Dreams don’t come easy. They take sweat, sacrifice and committed support from people who believe in you. Follow along as we meet top high school athletes and share their stories of inspiration, support and success. #Get2TheGame
RELATED: More #Get2TheGame videos
PLAYER PROFILE:
Malik Monk
School: Bentonville (Ark.)
Position: Shooting Guard
Height/Weight: 6-3/187
Class: 2016
Blessed with talent, work ethic and endless potential, Malik Monk is a young athlete to watch out for. The shooting guard at Bentonville High School has big dreams and the drive to achieve them.
“YOU CAN’T REALLY MEASURE HOW HARD I WORK. THE BEST ADVICE MY BROTHER’S GIVEN ME IS THAT HARD WORK PAYS OFF, AND WHAT PEOPLE DO NOT SEE WILL COME OUT TO SHOW WHEN THEY SEE YOU IN ACTION.”
INSPIRATION
“My biggest influence is my brother, because he’s been through all of this and he’s always been there for me.”
OTHER INTERESTS
Outdoors & wildlife
DREAM
“My dream is to become a professional basketball player and take care of my mom and brother.”
A DREAM IN MOTION
As a young athlete with a fierce dedication to his goals, Malik Monk has worked hard to make himself a force to reckon with on the court. Many factors have led to Malik’s status as one of the best young basketball players in the nation, but it’s his humble upbringing and close relationship with his family that keeps him focused on the pursuit of his dream.
One thing his mother has always instilled in him is the importance of staying grounded, no matter where the game takes him.
“Malik has been blessed with a lot of talent,” explains his mother, Jacaynlene Monk. “But I always tell him it’s important to be humble in life to succeed. To not make others think that you feel you’re the best.”
For Malik, these are words to live by, and he approaches each step in his journey with unwavering character. His dedication and hard work have really paid off, and that’s something he learned from watching his big brother, Marcus.
“Malik’s work ethic is second to none. We’re on the court at 6:30, three times a week. The gym is his safe haven, that’s what he loves to do and he puts a lot of energy and focus towards it,” Marcus says proudly.
From teaching him modesty and work ethic, Malik’s mother and brother have provided him with the framework and support he needs to succeed. But there’s a fire within him that can’t be taught. His fierce competitiveness, dedication, talent and perseverance are bound to take him far.
“When you marry together his incredible athleticism and ferocious competitive temperament, you really have a dynamic player,” says Jason McMahan, head coach at Bentonville High School. “I always hear him say he wants to be the greatest at whatever he does, and if that’s college basketball or professional basketball, he’ll be the greatest at those things.”
Malik has basketball on his mind for the future, but not only to help himself. He dreams of making a difference in the world using his unique set of characteristics and talents.
“It isn’t all about basketball with him. He has a rare opportunity to affect people in many different ways and I think he’s on the right path to do that,” says Marcus.
For Malik, the goal is clear, “My dream is to become a professional basketball player and take care of my mom and brother. They’ve been here for me throughout my life and they deserve this too.”