Palmer is getting more minutes recently and his offensive numbers are improving.
Malachi Palmer played sparingly early during his first season at Villanova.
Palmer transferred in from Maryland after Kevin Willard made the move to become head coach of the Wildcats. After a lull in the middle of the season, Palmer has been getting a bigger opportunity and has been making the most of it. Guard play is extremely important come March and while Villanova is in a good position with Tyler Perkins and Bryce Lindsay, along with Acaden Lewis running the show and Devin Askew coming off the bench, there can never be too much help.
With that being said, can Palmer turn into an x-factor for Villanova down the stretch?
“It’s the reason I wanted him to come here,” Willard said following Wednesday’s win vs. Seton Hall. “We saw this a lot starting to develop last year. He works hard and he’s been practicing great. He’s come in and defensively, I think he’s playing really well.”
Palmer has played 23 or more minutes in four of the last six games. He came into the season with great ability on the defensive side of the floor but it beginning to show his prowess offensively — especially from three-point range. Palmer is 8-for-17 from deep over his last six games. This includes going 3-for-5 from beyond the arc on his way to a career-high 15 points against Seton Hall.
Palmer grabbed six rebounds against Seton Hall as well. He came away with two steals in 12 minutes against Providence last Friday. Palmer brings great size and length defensively and it has shown as the season has gone on. After practicing with him all year, this is no surprise to Palmer’s teammates.
“He’s been one of our best players in practice,” Perkins said of his teammate. “On a consistent basis that he gives us a spark, I was glad to see his shots fall today. It’s on both sides of the ball, to be honest. He’s one of our more physical guys and knows how to use his body.”
Villanova is a program that is known for its guard play. This year’s version of the Wildcats has many members of the backcourt that can make plays. If Palmer can insert his name into the mix off the bench, Villanova will become that much deeper during a run into the NCAA Tournament.
“I’ve been making a conscious effort to be supportive for my teammates, doing what it takes to win,” Palmer said. “Playing defense, doing all the little things. I know the offense is going to come.”
Category: General Sports
