Menlo Basketball Walk-on Proves Hard Work Does Pay Offf

By Patrick Greene
Menlo Oak Staff

Mailk Dunbar, along with five other players, tried out for the Menlo College Men’s basketball team in 2011.

Dunbar was the only player to be rewarded with a spot on the roster. Actually, Dunbar was the only player in five years of walk-on tryouts to make the Menlo men’s team.

 “Although there was a full team Malik didn’t stop, he still went out for the team. He stepped into the starting position with poise and maturity,” said Oaks Basketball coach Noel McCullar

Dunbar is an undersized post with an over-sized heart.

Dunbar is a primary power forward, but is able to guard small forwards, and shooting guards. He is 6 feet 3 inches tall going against guy who are 6 feet 10 inches tall. He has a strong build, not too skinny, and not too big. Last year, his role on the team was to get the bench fired up, and play a few minutes here, and a few minutes there.

That role changed in the 2012 season. Dunbar became a starter. He played big minutes and played large role on the team.

All this success didn’t come over night, Dunbar worked very hard over the summer. He hit the weights hard, and worked on his ball handling. He practiced getting up jump shots, the play that gave him the chance to be a starter.

Dunbar says all the hard work paid off, but he still isn’t satisfied.

“We haven’t done anything as a team, and until we do I’m not satisfied,” Dunbar said, adding that he wants to take this team to the national tournament.

Players say Malik, “is the perfect teammate,” a “great leader,” and “has a never give up attitude.”

There is no question that when people come to the games, or watch practices, there is never a moment, or play that Dunbar doesn’t give it his all.

“This game is all about ups, and downs, and things you can’t control. Even when things are bad you can still control yourself, and how hard you go,” Dunbar said.

He added: “The only person that needs to believe in you is you.”