-December 27, 2013
It was late, close to midnight, and I was just chilling on the couch when my phone started ringing. Asher. I picked up.
Me: "Yo, Ash, what's good?"
Asher: "Man, I got some news."
I sat up a little.
Me: "Yeah? Talk to me."
Asher: "I got a tryout with a G-League team— the Valley Suns "
I grinned.
Me: "Yo! For real?!"
Asher: "Dead serious, bro. They hit me up this week. I guess some scouts saw me at one of those open runs I was doing in LA. They want me in next week."
Me: "That's your shot"
Asher: "Yeah, yeah, but I gotta lock in. You know how this business is, ain't nothing guaranteed."
Me: "Nah, but you got game, Ash. You always had it. You just need the right opportunity."
There was a pause on the line. I could tell he was taking it all in.
Asher: "It's crazy, man. We used to talk about this back in College last year, hoopin' together, tryna make it. And now you're in the league, and I'm getting my shot too."
Me: "Man, I told you, we ain't stopping 'til we all eat. You put in the work, and now it's time to show 'em what you got."
Asher: "Appreciate that, bro. For real. I just gotta make sure I go in there and kill it."
Me: "You will. Stay ready, stay focused. And, yo, let me know if you need anything—advice, training, whatever."
Asher: "Bet. I'll keep you posted."
Me: "Say less. Proud of you, man."
Asher: "Appreciate you, Pres. I gotta crash, but I'll hit you up soon."
Me: "Aight, bro. Get that rest. We up next."
I hung up and sat back, smiling. My guy was finally getting his shot. And knowing Asher? He wasn't about to waste it.
-December 28, 2013 – Asher's POV
The morning after my call with Franklin, I prepared my things then in the afternoon, I was already at the airport, bags packed, ready to chase this opportunity.
The flight to Phoenix was smooth, but my mind was racing the entire time. This was my shot, and I couldn't afford to mess it up.
-December 29, 2013
I stayed at the hotel for a bit then no time to relax—I went straight to the Valley's practice facility. When I stepped inside, I saw a few other guys already warming up, all looking just as hungry as me.
One of the coaches, a tall, serious-looking dude with a clipboard, walked up to me."You're Asher Adams-Smith?"
I nodded. "Yes, sir."
"Good. Locker room's that way. Get changed."
I nodded again and headed straight to the locker room. As I pulled on my jersey, number 3, I took a deep breath.
'Let's get it.'
Tryouts were intense. Full-court drills, shooting tests, defensive rotations—it was non-stop. But I was locked in. My jumper felt smooth, my handles were crisp, and I was making the right reads in scrimmages.
During a 5-on-5 drill, I got switched onto a bigger guard, but I wasn't backing down. He tried posting me up, but I stripped the ball clean and pushed the fast break. I hit my teammate on the wing for a three, and the whole gym took notice.
A few minutes later, I came off a high screen and drilled a deep pull-up jumper. One of the assistant coaches whistled. "I like that. Quick release."
I just kept hooping. No forcing, no overthinking—just playing my game.
After the scrimmages, we gathered around the coaching staff. They went down the list. My stomach tightened. Then—
"Asher Adams-Smith."
I stepped forward.
"You showed us you can run an offense, knock down shots, and make plays on both ends. We like what we saw."
I exhaled, nodding.
"Only concern is your size. You're quick, but at 6'0, you're undersized for the pro level. You're gonna have to prove every night that it doesn't matter."
I met his eyes. "Coach, I've been undersized my whole life. And I'm still here, I won a championship in college by being one of the main players in this success."
He smirked and gave me a nod. "Welcome to the team, Adams-Smith."
I made it.
December 29, 2013 – Franklin's POV
The energy in the locker room was high. Another W in the books—this time against the Hawks. I had put up solid numbers again, and the team was vibing. Laughter, music, and the sounds of sneakers shuffling against the floor filled the space.
I leaned back in my chair, untying my laces.
Then I grabbed my phone and stepped out into the hallway, away from the noise. I dialed the number of Asher, and after a couple of rings, he picked up.
Asher: "Yo"
Me: "Yo, what's good, bro? How'd it go?"
There was a brief pause before I heard him let out a deep breath.
Asher: "Man…I didn't do it."
"Nah, I made the squad."
I grinned, pacing a little.
Me: "Bro, I knew you would! Tell me everything."
Asher: "Man, it was crazy. I was locked in the whole time. Shooting drills, scrimmages—I was just playing my game, you know? At the end, coach called my name and told me I impressed them."
Me: "That's what I'm talking about, I told you, all you needed was the opportunity."
Asher: "Yeah, but you know how it is… they still worried about my size. Coach said I gotta prove myself every night."
Me: "Bro, what's new? You've been proving people wrong since day one. Nothing changes now."
Asher: chuckling."Facts, facts. Still kinda surreal though. G-League ain't the NBA, but it's a start."
Me: "You already know how this goes: ball out, and the right people will take notice."
There was a short silence on the other end before he spoke again.
Asher: "Appreciate you, bro. For real."
Me: "Come on, man. You already know we in this together."
Asher: "Few days from now. I'll send you the schedule."
Me: "Bet. I'll be watching. And yo, celebrate a little, but not too much. Work starts now."
Asher: laughing"Man, you sound like a coach already."
Me: "Nah, I just know what's up."
We chopped it up a little more before hanging up. As I walked back into the locker room, I couldn't stop smiling.
My brother was on his way.