In line at the tryouts, Ethan, a 6'3" Black guy, was feeling pretty bummed out. He had thought he'd be competing with Arjun for the backup point guard spot.
But to his surprise, Coach Howland had Arjun start right off the bat, taking over Collison's spot.
Collison, just like Ethan, wasn't too pleased either. Last season, he was the team's second star, averaging 12 points and 5.7 assists per game.
Collison's dream was to make it to the NBA, and for that, he needed playtime and stats.
He had a great season last year, so why should he step aside for a freshman this year?
However, Collison kept his frustrations to himself, as Arjun really did show some fierce skills in the practice games.
After announcing this, Coach Howland scanned the room, fully aware that starting Arjun might stir up some controversy.
But the team had been practicing for a while, and Arjun was simply the best point guard out there.
Collison was consistent too, but he was a bit on the shorter side.
Howland wanted to shake things up, not repeat the failures of the past two years!
"Sure, I'll give my all for the team," Arjun nodded, as if it was the most natural thing in the world.
Arjun knew his starting position was precarious, with many eyes on him, but he was confident he could prove any doubters wrong.
...
September 12th.
The PAC-12 conference season kicked off.
The opening game was Oregon University versus UCLA!
ESPN was broadcasting the game.
ESPN had covered NCAA games many times before, and in some ways, NCAA games were just as popular as the NBA.
The NBA is a commercial league, but the NCAA is more about pure competition, with players giving their all for victory in every game.
Mike Breen and Jeff Van Gundy were commentating.
"I'm really looking forward to seeing UCLA play, especially since I heard a freshman has taken Collison's starting spot," Mike Breen said.
"That's Arjun from India, right? He's been getting a lot of attention from scouts lately," Jeff Van Gundy added.
"Exactly, everyone's curious to see how this 6'8" guy handles being a point guard. Maybe he'll be like Magic Johnson back in the day," Mike Breen remarked.
The NCAA might seem like it has a lot of players, but it's actually a small world, especially for a school like UCLA that's heavily scouted. Any change in their starting lineup is bound to spark discussions.
Arjun's impressive performance in training had already spread far and wide.
Collison was a star player for UCLA, and his relegation to the bench had upset many UCLA fans.
Even though the fans hadn't seen Arjun play yet, they had already criticized him online.
Arjun's ethnicity made it easy for some to distrust him.
Not many UCLA fans believed an Asian could be their starting point guard.
"I'm also looking forward to his performance tonight," Jeff Van Gundy said.
...
Reporters caught up with UCLA Bruins' head coach, Ben Howland, at courtside.
"What made you decide to start Arjun for the Bruins?" one reporter asked.
Howland replied, "It wasn't a spur-of-the-moment decision. Arjun has been outstanding in practice, often dominating, and I want him to bring that dominance into the official games."
Howland was a tough, no-nonsense coach who valued skill over seniority.
He believed Arjun had the ability to start, and that's what he would do. If Arjun didn't perform up to par, he wouldn't hesitate to pull him.
Meanwhile, Oregon Ducks' coach Richardson said, "No matter how good you think he is, I believe Arron Brooks is the best point guard this year."
"Arjun has great physical talent, but Arron will prove that talent isn't everything on the court."
Arron Brooks was a senior, improving visibly each season.
In his first three seasons, he averaged 13.1 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game. If not for his natural limits, he'd be ranked higher in the draft predictions.
After the pre-game warm-up, Afflalo patted Arjun on the shoulder and said, "Show them what you've got in training, they can't guard you."
Arjun nodded.
A 78 rating in the system was indeed top-tier for college basketball.
Arjun was the picture of calm as both teams lined up for the game.
UCLA's Bruins rolled out with a starting lineup of Arjun, Afflalo, Shaw, Raynor, and Alexander. The strategy was clear: dominate with the guards and forwards, while the big guys inside were the tough, blue-collar types.
In today's game, you rarely see small lineups,size matters.
Standing on the court, Arjun patted his No. 10 jersey and sized up Oregon University's starters. Apart from the shorter Brooks, he didn't recognize the others—probably not NBA material.
Before the tip-off, the teams shook hands. When Arjun and Brooks clasped hands, Brooks looked up and said, "Rookie, I'm going to blow you out tonight, crush you hard."
Arjun couldn't help but laugh at the threat—it felt like a kid challenging him to a fight.
His smile only infuriated Brooks more, who took it as Arjun mocking his overconfidence.
Already self-conscious about his height, Brooks was now even more determined to prove himself.
The jump ball was won by UCLA's 6'9" Abbot, tipping it to Arjun.
As Arjun dribbled up the court, Brooks quickly stuck to him, trying for a steal. In Brooks' eyes, Arjun's tall frame meant a high center of gravity—easy to disrupt.
Brooks was planning a showy steal to embarrass Arjun.
But Arjun had a simple counter. A quick pivot and a bump with his hip, and Brooks' attempt to steal was thwarted...
Brooks was fast, but he was at a disadvantage against Arjun's sheer size.
As Brooks tried to circle around for another go, Arjun spotted the defensive gap and spun right past him, his burst of speed leaving Brooks trailing.
"Such explosive power," the commentators noted.
"Brooks is fast, but he can't keep up."
"Arjun's driving to the basket—what's he planning? Isn't he going to pass?"
Mike Breen and Jeff Van Gundy were practically shouting.
On the court, Arjun sprinted with the ball, charging at Oregon's 7-foot center Alex. This Alex wasn't NBA material, just an ordinary blue-collar player with average physical gifts.
In mid-air, Arjun grabbed the ball with his left hand while his right fended off Alex, and then he hammered it down—a brutal dunk over him!
"Boom!"
The forceful dunk made the rim buzz as Arjun hung from it, the backboard vibrating with the impact.
Alex was stunned, barely in position and not even off the ground before becoming part of Arjun's highlight reel.
Then the whistle blew!
The referee called a blocking foul on Alex against Arjun.
"Count the basket, and one more at the line!"
"Arjun's first NCAA points come from a monstrous dunk!"
Jeff Van Gundy screamed.
The UCLA home crowd erupted in cheers and screams.