This is the fifth installment of our summer "Getting to know" series on IU's 10 new players. Today, we focus on Malik Story, a 6-foot-5 220-pound guard/forward from Los Angeles, Calif.
The Story of Malik Malik Story was set to be a hometown hero. Story led Artesia (Calif.) High School to two state championships and committed to USC as only a sophomore. But after his junior season, Story decided to leave sunny California for the hills of Virginia and basketball powerhouse Oak Hill Academy. But everything didn't go as planned. An undisclosed incident forced Story to leave Oak Hill after only five games. Story transferred to Ribet Academy in California, but was forced to sit out the rest of his senior season after being deemed ineligible (transferring mid-season).
When Story transferred he also re-opened his recruitment, deciding USC was no longer in his best interest. The Hoosiers made a late push for Story and beat out Oregon and Georgetown for his services. One of the reasons Story chose IU was his familiarity with the campus. Story had previously visited Bloomington while playing in the adidas May Classic for the So-Cal All-Stars. He told the Indy Star that he liked the area and was impressed with Assembly Hall.
Before committing, Story came on a visit to IU and played in open gym with some of IU's incoming players, including Devan Dumes and Nick Williams. Story told Rivals.com that he was impressed with Dumes and had seen Williams play before and "knew he was a good player."
On the floor In high school, Story was primarily known as an exceptional shooter. But Story said his game is more balanced after spending time at Oak Hill and fine-tuning his game over the last year in California. Story told the Herald-Times that he is more of a complete guard than he was as a sophomore and junior in high school. "People will see that I've worked on everything, from my passing to my rebounding and my understanding of the game. They won't just call me a shooter."
One thing Story has added to his game is a pull-up jumper. And at 220 pounds, Story should be able to contribute on the glass and be able to take smaller defenders inside. From watching some video of Story, it appears as if Story has "basketball athleticism" (think Paul Pierce). He's not necessarily the fastest, nor does he have an outstanding vertical, but Story knows how to work his way around the court. Story will be able to shoulder some of the scoring load for the Hoosiers next season, but like many of IU's incoming players, he isn't an excellent defender. That is where Tom Crean and the coaching staff can come in and work with Story.
How Story fits in with the Hoosiers Aside from being impressed with Crean and the Bloomington campus, Story most likely committed to the Hoosiers become of an abundance of playing time. After being asked to leave Oak Hill Academy, Story's image took a bit of a hit. Sitting out the rest of his senior year didn't help either. But at IU, Story will get the opportunity to be a major contributor immediately. As a muscular 6-foot-5 wing, Story is likely to start alongside Nick Williams at either the 2 or 3 position.
It will be interesting to see if Story's Oak Hill story (sorry) comes out this fall. Although Oak Hill coach Steve Smith said Story's incident was not of criminal nature, the last thing the Hoosiers need is another off-the-court controversy.
People who know more about Story than me * "To get someone of Malik's ability this late in the year is really exciting for all of us. He is a proven winner who knows how to win championships, and has improved a great deal over the last few years. Malik was off of the recruiting radar for some time because of his early commitment, but nonetheless, he has always proven to be someone that plays at a high level, that wins, and that gets better." - Tom Crean
* "We are very fortunate to have him coming to Indiana with the ability to step in and help contribute in our program right away. He has built his range and his ability to get to the rim, and we look for to helping him improve in those areas. We love his strength, and we love the fact that he loves the game and wants to improve. It is a pleasure to have him." - Tom Crean
* "Story has one of the most polished jump shots in the country. He doesn't get great lift on his shot, but it has tremendous arc on it and it's quite feathery in its landing. In the past he was strictly just a shooter - and more or less still is - however he is beginning to add more skill to his game, including a pull-up off of the drive. He is not an explosive leaper and not overly quick, but he's extremely strong (physically mature player) and a solid rebounder. His post game is a work-in-progress as he now possesses a strong drop-step move. Defensively, he could become a liability because of his lack of lateral quickness, but his overall competitive nature should help him in that department. Overall, we don't see him getting any bigger." -- ESPN
The numbers don't lie... '07-'08: Did not play '06-'07: 14.7 points per game '05-'06: 13 points per game
A little bit more on Story * Story played alongside Kevin Love, Chase Budinger and Brandon Jennings on a summer national championship team. * A mixtape clip of So-Cal All-Star highlights. Check out Story, wearing No. 33. * Story's favorite movies: He Got Game, Wedding Crashers and Friday. His favorite television show: The Fresh Prince.
Check back for our next featured Hoosier, Nick Williams.
