"Wait, you really up for the 1v1?" Jaime asked, utterly confused since he was joking the first time around.
"Yeah, I mean you're planning to enter the draft next year right? So why don't you see if you can beat me before you go against NBA caliber players." Jake exclaimed.
This statement really shocked Jaime and the others, they didn't know if the new kid was just being funny or was actually being serious.
"Alright kid, I won't back down now. But hey, there's always a fine line between being arrogant and being confident. Don't go past that line." Jaime replied as he went up to the free throw line and sunk the shot. "My ball."
Jaime said as he passed the ball to Jake who passed it back to him. As Jaime dribbled up to Jake, the latter defended very tightly, keeping the pressure on Jaime who had his back turned. But as Jake decided to go for a swipe, he shifted his weight to the left which Jaime took advantage of as he dribbled to the right. And with Jake not being able to control his balance he trailed behind Jaime who laid it up smoothly against the glass and into the hoop.
"1-0, come on, that was too easy." Jaime said, mocking him.
Infuriated, Jake played even more aggressive defense on Jaime. Who danced on his junior, unluckily Jake slipped as Jaime pulled up for a jump shot. Fortunately it rimmed out as Jake grabbed the rebound.
"Let me show you how to shoot." Jake mocked back as dribbled down the lane, spun to the left and rose up for a leaning jumpshot, swishing it in the net.
"1-1 Jaime, you gotta play better defense." Jake mocked once more as he planned to utilize Jaime's weakness, his inability to keep up with someone who has a quick first step.
Doing a few jab steps, Jake exploded to the rim as Jaime failed to react quick enough as the young Filipino dunked the ball with a simple two handed finish.
"Come on, you're a 4th year player and UCLA's best, don't tell me you're all talk."
Infuriated by being embarrassed, Jaime decided to stop going easy. Playing really tight defense, Jake found it difficult to get through. And with Jaime's tight D and high IQ, Jake was forced to make a difficult step back three pointer that hit the front of the rim.
As the 1v1 intensified, the team started pulling up, as they began recording with their phones. Even a few coaching staff members were watching the game intently.
As the 1v1 ensued, it was 5-4, with Jaime's high IQ defense, Jake struggled to get to his mid range spots or drive to the hoop. Only scoring once since, with a three pointer and a lucky bounce.
Now it was match point, Jaime was dribbling in and out of the three point line, quickly he drove inside, hesi'd and spun to the rim attempting a floater. But Jake was there, blocking Jaime as he fell down to the floor. Wasting no time Jake went up to the three point line and sprinted down the lane. And with Jaime just getting up, he had no choice but to either contest or not, now he was not scared of getting on, so Jaime jumped up and attempted to get one back against Jake.
But to no avail, as Jake flew higher than Jaime, cocked back the ball, and like Russell Westbrook, hammered it down over Jaime and into the ring.
"YEAH, YOU CAN'T STOP ME BITCH!" Jake screamed as he flexed his muscles on Jaime.
"Yeah, yeah, your ball." Jaime muttered as he threw the ball to Jake. The young Filipino, attempted a half spin as he faded away, the ball spun in the air In slow motion as it rattled in and around the ring but somehow rimmed out.
"Shit" Jake cursed as he hurriedly scrambled back to defense. Meanwhile Jaime dribbled up to the three point line, though Jake managed to catch up, he was taken back as Jaime stepped back for a far three pointer, which swished in the net. The small crowd that had gathered went wild as they surrounded Jaime, meanwhile Jake was scratching his head, getting ready to go to the showers. That was until he was stopped by Jaime who put a hand on his shoulder.
"Nice game JM." Jaime said as he outstretched his arm for a handshake.