"Our first game is December 16. We have two weeks to get better. Half the team is new so we have a lot of work to do before Riverside."
This was the coach's introduction on the first day of practice. Two weeks was a surprisingly short time before our first game. We usually don't play the same team the football team played too. That was a little weird. Coach probably knows how good or bad Riverside was, but the team does not.
That was another problem, the team. Coach was right, six new players is an issue. It's hard for six players to play a full game by themselves. We have to practice to get team chemistry and learn the new players tendencies. I might have to step my game up as well.
"Alright. Let's get started." said Coach Jackson. "10 laps around the gym. Go." Then he blew the whistle.
Practice is the same everyday except for pregame. All the coaches; Head coach Jackson, asst. coach Baxter, Defensive coach Carl Andrew, they all love consistency. First is the ten laps around the gym. Next we shoot free throws for a half hour. Just free throws. Next forty minutes we go over defense. The next forty minutes we went over offense and finally we did some conditioning drill. That is an everyday practice, fast and efficient.
Practice was going well. Before I knew it we were going into offense. By offense I was able to know all the names of the new players on the team. The 6'5 Junior Frank Johnson, The freshmen Jordan Romeer were the two I noticed first because I already knew they were going to be on the team. The other four were all sophomores, Blake Allen, Stewart Harvey, Andrew Salem, and Deon Smith. Jordan was clearly the best out of all of them so far. He was quick, had good awareness, and was a natural. Now it's time to see how they do in offense.
We have a passing offense. We make every pass possible to get the open shot. We also keep moving on offense. If we out run them on offense they'll get tired faster and that's when the plays start to work. The whole point of our offense is teamwork. That's what coach Jackson wanted to emphasize today. We split into teams of five with a sub. We was going over how to set up on offense. Power Forward and Center in the paint, Point at top, Small Forward on the left corner, Shooting guard in right corner. If it was not a fast break that's how we set up. After that we could move, set picks and all that stuff. The purpose is for the point guard to see the floor real quick and call a play. We went over that for ten minutes and then it was time to play.
My team was Jordan at Point guard, Dashaun at small forward, Dameek at center, Frank at PF and I played shooting guard. Coach wanted to see what the Freshman got while leading the offense. We got the opening tip off. We set up the offense like Coach told us. Time to see what the freshmen do.
He dribbled the ball for ten seconds. I ran from the corner to go help him, but he did a crossover move to get pass Deon and did a hop step to the basket for a lay-up. It happened so fast. Still he kept the ball in his hand for too long.
On defense we were solid. I guarded Adam. They passed him the ball in the corner. He moved it out and set me up. I was not going to let him go pass me so I backed up a step. He noticed and started a drive. I drove with him, but he stepped back. I stopped fast, but not fast enough. I put my hand up, but he scored over me.
Back on offense it was more of the same form Jordan. Hold the ball then he takes it himself.
On defense I did not allow Adam to get the ball with an easy passing lane. That forced Deon to hold the ball longer. Deon tried to do a quick pass inside to Blake. Jordan was faster. He put his hands up and deflected it. He bobbled the ball which allowed the offense to run back on D, however we were already in front of the play. Deon rushed down. I cut to the basket for an easy lay-up. Jordan stopped at the three point line and shot. He made it. What the hell is he doing? It was an open shot, but why not take the easy two?
I had no time to think. The other team got back quick. I ran back to defend Adam. I saw Jordan jog back. He was still showing off from the shot he made. He is really pissing me off. Deon brought the ball up. He was pass Jordan. Deon had a wide open three and took it. Jordan caught up and hit the ball out of Deon's hand . The fast break was on. Jordan rushed down the court. This time two defenders stayed back to guard him at the three point line. This left me open running to the basket again and Dashaun opened in the left corner. It's a play me and Dashaun usually run. If I don't get the easy lay-up I'll pass it out to him for the wide open three. We did not get a chance to do that because once again Jordan pulls up for three with two guys in his face and makes it. I had enough.
"What the hell is your problem?" I said.
"What? I made the shot." he said while smiling.
"That's not the point. I was opened for an easy lay-up and Dashaun was opened for three. You know the concept of passing?"
"I did not need to pass on a shot I know I could make."
"You got teammates, use them. You're not winning a game by yourself."
"I could win a few." he said with a smirk. I really hate this guy.
"I never met such an arrogant as…"
"That's enough, Ray." said Coach Jackson. "I talk to the players, not you. Sub out for George."
"Yes, coach." I said. I jogged over to the bench. I was frustrated anyway.
