It was now the 2nd of November, which marked the first game for the UCLA Bruins. Though it was only an exhibition against a D2 school, it was still a way for them to show that they meant business, and to showcase their freshmen players Amari Bailey and Jake Mendoza.
Now with the past practice sessions, both Amari and Jake had singled themselves out as the team's top player, some UCLA students would even say he could start over Jaylen Clark, who would usually play as a small forward.
But in preparation of games, Jake has a pre-game routine where after dinner on the night before the game, he wouldn't touch any gadget. A phone, a console or a PC, he wouldn't lay a hand on them so that he won't be distracted. Instead he would meditate, read a book or sleep early.
And Jake had slept really early, despite all the homework he had, he didn't care. And right now he was with the team waiting for the coach to announce the starting lineup.
After about 15 more minutes coach Mick entered the room, and with him had a list.
"Alright listen up! Starting five for tonight will be Amari, Tyger, Jaime, Jake and Adem! That'll be the starting player for tonight. I want y'all to play like it ain't an exhibition, and I need to see a blowout today especially considering that this is a D2 team, but at the same time I don't want you guys to be overconfident that you'll start playing around!"
The coach exclaimed as he took a short pause and said, "Got it!?" The players enthusiastically responded with a "Yes Coach!".
As the starting lineups were announced, Jaylen was obviously shook that he wasn't included, but didn't seem to really anger him much. Standing up he went up to Jake and told him, "Good luck out there JM, and don't worry, I'm not mad at you- well I am mad but don't take it personal, we're all fighting for a spot for the team. But don't worry, play the game your way and you'll be a regular starter in no time."
Jaylen spoke, though this seemed like a friendly gesture, deep down Jaylen was obviously disappointed that he had lost his starting spot to Jake, but in order to win, players needed to be sacrificed.
As the team went to warm up, both Amari and Jake were feeling the nerves. Obviously they've both played numerous basketball games, but playing in a college basketball game with a nearly packed arena, it obviously was a whole different experience.
As the game started, Jake went up to the court, shaking the hands of the opposing team's players as he got ready for tip off.
With the referee throwing the ball to the air, Adem Bona easily got the opening tip, the ball landing directly at Jake who bounced the ball to Tyger Campbell. Bringing the ball up to the floor, Tyger called for a screen in which Jaime set a screen, with Tyger euro stepping and laying the ball cleanly off the glass, UCLA had scored the first point of the game.
Now with the Concordia point guard dribbling the ball, he too called for a screen, in which Jake's man went up to set it, Tyger motioned for Jake to double team the point guard. As Concordia tried a pick and roll, Jake and Tyger double teamed the point guard, making him pick up his dribble and trapping him. With no easy pass, he turned it over as Jaime ran off for a fastbreak dunk.
Jake didn't have much involvement other than a few defensive rebounds, an offensive rebound and two fastbreak assists. With the score at 13-8, Tyger brought the ball down the court, as he passed the halfway line, he threw it to Amari who looked at Jake, immediately recognizing what he meant he cut backdoor and as expected, Amari bounced the ball to Jake who finished it with a smooth reverse layup.
Now in the very next play, Jake managed a steal as he ran down the court, he was met with two Concordia players with another player trailing behind him.
All of a sudden he stopped and attempted a mid range jumpshot, with the player trailing him running at full speed, he was unable to stop, causing his body to bump with Jake's, and with Jake being a Demar Derozan like player he banked the ball for an and 1.
Jake comfortably nailed the free throw, but with coach Mick not wanting to stop the momentum, he called for a full court pressure, Jake guarded the inbounder who lazily threw the ball up, giving Adem an easy steal who gave it to Amari, with the chemistry between Amari and Jake, he simply threw it up as Jake dunked the ball with authority.
With the score now 19-8, Concordia had called a timeout, the team had full control. This went on until the final buzzer, UCLA had won 103-63. Jaime and Tyger had 25 points each, Amari struggled with shooting, only putting up 6 points but with 5 assists.
But Jake showcased he was the real deal, scoring 20 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 steals and 2 blocks. He silenced some critics who said that he wouldn't be able to contribute much, showing that he can be a key player for his team. Though he struggled with his three point shooting again, only hitting 1 shot out of 5 three point attempts.
Despite his struggles, he shot near perfect from inside the arc, nailing 8 out of 9 shots, with his only miss inside the three line being a difficult turnaround shot over two defenders.
Coming home to his apartment after the game, he opened his instagram, and the first post he saw was him being referred as a "Shaun Livingston" and "Demar Derozan" type player.