THE METRO WOLVES ARENA.
NEW YORK CITY.
6PM
"Hey..."
"What's up..."
"Jackson look at that tall broad, isn't she hot?" Matteo asked .
"Bro what the hell are you talking about... We came here to watch the game, and your checking out the ladies" Jackson replied with a blunt smile on his face.
"I know ..... I know, but don't you think them hot bitches always tend to show at games when Luca Anderson is playing" Matteo chimed in .
" Who doesn't want to see Luca Anderson play bro. He's like the best player in the NBA for like three years in a row since he went pro". Jackson replied enthusiasticaly.
The two boys kept chatting till they made their way in the ticket checking booth to cross check their tickets. It was the opening game of the NBA season, the best basketball league in the world. The greatest player at the was Luca Anderson and he was phenomenal despite just going pro a few years back and being at the ripe age of twenty three. Luca Andersons games with his The Metro Wolves was always sure to pull a large crowd of fans, celebrities and politicians. Not to mention that Jackson Lint was his biggest die hard fan and he absolutely adored him, even to the point of wanting to get Lucas's face tattooed directly on his skin.
The boys proceeded to enter the tunnel leading to the main section of the arena where the court is sited. On entering, they were stunned by the sheer immaculate nature of the arena. Lights and colours gleaming from every corner of the arena. The court was spectacular as usual and the baskets had a unique shine to it as if it were woven with a tint of silver.
"Quick! Let's find our seats!" Jackson encouraged as he dragged his friend across the bleachers to find their seat number.
"What team is The Metro Wolves playing against today by the way?" Matteo asked innocently as he sat down on his seat beside his friend who was already salivating at the spectacle which is the Metro Wolves Arena.
"Erm. If I remember correctly, it's some team named The Neon Dragons. They finished bottom of the Western Conference last season so they're pretty mediocre compared to the Metro Wolves that won the title ". Jackson replied with a proud grin.
" Huh... " Matteo chuffed. "Do they have any decent players?" He finished.
"I doubt... They're ranked pretty low in the league this season. And last season when they were in last place they managed a shot just fifteen percent of the time "
" Damn! That's poor".
At this time, the bleachers of the arena were almost full and the spectators force and aura were starting to come alive in and around the court, wailing chants and whistling. The arena was the home ground of the Metro Wolves so one would expect their fans to turn up in numbers, and that they did. The bleachers were swamming with Metro Wolves teams colours and cheering fans . As for the Neon Dragons team, the away team - their fan turn up was quite underwhelming, but it was understandable as the city wasn't their home base.
The speakers burbed. Suggesting that someone was tweaking the sound systems of the arena, which meant that the game would start anytime soon.
Jackson and Matteo joined the home fans in chanting and cheers for their team in anticipation of their players.
"Oiii... Son..."
Jackson looked up to see a frail, old man with cane in his right hand standing on the isle between two rows of bleachers with screaming fans wailing in euphoria. Pale as ever and hunched over as a result of his age, wearing an ugly Christmas sweater and a garment that stopped at the ankles on top of it. Attached to the cane, was an oxygen tank to which a transparent tube wired itself all the way to his nostrils.
"Hey, son. Would you excuse me. My sit is right next to your friend their".
Jackson and Matteo turned their heads in unisom to notice the empty sit next to Matteo.
"Ohh. Yeah sure thing sir. Come sit, come sit" Jackson urged as he stood up giving way for the old man to pass through.
"Thank you boy..." The old man said upon settling in his sit "Tell me, has the game started?" He asked.
"Oh no, not yet sir". Jackson replied. "Can't wait for Luca Anderson to destroy the hell out of this Neon Dragons team" he finished with excitement plastered all over his face.
" I see..." The old man mumured with a faint, cunning smirk.
The arena lights started going crazy, and the spectators knew what that meant, the game was about to start. The speakers kicked in too playing the Metro Wolves teams song.
It was time. The referee and his assistants walked on to the court with the ball in his hand and the three officials stood side by side to each other in a straight line.
The speakers burbed loudly. " Now folks.!!!... " The voice behind the microphone blared, filling the arena with suspense and anticipation, as if it wasn't enough in the first place. " The moment we've all been waiting for.... The opening game of the new NBA Season!!!". The crowd went absolutely wild and the sound of drums and mini trumpets intensified ten fold.
Announcer: "Welcome, ladies and gentlemen, to tonight's game! Let's hear it for a team looking to turn the tide and light up the court this season! Hailing from the heart of the Western Conference, where they've been training to unleash their fire, give it up for the Neon Dragons!
They may have faced challenges last season, but they're back, more determined than ever to climb the rankings. Get ready to witness their grit, their energy, and their unyielding spirit! Fans, on your feet for the Neon Dragons! Let's make some noise!"
The reception the away team got was next to underwhelming as only a hand full of applause were given for their sake.
"Starting from their Captain, Position - Center; Ken O'Neil !!!" A black man came jogging out of the tunnel, standing at at least seven feet, he definitely had the aura of a Captain.
" Point Guard - Mason Hopkins "
" Power Foward - Ben Parrish "
" Small Foward - Johnathan Pope "
" Shooting guard - Jaxon Lin "
One by one, all the players jogged onto the court on hearing their name.
Suddenly the arena lights deemed, and the speakers started to play a rhythmic subtle drumroll. The noise from the bleachers suddenly died down to a pulp in anticipation.
" And now!" The voice in the speakers echoed throughout the arena. "The home team, the reigning and defending champions The Metro Wolves!!". The spectators cranked up again in cheers and chants.
" Here they come" Jackson bubbled with excitement. " Here comes Luca Anderson".
"Starting from the captain, Position - Center; James Brandt"
"Power Foward - Phillip Riley "
" Small Foward - Grant Hale "
" Shooting guard - Jeffery Vance "
***
" Point Guard - Luca Anderson"
The crowd went wild at the mere mention of the young point guard. He was was the best during the previous season, scoring close to two hundred points in total, shooting eighty percent of the time, countless rebounds, he held the record for the most triple doubles in one complete NBA season and he was known for his silky dribbling - all within the young age of twenty three, he was undoubtedly the best new gen player the NBA has ever seen.
The players and the referee all took their positions on the court. The match was about to start. Both Centers of each teams made their way to the half court line for the tip off.
"Buckle your seat belts people... The opening match of the New NBA season is about to start!!!"
The two centers stared down themselves awaiting the referee to begin the match, the whistle blared.
"Okay captains, I want a good, clean game... No funny business" the referee urged the two players to which they responded with a firm nod.
"Tip off!".
The referee threw the ball in the air. Both players leaped reaching for it.