Ken dribbled the worn-out basketball on the cracked pavement of his neighborhood court. The sun was setting, casting long shadows that danced with each bounce of the ball. At 14, Ken was already taller than most of his friends, with a lean frame that hinted at his potential. His eyes sparkled with determination every time he looked at the hoop.
"One day, I'll be playing in the big leagues," he whispered to himself, imagining the roar of the crowd and the bright lights of a professional arena. But for now, it was just him, the ball, and his dreams.
Ken's love for basketball started when he was just a kid. His father, a former high school basketball star, had introduced him to the game. They would spend hours shooting hoops in their backyard, his father teaching him the fundamentals and sharing stories of his own glory days. Those moments were precious to Ken, especially now that his father was no longer around.
"Ken! Dinner's ready!" his mother called from their small house nearby. She worked two jobs to support them, and Ken knew how much she sacrificed for him. He jogged over, wiping the sweat from his brow.
"Coming, Mom!" he replied, taking one last shot. The ball swished through the net, and he smiled. "Perfect."
As they sat down for dinner, Ken's mother looked at him with a mixture of pride and concern. "How was practice today?" she asked, serving him a plate of rice and adobo.
"It was great, Mom. I think I'm getting better," Ken said, his eyes shining with excitement. "Coach said I might make the starting lineup for the school team this year."
His mother smiled, though Ken could see the worry lines on her face. "That's wonderful, Ken. Just remember to keep your grades up too, okay?"
"I will, Mom. I promise," he said, determined to make her proud.
That night, as Ken lay in bed, he thought about the future. He knew the road to becoming a basketball superstar wouldn't be easy. There would be challenges, setbacks, and sacrifices. But he was ready to face them all. With his father's spirit guiding him and his mother's unwavering support, Ken was determined to make his dream a reality.