Malik Newman to Mississippi State: Bulldogs Land 5-Star G Prospect

Combo guard Malik Newman has officially committed to the Mississippi State Bulldogs. Jeff Borzello of ESPN confirmed the decision.

Newman's decision had been the subject of some debate.

On April 22, Ben Garrett of Scout.com initially reported the commitment was official:

Gregory Payan/Associated Press

But later in the day, Courtney Cronin of The Clarion-Ledger provided comments from Newman, who denied the report:

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"No, I haven't committed," Newman told The Clarion-Ledger. "Right now I'm down to my final four schools - Ole Miss, Mississippi State, Kansas and Kentucky."

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"When I sit down with my parents, if I think Mississippi State is the right place, then that's where I'll pick," he said. "Like I said, right now I'm down to my final four schools. I don't really care what the media is saying. I think wherever is the best spot for me is where I'll pick."

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Cronin also provided comments from Newman's father, Horatio Webster, regarding scholarship papers.

"Who the hell would fill it out for him?" Webster said. "The scholarship papers are on the dresser in my house."

Ultimately, though, Newman wound up heading to the Bulldogs. 

Newman is a 6'3", 174-pound guard who is ranked as the No. 5 player in the 2015 recruiting class. He's also considered the top shooting guard and top player from the state of Mississippi.

Newman has been incredibly consistent over the past two seasons, averaging 22.9 points and 4.9 rebounds per game in 2012 and 23 points and five rebounds per contest in 2013.

He also helped lead Callaway High School to back-to-back state championships.

He was voted as the 2013 MaxPreps National Sophomore of the Year.

ESPN Insider offered the following scouting report:

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He's most often defined as a scoring combo-guard, and while he has the ball skills and capability to play the point, he's in his natural habitat when he's looking for his own offense. Newman is a big shot taker and maker. He is a shooting guard by nature but can also make plays when he slides over to the point. He can get to the rim in addition to his deep range and it an under rated passer as well. He has excellent instincts to go along with a good feel.

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You can see him in action below:

Over the summer, he had the chance to go into the film room with Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry in a feature for Bleacher Report:

There's no question that Newman can fill it up and likely will do just that in college for whichever team he chooses. He'll have some things to work on at the next level, and if he's done growing, NBA teams will want to see him continue to develop as a point guard given his size.

But Newman has the potential to be something special, which is why so many teams are interested in him.

Recruit star ratings and rankings via 247Sports unless otherwise noted.