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Get to Know Men's Basketball's Malachi Palmer
7/28/2026 2:54:00 PM | Men's Basketball
Malachi Palmer joins the Gophers after stints at Villanova and Maryland. As a freshman, Palmer appeared in 22 games with the Terrapins and averaged 8.3 minutes. Palmer followed head coach Kevin Willard to Villanova, where he played in 33 games for the Wildcats, including four starts. One of his starts came in the NCAA Tournament first round where he had 11 points. Prior to his collegiate career, the Harrisburg, Pa., product was a four-star guard and 119 recruit after playing at Mt. Zion Prep. Get to know Malachi in this question/answer session.
Why Minnesota?
I chose Minnesota because from the moment they started recruiting me, I could feel the family atmosphere from the day I stepped foot on this campus. I love the culture, how the team moves the ball, plays together and for each other. It felt like a great basketball environment.
What sports did you play growing up and when did you decide to focus solely on basketball?
I played a little bit of everything growing up. From basketball and football, to swimming, kickball, dodgeball. In football, I played quarterback, safety and defensive end. I played until I was about 12. I was actually better in football, but just loved basketball and wanted to focus on that. Basketball has just always been my passion. I've been playing it since I was four.
Did anyone else in your family play basketball and if so, what level?
My cousin is Vin Baker, who played for the Seattle Supersonics and the Milwaukee Bucks. I've watched a lot of his highlights and I have a lot of his gear at my house. A lot of my family liked that I played football, but I just loved basketball.
You're from Harrisburg, Pa., tell me more about your hometown.
It's the capital city, but not too many people know about Harrisburg. We're used to being the underdogs so it's a gritty city. Everyone works hard for what they have.
For those that don't know, tell us about your game and what they can expect from you?
I'm going to do whatever it takes to win. Whether that's diving on the floor for a loose ball, taking charges or making the right pass to my teammates. I'm going to do whatever it takes. I can shoot the ball, I'm pretty athletic and good at going downhill as well as getting teammates the ball. I also pride myself on defense.
Was being able to play defense an adjustment going from high school to college?
Definitely. If you were to ask me that question coming out of high school, I would have said I was strictly focused on offense. In college, defense was going to be in my calling card and my way to the court. I needed to learn how to play defense and guard different positions. I'm strong, but also quick. I can guard 1-4, maybe five sometimes and it's something I really pride myself on.
You're back in the Big Ten after playing your first year at Maryland. Talk about how competitive the conference is and what it's like to be back in the Big Ten?
It's great to be back in the conference. I grew up watching the Big Ten on Big Ten Network all the time. It's a physical league and every night is going to be a battle. There's no sleepers in this conference. I'm just very excited to be back in this competitive atmosphere.
What's been the best experience you've had so far being at Minnesota?
I've had a lot of good experiences, but I had to go and check out the Mall of America. That was the first thing that I was able to do. Just getting to see the town and area we live in. Getting out on a boat on Lake Minnetonka and enjoying the summer. I'm a little nervous about the winter, but just enjoying the summer.
What are you most looking forward to this year?
I'm looking forward to playing our best and making memories with the guys. Just going out there and accomplishing big things. Just looking to do whatever it takes to get there.
Favorite Food: Steak
Favorite Show or Movie: Power and favorite movie is Let it Shine.
Biggest Inspiration: My parents. Seeing how much work and sacrifice they put into me, they inspire me every day.
Off the court I like to: I like to make music and I like to cook. My favorite thing to cook is breakfast: eggs, bacon and pancakes.
Favorite NBA Player or Team: LeBron is my favorite player. Whatever team he's on is my favorite team. Bron and I were on free agency, but I'm a Philadelphia 76ers fan now.
Best city/country visited: Gotta give a shout out to my hometown Harrisburg. I love being home near friends and family. Best country, I'd have to say Jamaica. I went there last summer and had a fun time there with my family.
Why Minnesota?
I chose Minnesota because from the moment they started recruiting me, I could feel the family atmosphere from the day I stepped foot on this campus. I love the culture, how the team moves the ball, plays together and for each other. It felt like a great basketball environment.
What sports did you play growing up and when did you decide to focus solely on basketball?
I played a little bit of everything growing up. From basketball and football, to swimming, kickball, dodgeball. In football, I played quarterback, safety and defensive end. I played until I was about 12. I was actually better in football, but just loved basketball and wanted to focus on that. Basketball has just always been my passion. I've been playing it since I was four.
Did anyone else in your family play basketball and if so, what level?
My cousin is Vin Baker, who played for the Seattle Supersonics and the Milwaukee Bucks. I've watched a lot of his highlights and I have a lot of his gear at my house. A lot of my family liked that I played football, but I just loved basketball.
You're from Harrisburg, Pa., tell me more about your hometown.
It's the capital city, but not too many people know about Harrisburg. We're used to being the underdogs so it's a gritty city. Everyone works hard for what they have.
For those that don't know, tell us about your game and what they can expect from you?
I'm going to do whatever it takes to win. Whether that's diving on the floor for a loose ball, taking charges or making the right pass to my teammates. I'm going to do whatever it takes. I can shoot the ball, I'm pretty athletic and good at going downhill as well as getting teammates the ball. I also pride myself on defense.
Was being able to play defense an adjustment going from high school to college?
Definitely. If you were to ask me that question coming out of high school, I would have said I was strictly focused on offense. In college, defense was going to be in my calling card and my way to the court. I needed to learn how to play defense and guard different positions. I'm strong, but also quick. I can guard 1-4, maybe five sometimes and it's something I really pride myself on.
You're back in the Big Ten after playing your first year at Maryland. Talk about how competitive the conference is and what it's like to be back in the Big Ten?
It's great to be back in the conference. I grew up watching the Big Ten on Big Ten Network all the time. It's a physical league and every night is going to be a battle. There's no sleepers in this conference. I'm just very excited to be back in this competitive atmosphere.
What's been the best experience you've had so far being at Minnesota?
I've had a lot of good experiences, but I had to go and check out the Mall of America. That was the first thing that I was able to do. Just getting to see the town and area we live in. Getting out on a boat on Lake Minnetonka and enjoying the summer. I'm a little nervous about the winter, but just enjoying the summer.
What are you most looking forward to this year?
I'm looking forward to playing our best and making memories with the guys. Just going out there and accomplishing big things. Just looking to do whatever it takes to get there.
Favorite Food: Steak
Favorite Show or Movie: Power and favorite movie is Let it Shine.
Biggest Inspiration: My parents. Seeing how much work and sacrifice they put into me, they inspire me every day.
Off the court I like to: I like to make music and I like to cook. My favorite thing to cook is breakfast: eggs, bacon and pancakes.
Favorite NBA Player or Team: LeBron is my favorite player. Whatever team he's on is my favorite team. Bron and I were on free agency, but I'm a Philadelphia 76ers fan now.
Best city/country visited: Gotta give a shout out to my hometown Harrisburg. I love being home near friends and family. Best country, I'd have to say Jamaica. I went there last summer and had a fun time there with my family.
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