Months after the private workout, Jake had worked on his game relentlessly, even hiring a professional trainor as his dad admitted that his development would plateau if he didn't get professional help, even a few close friends and Amari who was level with Jake during the Mcdonald's all American couldn't believe the sudden growth of his development. As much as Amari didn't want to admit, Jake was now on a whole different level than him.
Now in his 2nd week of college, today marked the first practice session of the UCLA Bruins. As his classes finished, he rode his bike straight to his apartment, taking a quick bath and grabbing a protein bar, he rode his bike once more and headed for the campus gym.
Heading inside he was surprised that no one was there yet.
"Wait…. Wasn't practice at 3?" Looking around he met someone wearing a UCLA shirt.
"Hey, what are you doing…. Wait, you're one of the freshmen right?" The man said, emphasizing the "the", since he and Amari were one of the hottest topics when they first started school.
"Um… Yeah I'm Jake. I was wondering if you know where the others are?" And as if one cue Amari also entered the building.
"Oh Jake, where are the others?I really ran cus I low-key thought I was last to get here." Amari asked, being just as confused as Jake.
"Let me guess, the team told y'all practice was at 3?" Both players nodded in unison. "Uhm… how do I break it down to you two…. You could say this is a 'welcome' treat for the freshmen of the team, cus last year the guys did the same thing to the sophomores last year."
"Damn… Well at least we can get a workout early, hey Jake, wanna join me?" Amari asked, waiting for Jake's answer. "Alright, lemme just ch-"
All of a sudden the man interrupted, "Oh by the way the first team practice is always gonna be a bummer." He said, making Jake second think. "You know what, you put some shots up first Amari, imma chill for a while here."
"Eh, suit yourself." Amari shouted as he grabbed a ball from a rack and started putting up some shots.
"You freshmen really are energetic, that's what I always like about ya'll." The man exclaimed. "By the way, I'm Rick, I'm the conditioning coach." Rick said with an almost devious smile.
Hours later, the whole team arrived along with the coaches. Amari was slightly tired but was still eager to practice. Until practice started, and just like Rich said, the first one is a bummer.
Nearly 2 hours of relentless sprinting, conditioning drills, fastbreak drills and even a full on intense scrimmage. As practice ended everyone was gassed, but not as gassed as Amari. As he was basically exhausted, I mean dude could barely jog, much less run. Luckily for him practice was over.
As Jake started to walk towards the showers, somebody called him out. Looking back, he was surprised as it was the team's star and soon to be Miami Heat player, Jaime Jaquez Jr.
"Hey Jake, come up here real quick." Jaime called out.
Not wanting to disrespect his senior, Jake being the humble kid he was, he eagerly ran toward Jaime.
"Sup, did you want something from me?" Jake replied.
"Wanna play a quick 1v1? You really impressed me in the Mcdonald's all American, and I wanna see how good the 'Mr California Basketball' really is." Jaime smiled deviously. The other players silently murmured, some even betting that Jaime wins by a landslide.
Though most expected Jake to refuse, considering Jaime is the team's star. His decision surprised them though.
"I'm up, first to 6?" Jake enthusiastically replied.
This left everyone metaphorically drop their jaws to the ground. They didn't know if this rookie was arrogant or just humble enough not to decline.