The Gatorade State Boys Basketball Players of the Year were selected based on athletic production and impact in the 2015-16 fall season. Each winner also demonstrated high academic achievement and exemplary personal character, including volunteerism, sportsmanship and community leadership.

For the complete list of Gatorade State Boys Basketball Player of the Year winners, click here.

THE WINNER: Malik Monk

THE BASICS

School: Bentonville (Ark.)
Grade: Senior
Position: Guard
Height: 6-foot-4
Weight: 190 pounds

Athletic achievement: He led the Tigers to a 21-9 record and the Class 7A state championship game this past season. Monk averaged 28.6 points, 7.5 rebounds and 4.4 assists per game. The USA TODAY American Family Insurance ALL-USA Arkansas Player of the Year as a junior, he has been selected to play in the Jordan Brand Classic and the McDonald’s All-American games. Monk is also a First Team All-Arkansas honoree and was named a Second Team Naismith Trophy All-American.

Academic excellence: Monk has maintained a B average.

Exemplary character: A member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, he has volunteered locally serving Thanksgiving meals to the needy and assisting at youth basketball camps.

THE PRAISE

“Monk does spectacular things on a basketball court,” said Jeremy Price, head coach at Springdale High. “He’s got NBA level athleticism and he has a great ability to create his own shot. He can elevate and shoot from anywhere on the floor and all you can do is hope that he misses.”

THE FUTURE: Monk has signed a National Letter of Intent to play basketball on scholarship at the University of Kentucky this fall.