The day Kendrick had been waiting for finally arrived: his official visit to State University. As he stepped off the bus and onto the sprawling campus, he felt a mix of excitement and nervousness. The towering buildings, manicured lawns, and the buzz of students made his neighborhood seem like a world away.
"Rivers!" a familiar voice called out. Kendrick turned to see Paul Grant, the scout who had called him. Grant was tall, clean-shaven, and exuded authority, his sharp blazer emphasizing his professional demeanor.
"Mr. Grant," Kendrick said, extending his hand. "Thanks for having me."
"Call me Paul," Grant replied, shaking his hand firmly. "Coach Hardy's eager to meet you. We'll start with a tour before heading to the gym."
As they walked, Paul pointed out various landmarks—the student union, the academic buildings, the dorms. Kendrick tried to take it all in, but his nerves kept pulling his focus back to the gym. He had heard about Coach Hardy's no-nonsense reputation. This meeting wasn't just about basketball—it was about proving he had the mindset to handle the pressure.
When they reached the athletic complex, Kendrick's eyes widened. The gym was massive, with a polished court, state-of-the-art training equipment, and banners hanging from the rafters showcasing the team's achievements.
"Impressive, huh?" Paul said with a grin. "Wait until you see it during a game. The stands are packed, the crowd's roaring—it's electric."
Kendrick nodded, trying to imagine himself in the middle of it all.
Paul led him into a conference room where Coach Hardy was waiting. The coach was a middle-aged man with salt-and-pepper hair, a stern expression, and piercing eyes that seemed to see right through Kendrick.
"Rivers," Coach Hardy said, standing to shake his hand. "Glad you made it."
"Thank you for having me, Coach," Kendrick said, keeping his voice steady.
Coach gestured for him to sit. "We've been watching you, Rivers. You've got skill, no doubt about that. But skill only gets you so far. What I need to know is—are you ready to commit? College ball isn't just a game. It's a lifestyle. It takes discipline, sacrifice, and mental toughness. You think you've got what it takes?"
Kendrick met his gaze, his heart pounding. "I do, Coach. I've been working hard for this. I know what's at stake."
Coach Hardy leaned back, studying him for a moment. "Good. We'll see how you handle yourself. For now, let's get you on the court. I want to see what you can do."