It appeared after the basketball match Ling had toward his classmates. Mr. Den. The current basketball coach of Hunei University was looking for Ling every day. Or to be exact, Mr. Den noticed that the young man was hiding from him purposely.
Now that he managed to get in touch, there was no reason to let this kind of opportunity. Yes, he anticipated Ling would reject his invitation, that's why he made a perfect plan for that.
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To begin with, Hary, Ling, and Mr. Den entered the basketball court. The place was filled with varsity players and students who wanted to try out for this team. Hmm... The Hunei University just attained the number two spot last season, however, being a member of this team could easily raise your fame.
Well, some of them were using that reason to join the basketball team despite the fact that they didn't have talent in this sport.
"If you didn't try to join in this tryout or even you fake game here. I swear I'll never hesitate to give you a fail mark." Mr. Den warned him in a serious tone.
At this point, Ling could easily tell this middle-aged man wasn't joking at all. So he simply nodded his head. "Yeah, I'll do my best." He briefly paused before adding these words. "But can I ask you a question?"
Mr. Den frowned his brows. "What is it?"
"Why are you so obsessed inviting me with your team? Plus, if you really wanted me to be part of your team, why I do have to do this tryout? Even you can effortlessly pick me."
Just like what he expected this young man wasn't just a skilled basketball player, he also smart, that one of the good traits of being a point guard. Then, he chuckled a bit. "Well, I wanted to find out if my intuition is right. Also, showing your basketball skills to them is a good opportunity to attain their respect."
He was talking about the current member of this basketball team.
Ling immediately understood the gist of it. "Kay... But I have one problem, Mr. Den."
"What is it?"
"I don't have my basketball shoes and jersey with me," Ling responded nonchalantly, hoping it could be enough reason to delay this tryout.
Mr. Den slowly walked toward him, then gently tapped his shoulder. "You know, a small trick doesn't work on me." After that, he pointed his index finger at the locker room. "Go to that area. There are a lot of basketball shoes and jerseys there, just make it quick!
"Come on, Ling. I will tell you where you could find those." Hary suggested in a high tone because even he was excited to witness Ling's skills.
Soon, Ling changed his school uniform into a practice uniform of Hunei University. To be honest, it was the first time again he wore comfortable shoes. If he guessed it right, 2 years ago was the last time he bought a new pair of shoes.
"Sorry, Ling. Only low-class shoes are available. I'll make sure next time that you get the high-class one." Hary explained.
Ling had a disappointed expression on his face, at the same time, asking himself how Hary could say that the basketball shoes worth 400$ were low-class.
Yet, he didn't pay too much attention to it as he noticed the other students that seemed like going to eat him at any moment. "That's fine. As long as I can still use it I have no problem with that." He responded nonchalantly and changed his glance toward Mr.Den. "When we would start this tryout, Mr.Den? I have a part-time job after this, so it would be better if we finish this right away."
"We are going to start now, Ling, so be patient." He looked around as he seemed to look for someone. "The tryout would happen is quite different since you are in hurry. So I decided to have one versus one match."
All the current members had a malicious smiles on their faces, at the same time, wondering why their coach was paying too much attention to a lowly person like him.
Well, Ling was expressionless. Although he was not expecting that one, in his mind, nothing changed at all. "I understand. But who will be my opponent?" He asked.
At this point, the seniors were presenting themselves to participate.
Mr. Den, I wanted to try myself in one versus one match, so pick me!
Me too, Mr. Den! I will show you how to dominate!
This is not a playground, I'll show you what true basketball is!
Mr. Den raised his hand, commanding his players to shut their mouths, or else, they will immediately kick out of this basketball team.
To test this young man's instinct and to read how good his opponent was. He was planning to let Ling choose his opponent. "You pick anyone from them, Ling. Except for Hary."
As soon he heard those words, he didn't make any second thoughts to point his index forward at the young man who had blue hair, blue eyes, a bulky body, and was 6.3ft in height.
It was Jorle Bane, one of the starting five of Hunei University and positioned as a shooting guard. Technically speaking, Mr. Den knew Ling would be at a disadvantage side. In his mind, Jorle was in a good condition, plus, he had the athleticism and strength to dominate.
Since Mr. Den made the decision there was no other reason to change Ling's opponent. "Are you sure about this, Ling? Jorle is one of our best players on this team just to inform you."
Ling nodded his head without making any second thoughts. "Yeah, make this battle quick."
At this point, Mr. Den assigned the two players inside the court. This game had simple rules, the player who scores 11 points first will win the match. It had the same rules as natural basketball to avoid unnecessary calls.
"I don't know the reason why coach Den is taking good care of you. So it would be better if show a good match to not disappoint him." Jorle said in a deep tone.
"Of course..."
Brttttt!!!