Milani Malik: Queen of New York Basketball

This past week SR 360 had an opportunity to interview one of the fastest rising female stars in the world of basketball Milani Malik. Malik —  currently the only women competing against men in the ABA for the New York City Thunder –  manages to be candid and confident. Get the scoop on this successful woman.

Many people aspire to be great, but few become living legends. Inspired by Teresa Weatherspoon, Tim ‘Headache’ Gittens, and Shameka Christon; Milani Malik, at the age of 25, has become a role model for men and women around the world through her discipline, focus, and hard work.  Her perspiration has often been an inspiration for all her teammates and she is steadily becoming a rising force in the basketball world with each given day.

As Milani travels around New York she is frequently challenged by men and women, mostly by men who want to see if the buzz surrounding her is justified. She laughs and smiles, but never runs from the challenge of proving she is undeniably the queen of New York basketball.  Don’t fall into the trap of underestimating the trademark pony tail, high socks and Nike shoes, this is a woman with tremendous speed who is always ready to show and prove at any court.

For an average woman, enjoying life is more than understatement when it comes to Milani. Whether it comes from being the only female player in the ABA for the New York City Thunder, being a streetball legend, having an upcoming Elizabeth Arden modeling commercial,  trying create awareness for breast cancer, working on her first book, a possible a forthcoming movie, or having fans throughout the world specifically in Spain.

However, Milani isn’t seeking those characteristics of a good life like the typical person would. Instead, she is on a journey to accomplish many feats. Many may see her as doing a whole lot, but she’s only scratching the surface. In order to keep these priorities in check, she focuses on family, goal setting, and trying to be the best.

Family
Milani’s family is a tight-knit unit led by dad Oba Malik, mom Kha Taylor, and siblings Jamal, Jehina, Kishema, Ona, and Yacu.  Each family member has had their impact on M&M, her nickname, as she’s the youngest member of the family. When it comes to family, she does not shy away from the fact that she is daddy’s little girl. Oba Malik is a 63-year-old fitness phenom still with plenty of game on the court, who has a passion for gardening.  He imparted in his daughter the importance of a vegan diet and goal setting.

Importance Of Vegan Diet
Sticking to her father’s early teachings of a vegan diet regimen allows Milani to effectively play basketball year round.  She credits all of her energy, health, and success to being strictly vegan. M&M’s favorite two spots for a pregame meal in New York are Red Bamboo and Vegetarian Paradise.  Once Milani has carbs in the system, she is ready to break down any opponent on the court.  Father Knows Best and Oba Malik at an early age taught his daughter the importance of goal setting.

Goal Setting
Since the age of 11, Milani has slept on a list of goals that she still adheres to at the age of 25.  One of those current unfulfilled goals is reaching the WNBA, but there is no doubt it is just a matter of time before she makes it.  She is the rare athlete who is capable of rising beyond any politics and will do her part to make WNBA commissioner Laurel Richie look fabulous once she is placed on a roster in the future.  When many other ball players have given up on their professional ambitions and dreams, she is determined to hold herself accountable daily to a written contract that she certainly will fulfill over time.

The Rise Of Milani Malik
Respect is never given on any New York basketball court and things are even worse for any woman trying to prove herself.

It has been nothing but a grind filled with up and downs for Milani as she is methodically working her way to the top of the basketball world.  Along the way, she has made numerous sacrifices: watching countless hours of film, doing rigorous workouts, being a gym rat, and spending all the extra time that a captain has to get the most out of her teammates on any team.

The story of Milani Malik still has many unwritten chapters, but expectations from any one that came in contact with her expects that she will play in the WNBA, get her chance to test her game against one of her favorite players Chris Paul, and one day will be invited to the White House to beat President Barack Obama in horse, one on one or some type of basketball contest.  To paraphrase one of her favorite artists Jay Z she does not care about who has next, because she has now. It’s all about living in the moment and she certainly is doing her part to impact the world through basketball, which will help her continue to inspire men and women all around the world.