OriginalMalik (Malik Hobson)

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.

Original Malik’s Top Five Everyday Essentials

Phone. Everything I do on a daily basis is primarily through my phone, so my phone is the first on the list.
Carmex. I’ve always got Carmex on me no matter where I go. If your lips are chapped, you know you can always relay on me for Carmex. I’ve always got it on me, everywhere I go. Everywhere.
Shoes. Shoes are very essential to me. I’m a real big shoes guy. Anything, sneakers have always been a big part of my life. When I was young my mom used to take me to Foot Locker and get me the newest Jordans.
Controller. This is something that’s very special to me also. It’s my job and something I take very seriously.
Brush. I always got a brush on me. No matter where I go, there’s always one in my bookbag. Always. No matter where I go, I always have a brush on me. Anywhere. I just feel like you’ve got to be prepared for everything.