Malachi Brentumi (2027): One of Canada’s Most Intriguing Forwards

Standing at 6’7, from Fredericton, New Brunswick, Malachi Brentumi (2027) brings a combination of size, athleticism, and offensive ability that immediately stands out. He’s an explosive, high upside talent who has already proven against some of the best competition in Canada and consistently shows out. Lots to love when watching his game, but still has room for growth.

Offensively, this is where most of Brentumi’s current impact lies. He possesses all the physical tools and natural scoring instincts to be a real problem for defences. He is at his best as a scorer when playing with aggression and consistently looking to get downhill. His ability to finish through contact, elevate above the rim, and put constant pressure on defenders makes him a highly agile and dynamic forward.

Brentumi can score in a variety of ways, but the foundation of his offensive game is his athleticism. He is most comfortable creating opportunities from the perimeter, using his first step and downhill attacks to get into the paint and put pressure on the defense. He can also create out of the mid post, where he has shown a solid foundation as a post scorer, utilizing simple but effective footwork to generate separation and get to his spots.

His mid range game is an intriguing and developing part of his offensive package, along with his three point shot. While they both aren’t major parts of his game yet, he has shown promise and steady improvement throughout the years. He shows confidence in his mid range shot and has the ability to rise up over defenders and create space, while from three, he operates off the ball and in catch and shoot situations.

His decision making on the offensive end is still a work in progress, he’s not necessarily someone you want to have setting up plays, but that’s not what you’re looking for in his role. The next step for him will be improving his understanding of when to attack and developing better spatial awareness. There are times when he gets too aggressive attacking the defense without fully thinking through the play, which can lead to forced drives and turnovers. If he can become more selective with his attacks while maintaining his aggressiveness, it will take his offensive game to another level.

Defensively Brentumi has made great strides in his abilities. Hes active in passing lanes, laterally quick for his size, and capable of making big time blocks with his vertical and wingspan. I wouldn’t consider him a two way presence yet, because this effort is not consistently shown on every possession. But the tools are all there, length, size, athleticism but consistency will be the key that fully unlocks his defensive impact.

Heading into his senior season with the Leo Hayes Lions, he has an opportunity to show what he can do at an even higher level. Post secondary programs should be taking a serious look at him. He is a score first forward who plays with intensity and brings a physical profile and natural athleticism that you simply can’t teach. With continued development in his shot, handle, and decision making, he has the tools to take his game to another level.