranked freshman forward.[1]

High school career

Reneau played for national powerhouse Montverde Academy in Florida, coached by Kevin Boyle. At Montverde, with fellow Hoosier commit Jalen Hood-Schifino, Reneau won back-to-back GEICO High School Basketball National titles (2021 and 2022).[2] He averaged 11.9 points and 6.6 rebounds as a senior, with 14.3 points and 8.3 rebounds at the GEICO High School Nationals, including a double-double with 14 points and 12 rebounds in the championship game.

Reneau was named an all-star and invited to play in the Jordan Brand Classic, where he scored 10 points and garnered nine rebounds. In the off-season prior to college he also played for the Nightrydas Elite grassroots program on the Nike EYBL circuit, averaging 17.2 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 2.4 assists in 12 games.

Recruiting

Reneau originally decided to go with the Florida Gators, but he changed his mind when head coach Mike White took a job opportunity with the Georgia Bulldogs. Hoosiers point guard and fellow Montverde teammate Jalen Hood-Schifino prompted Indiana coaches to begin recruiting Reneau. Hood-Schifino recalled, "I was with him when he de-committed. As soon as that happened, I texted my coaches. I was like, we have to get Malik. As soon as I said that, the coaches got on him and they did a great job of recruiting him."[3]

College career

In his freshman year during the 2022-23 season, Reneau served as a backup to Trayce Jackson-Davis and Race Thompson, playing in 35 games and averaging 6.1 points, 3.7 rebounds, 0.8 assists, and 55.3 FG% in 14.9 minutes per game. He is left-handed like his teammate Trayce Jackson-Davis.[1] Reneau was one of three Hoosiers to appear in all 35 games that season and made three starts. His play drew praise for effectiveness in the post and "stellar" footwork.[4]

Career statistics

College

|-| style="text-align:left;"| 2022–23| style="text-align:left;"| Indiana| 35 || 3 || 14.9 || .553 || .250 || .714 || 3.7 || 0.8 || 0.5 || .3 || 6.1|-| style="text-align:left;"| 2023–24| style="text-align:left;"| Indiana| 33 || 33 || 28.7 || .558 || .333 || .683 || 6.0 || 2.7 || 0.5 || .6 || 15.4|-|- class="sortbottom"| style="text-align:center;" colspan="2"| Career| 68 || 36 || 21.8 || .555 || .290 || .699 || .485 || 1.8 || 0.5 || .5 || 10.8

Personal life

Reneau was born to Patrick and Melanie Reneau. His mother, who played college basketball, often joined his father in challenging him in one-on-one games.[5]

As part of a student athlete compensation package to raise awareness for Indiana charity partners, Reneau endorsed Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Indiana, offering in-person appearances (such as speaking, presentation of skills, autograph sessions, and the like) as well as social media posts promoting these appearances and the charity.[6]

External links

Notes and References

  1. News: Ankony . Jack . Malik Reneau Learns From Battles With Fellow Lefty Trayce Jackson-Davis . 22 October 2022 . Sports Illustrated . July 21, 2022.
  2. News: Tow . Seth . Close friends Jalen Hood-Schifino and Malik Reneau carrying big expectations for IU basketball . 22 October 2022 . The Daily Hoosier . October 13, 2022.
  3. News: Foster . Amanda . 2022-23 Indiana basketball player profile: Malik Reneau . 22 October 2022 . Inside the Hall . October 13, 2022.
  4. News: Bozich . Alex . That’s A Wrap: Malik Reneau . 5 August 2023 . Inside the Hall . 20 April 2023.
  5. News: Ankony . Jack . Malik Reneau Brings Winning Mentality to Indiana Basketball . 22 October 2022 . Sports Illustrated . July 22, 2022.
  6. News: 11 IU basketball athletes join summer class for Hoosiers For Good NIL deal . 19 October 2022 . Inside the Hall . August 3, 2022.