USA Basketball Notes

• Named on May 4, 2021, to the 2021 USA E-National Team that will compete in the FIBA Esports Open III North and Central America Conference Next Gen championship.
• Will compete as Originalmalikx at the FEO III.
• Member of the inaugural USA Basketball E-National Team and helped the USA claim the 2020 FIBA Esports Open II North and Central America Conference championship.

7 Questions with USA Basketball

What is Your Signature Move?

My signature move is the “half spin,” which I do a lot to keep the defense guessing. It’s a move I can shoot out of or attack with.

Do you pattern your game after any NBA or WNBA players?

I’ve always mimicked Kevin Durant when making my player a guy who can create his own shot and is just unstoppable on the offensive end.

What was the first game you ever remember playing?

The first game I ever remember playing was GTA: Vice City. I was about 2 and my mom bought it for herself but never played the PS2, so I just picked it up and started playing. That’s where my love for gaming first started.

Do you play any additional esports competitively?

I do not play any other games competitively per se, but I definitely play everything and every game genre.

When or why did you begin playing esports?

I started playing 2K competitively when I saw the $250,000 tournament in 2K17. It interested me and I began playing a little in 2K18. Going into 2K19 I lost one of my good friends to gun violence and I dedicated that summer to making the league for him wearing No. 11 (his football number).

What’s the origin of your gamertag?

My Gaming name “Originalmalik” started when I was about 12. Growing up I was always different from other kids. I usually set trends with my clothes or just how I acted. So, that’s where the “original” came from. Malik is my first name.

Are there any gamers who inspire you?

There are a couple of gamers that definitely inspire me. Ninja and Nick Mercs from the Fortnite community and Nadeshot and Scumpy from the Call of Duty community.  A couple guys from the 2K community are Tyceno, Duke Dennis and Prettyboyfredo. These are all guys that I’ve watched grow playing and content creation-wise and aspire to get there one day.