Malik Monk 101

July 6, 20224:27 PM PDT

Malik Monk has a longtime friendship with De’Aaron Fox

Monk first met Kings point guard De’Aaron Fox in middle school and the two have maintained a tight friendship ever since. After holding down the 6^th and 9^th spots, respectively, in the 2016 ESPN Top 100, Fox and Monk paired up to lead Kentucky to a 32-6 record and a No. 2 seed in the NCAA Tournament. Monk finished that season averaging a team-high 19.8 points to go with 2.5 rebounds and 2.3 assists while Fox added 16.7 points per game and 4 boards and 4.6 assists.

SACRAMENTO, CA - OCTOBER 14: De'Aaron Fox #5 of the Sacramento Kings talks to Malik Monk #11 of the Los Angeles Lakers on October 14, 2021 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2021 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images)

SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 30: De'Aaron Fox #5 of the Sacramento Kings is guarded by Malik Monk #11 of the Los Angeles Lakers at Golden 1 Center on November 30, 2021 in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

Monk owns the Kentucky record for most points in a game by a freshman

Monk not only led that Kentucky team in scoring, but also set the record for most points in a game by a freshman. In a December tilt against then seventh-ranked North Carolina, Monk hit eight three-pointers en route to 47 points in the Wildcats 103-100 win. Monk shot 18-of-28 from the field and his eight triples was good for fourth most all-time by a Kentucky player.

Monk scored eight of the Wildcats’ final 10 points in the victory. The other – two clutch free throws that sealed it -- were scored by Fox.

Monk has improved as a scorer in each of his five seasons

Monk started his career shooting 36% from the field as a rookie but saw his average jump to 47% last season. Most importantly, his effective field goal percentage – a stat that adjusts for the fact a three-pointer is worth more than a two-pointer – has also risen over the years.

*Season*	*FG%*	*3P%*	*2P%*	*eFG%*
2017-18	.360	.342	.385	.458
2018-19	.387	.330	.461	.480
2019-20	.434	.284	.542	.494
2020-21	.434	.401	.471	.540
2021-11	.473	.391	.568	.578

Monk keeps his right arm tattoo-less

Monk’s left arm is noticeably tatted up from shoulder to wrist. But his right is a blank canvas. Why? Well, according to the 24-year-old guard, it’s because the right arm is “strictly for buckets.” Can’t argue with that.

CHARLOTTE, NC - MAY 13: Malik Monk #1 of the Charlotte Hornets dribbles the ball during the game against the LA Clippers on May 13, 2021 at Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2021 NBAE (Photo by Kent Smith/NBAE via Getty Images)

Monk wears No. 5 because he loves animals

As a student at UK, Monk told KentuckyLiving.com that his he chose the No. 5 because, “on the fifth day of creation, god created the animals.” He’ll rock the number 0 in Sacramento – swapping college jersey numbers with his friend Fox – but that won’t stop him from being a beast this upcoming season.

Malik Monk 101

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