T.J. Malone was named Premier Lacrosse League Rookie of the Year at the Premier Lacrosse League (PLL) awards on Friday night.

THE STEAL OF THE DRAFT

TJ Malone is your 2024 @PremierLacrosse Rookie of the Year! pic.twitter.com/8ONnOHYdK4

— Maryland Whipsnakes (@PLLWhipsnakes) September 14, 2024

In a steal of the draft, Malone was taken No. 17 overall in the third round by the Maryland Whipsnakes. Malone was a two-time Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year and was the heart of the Nittany Lions in his six seasons. Malone was originally picked up by the PLL last season, but returned to Penn State to play his final year of eligibility.

The West Chester, Pennsylvania, native was one of the top leading scorers in Penn State program history with 150 goals and 98 assists through his 66 games.

At the Whipsnakes, the attacker led all first-year players in points and was tied for third in the league overall with 37. Malone recorded 19 goals and 18 assists in his 10 games this season. He recorded over five points in three of his rookie games.

It’s Malone’s world and we’re just living in it, folks.

It’s TJ Malone’s world and we’re just living in it.

Your 2024 Rookie of the Year! pic.twitter.com/t90llN0kyK

— Maryland Whipsnakes (@PLLWhipsnakes) September 14, 2024

Malone and the Whipsnakes will battle for the PLL Championship at 3 p.m. on Sunday at where he will take on the Utah Archers and fellow Penn State alums Grant Ament and Mac O’Keefe. Folks can watch the game on ABC.