19-year-old, professional gamer Malik Hobson from Detroit, Michigan grew up playing sports and video games all his life. One day he realized that he was better than most of his family members and friend so to him being a professional gamer was always something that was in his grasp even before realized he realized it. We had a chance to sit down and find out more about his process:
Q: How long did you play NBA 2K before turning pro?
A: I started playing NBA 2K when I was 10 years old, as a kid I was really big into NBA Live but my older cousins convinced me 2K was a better game all because the sweat looked more realistic and your shot didn’t go In all net overtime, unlike Live.
Q: When did you know you were good enough to play 2k professionally?
A: I knew I was good enough to play professionally once I won my first tournament back in October it was my first tournament ever and my team and I ( No Smoke) came out with a first-place finish and 2,000 USD.
Q: Outside of 2k, what are some other video games you enjoy playing?
A: Outside of 2K I enjoy playing Madden, Call of Duty, Fortnite, Apex legends, and Dead By Daylight. I really play everything I’m a gamer, I feel like any game I pick up I’ll be good at it.
Q: If you could be an athlete for a day, who would it be?
A: If I could be an athlete for a day I would have to be Floyd “Money” Mayweather, He’s someone I idolize and try to mold myself after in terms of being a professional and always staying true to myself. Plus he loves money and I love money.
Q: Did you play sports in school?
In school, I played football, basketball, and ran track. The track was my least favorite because I hated running, basketball was my favorite to play but its the sport I’m the worst at.
Q: When not playing 2k what are some of your hobbies?
A: When not playing 2K I’m usually working out, spending time with family and friends or playing another game.
Q: How did it feel hearing your name called after being drafted by Knicks Gaming?
A: Hearing my name called at the draft in The Barclays Center, March 5th, 2019, In Brooklyn, New York. The feeling was surreal, the moment of hearing my name called was like a sigh of relief and the final validation that all my hard work paid off to get to this point. Every struggle I had before was no more and I would be doing what I love as my job. The Knicks will always hold a special place in my heart for believing in me and making my dreams reality.
Q: What was your day like leading up to the draft?
A: Leading up to the draft that day was filled with meetings and media training with the NBA, it was the most exciting and stressful day ever something like prom or graduation, except better.
Q: What can you tell the kids that one day wanna grow up and play in the 2k League like Malik Hobson?
A: I would tell them it means the world to me that they look at me in that light and to believe in themselves never let anybody put a limit on you and tell you what you cant do.
Q: How has it been living in New York and are you recognized when out in public?
A: Living In New York is a dream come true, Before getting drafted I always wanted to live in New York or LA they are my dream cities. Where dreams are made of
Q: When it’s all said and done what does Malik Hobson wanna be remembered as in the 2K League?
A: When Its all said and done, I want to be remembered as the greatest, as somebody who changed the dynamic of a 2K league player .and a champion, pure winner. That’s the main goal for when its all said and done.
