"Explosive Firepower with a Relentless Two-Way Impact"

Aaron Malone

Twitter and IG: @aaronmalone_32

6’5”, 170lbs, Class of 2026

Utah Prep, UT

Aaron is an explosive three-level scoring machine with a fierce defensive edge and the athleticism to finish with authority. His game mixes lights-out shooting from anywhere on the floor with the versatility to attack the rim and delivers in every phase of the game. More than just a scorer, Aaron is a leader who motivates teammates, brings a strong presence on defense, and thrives in high-level competition. His size and skill make him a matchup problem, capable of stretching the floor, banging inside, or creating plays off the bounce.

This past season at Utah Prep, Aaron averaged 13 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists per game before elevating his play in the summer with 20 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 assists. His biggest improvement has been his athleticism and physicality, giving him the ability to get to the rim at will. That development showed in a standout performance against Provo High School, where he exploded for 38 points, 5 rebounds, 3 steals, and 3 assists. He also shined with SUSA during AAU, proving Utah players can compete with anyone by helping lead his team to the 3SSB Nationals tournament and finishing as runner-up in the 3SGB Championship.

Aaron describes his game as similar to Klay Thompson, a player who can guard, rain threes, score off cuts, and work in the midrange or post, all while making the extra pass to find open teammates. Coaches can rely on him to impact the game whether he’s scoring or creating opportunities for others, rebounding, or locking in defensively. His coach’s trust in him to lead has fueled his confidence, and heading into his senior season, Aaron is determined to take what he’s learned from playing national competition and put it all together for a monster year.

What fuels Aaron most is the rhythm of basketball itself, whether it’s the ball moving until the right shot falls, or defensive stops like blocks, steals, and shot-clock violations. He handles adversity with a calm focus, never letting setbacks shake his value on the court. The best advice he’s ever received is, “If you play good defense and hustle, the offense will come.” he plays with consistency, toughness, and poise. Already holding offers from Rocky Mountain College, Southwestern Oregon Community College, and American River College, Aaron has positioned himself as a stretch forward to watch, an inside-out scorer who dunks with ease, bodies up well in the post, and can step outside to bury the three.

Off the floor, Aaron enjoys hanging out with friends, supporting other high school sports, and spending time at the lake. His love for the game is matched by his appreciation for balance, keeping his energy sharp for the challenges ahead.

I assess that Aaron’s skill set as a true three-level scorer with size and defensive intensity makes him an good fit for programs seeking versatility and toughness. His leadership, ability to create for himself and others, and commitment to guarding multiple positions, he's built-for-the-next-level game. He brings both immediate scoring punch and team-first intangibles that elevate a locker room.

With a senior season set to showcase all the tools he’s been building, Aaron’s ceiling continues to rise. His physicality, shot-making, and defensive swagger make him a player who can thrive at the college level, stretching the floor while also being a reliable interior presence. Expect him to rise as a complete forward whose mix of confidence, toughness, and offensive firepower will make him a valuable asset moving forward. Stay tuned for a statement run ahead.