"And you." started Coach Jackson. "Your game is sloppy and your cockiness is not helping it. If you ever take shots like that again you might go back down to JV. Just because you are a freshman on Varsity does not mean you're the best player on the team. It is a team. Try me. For now do eight laps around the gym."
"What the hell, coach? Why am I punished for being skilled?" said Jordan.
"20 laps now! Start!" Coach was getting mad now. Before he was reasonable.
"I knew I should have went to Alvin." Jordan started running.
"Stop. Get out." said Adam. It gets serious when Adam says something. He is a leader by actions, he does not say much.
"What?" said Jordan as he stopped.
"Get out of the gym. You're done for the day." said Adam. "We are a team. You're acting like an individual. Until you are ready to respect us and coach we don't need you here."
"You can't tell me what to do."
"He's you're captain." said coach Jackson. "If he wants you gone, you're gone."
"You know what, fuck all ya!" He put his middle finger up and went to the locker room with it raised high.
Scumbag. That's all you can say about that. All the talent in the world, no respect. I hope he gets kicked off the team.
"Andrew, in for Jordan. Let's go. Let's go. Let's go!" Yelled coach Jackson.
I sat on the bench. I was calm now. Jordan proved he was not worth my time. He was pathetic and most likely gone for good. No class. No respect. And I'm done with him.
Next day it was what I expected. Jordan was not at practice. In fact, I did not see him in school the next day. I wondered where he was. I did not necessarily care though. Maybe coach did not let him on the team. Oh well.
Practice was way better today. I got to go back to my point guard position. The offense was clicking on all cylinders. The new players picked up on the way the offense ran real quick. We were able to install two plays. Defensively we were solid. Dameek definitely got stronger. I had trouble scoring in the paint. Frank was not bad either. The team was looking good.
End of practice coach Jackson brought us together. He had to say something.
"Jordan will not be joining us this year. He was suspended. I will not tolerate that type of behavior from anyone on this team." Coach said. "I'm going to move someone up from our JV squad in a couple days. Right now we are looking good. Still work to do. Go home."
"Damn. He got suspended." said Dashaun. We were on our way home for the day. "Did not expect that."
"I did not expect it, but I'm not surprised. He disrespected the coach with an obscene gesture." I said.
"You're right. You really don't like this guy, huh?"
"Eh. I only knew him for a day. He doesn't bother me."
"You think we'll be ready for our first game?"
"We always are, bro." At this time we made it to my house. "I'll see you later."
"Hold on." I turned back and looked at Dashaun. What did he want?
"I want to ask Jessica something real quick."
"Alright." I told him and let him in. I wondered what he wanted to ask her. I hope this idiot is not going to do what I think he's about to do. I could hear it in his voice.
"Jessica!" I yelled upstairs.
I turned and I saw her come from the living room.
"What? Why are you yelling?" she said.
"Oh. You're usually in your room." I said. "Dashaun wants to talk to you."
"Hi, Jess." he said.
"Hey Dashaun. What's up."
"Nothing I just wonder if you want to go to the movies with me on Saturday." he said. "After practice of course."
"What movie do you want to go see?"
"Um I was thinking about that new action movie. I could see anything really. I just feel like going to the movies"
She stood there and thought for a moment. "Alright. I'll go." she finally said. "Hey Ray, you coming?"
I didn't answer. I'm pretty sure Dashaun does not want me coming along. On the other hand, I'm pretty sure Jessica wanted me to go with them. What to do? Why am I'm always put in these positions?
"Um. I'll pass this time. I got to finish an essay." I lied.
"So is six fine with you?" Dashaun asked.
"Yea. Sure." Jessica responded and went back into the living room. She seemed upset.
I turned to Dashaun. He was happy. Happier than usual. For some reason I think he has something planned for this "date". I may have made the right choice by saying no.
"Alright bro. I'll see you later." He said and left the house before I said anything.
"Well bye." I said to myself. He was really excited. Now time to deal with her.
I walked into the living room. I saw her on the couch. She was watching Avatar.
"What's wrong?" I asked.
"Nothing." That's all she said.
"It seems like something is wrong."
"Well it's not. Go eat or something."
"Okay." Maybe I made the wrong choice saying no. I did not feel like dealing with her attitude. I'm not going to screw over my friend by being a third wheel. It's not like they never hung out by themselves either. I just want to know why she is so mad because it is obvious that she is. Girls are so hard to read.
Who would have thought Christmas Day would reveal all.