Dream Chaser

 CHAPTER 2

Our trainings started every morning before school. She expected basketball drills. Instead we ran at the track. I wanted her to be in better shape than everyone else on the court. As I ran with her to push her further I realized just how out of shape I had become from my exile. I had to will my body to push forward so she would keep going as well. A couple weeks past and she finally had her first 2 games. After observing her games one thing was certain. She was able to run just as hard in the first quarter as the 4th. I decided it was time to start going through actual drills with her, but only after her practices at school. The mornings would still be reserved for running. She was so excited I was finally going to start doing basketball activities with her that she didn't care about the extra work. So excited in fact she invited a couple of her friends to our first practice session together. Before we even started I was blind sided by 3 fifteen year olds chanting at me to dunk. They wouldn't let up. I couldn't believe I was letting these teenage girls pressure me into it. I didn't even know if I still could. I hadn't dunked a basketball in almost 2 years. I was nervous. Sweating. There were actual butterflies in my stomach. I knew the only way to get them to stop was to do it. As I made my way up for the dunk attempt I realized I wasn't going to get it down so I audibled mid flight to a lay up in order to save face. My neices face was plastered with disappointment. I told them I was just "warming up". Was I though? Not even I knew. I took a moment to take off my knee brace and stretch. Then I gave it one last go. This time my leap felt different. It felt almost normal. I successfully converted the dunk and just hung there on the rim for a couple seconds. I had missed this feeling. After I landed I looked at my neice. Her face was beaming. Then she turned to her friends and said "See ! I told you he could still dunk ! Now give me my $5 !" I couldn't believe I had been pimped out to win a $5 bet. I made sure to up our runs as pay back after that.

After a few weeks she was really starting to progress. She was a natural shooter and had that killer instinct on the court that made me proud. Her ball handling had come a long way too. We started watching games together and I would break them down more in depth for her. One night we planned to watch the Laker game together. It was a late tip off so we caught part of the pregame. That's when I heard the news. Jeff Bailey my old college teammate was active for the game. He had just signed a 10 day contract with the Lakers to fill in for some of their injuries. I couldn't believe it. He was the first player from our school to make an NBA roster. It was a bitter sweet feeling as I was happy for him, but at the same time I couldn't help feeling jealousy, resentment, regret. "Hey that's one of your old teammates isn't it? -

 I was so zoned out I barely heard her question. I half-heartedly answered yes. Then she asked another question that punched me right in the gut. "Weren't you better than him?" I didn't know what to say so I responded with "Some called me the best player in school history, but he was a great player too" Unfortunately for me her questions didn't end there. "So why aren't you in the NBA? You're better than that guy." I used to be. During our senior year I was Batman and he was Robin. Together we had our team undefeated and on our way to our first ever NCAA tournament bid in school history. It was what I had dreamt of my whole life. Ever since I was a kid shooting in my driveway I dreamed about playing in the tournament. Being a bracket buster. Being one of the reasons they call it March Madness. Cutting down those nets at the Final 4. I was on my way to living that dream before it happened. Before Covid-19 happened. The remainder of my senior year was canceled. It broke me mentally. It was the most depressing moment of my life. I fell to the floor that day and spewed puddles of tears from my eyes. My Coach told me to move on and get ready for the NBA draft, but I couldn't get over it. I started drinking heavily. School facilities were closed just like everything else and I had never felt so alone. One night I was drinking at home solo during lockdown. I had been drinking since I woke up that day so I was already fairly drunk. After I drank the last beer I had drunk me decided it was a good idea to go out and try to find some more. That's when I crashed my car. Breaking my leg and tearing my knee in a devastating accident. On top of that I was slapped with a DWI. Now no NBA scout wanted anything to do with me. No one wants to waste a draft pick on an injured kid with "off the court issues". That's when I went into exile. I hated myself, but also still resented the fact my shot at an NCAA title was stolen. I used that as an excuse. If that hadn't happened I would have never gone into depression which meant I never would have been in that car. It wasn't my fault right ? I knew that it was though. Seeing my former teammate in a Laker jersey made me realize. If he could make it. Maybe I still can too. I didn't think he had any chance, but look at him now just 2 years later. He's rubbing elbows with Lebron James! "You should be playing on TV too!" I heard as I stopped my flash backs. "You're right" I said. "You're Uncle is going to the NBA"

Dream Chaser

 CHAPTER ONE 

Agh ! The brightness of my phone disturbs my sanctuary of darkness to notify me my sister is calling. I had been laying in bed for who knows how long. I had blacked out my windows after what happened so I could just sit in absolute darkness all day. I had rid myself of many normalities such as answering phone calls when I had absolutely nothing going on. For whatever reason I decided to answer this time. My sister called to tell me my neice had made the basketball team. My sister asked me if I was going to coach her. How could I? I didn't want to be  outside much less near a basketball court. She first tried to guilt me into it by telling me I was my neices hero. When that didn't work she took a page out of the good cop bad cop routine by flipping to an aggressive stance. Asking me when I was going to get over it and make something of myself. So I just hung up and went back to the dark abyss which was now my room. A few days later my neice showed up unannounced. Apparently it was the 2 year anniversary of my game winner vs Duke in the finals of the Hawaii invitational. It was the first time my school had ever been invited to the tournament much less pulled off an upset against a team like Duke. Our starting 5 was all seniors and I was getting NBA hype heading into the season. That was enough to land us the invite. It's all my neice could talk about. That game. My shot. I had all, but blacked it out. My neice told me I was the only reason she even wanted to play basketball. The pain and regret blocked me from telling her I'd coach her. I was a shell of my former self even though it had been just 2 years since my senior year. My neice left crying. I felt worse than I already did. I stood in the bathroom just staring at myself. My palet of regrets seemed to have reached capacity. So I took a shower to symbolically wash away the toxins of my past. When I got out I took one last look at myself in the mirror before shaving off what was now a Grizley Adams beard. Next I turned the clippers to my head. Buzzing off what had grown to be my locks of lamentation. I strapped on my knee brace and left the house for the first time since I had locked myself away from reality. 

 CHAPTER 2

Our trainings started every morning before school. She expected basketball drills. Instead we ran at the track. I wanted her to be in better shape than everyone else on the court. As I ran with her to push her further I realized just how out of shape I had become from my exile. I had to will my body to push forward so she would keep going as well. A couple weeks past and she finally had her first 2 games. After observing her games one thing was certain. She was able to run just as hard in the first quarter as the 4th. I decided it was time to start going through actual drills with her, but only after her practices at school. The mornings would still be reserved for running. She was so excited I was finally going to start doing basketball activities with her that she didn't care about the extra work. So excited in fact she invited a couple of her friends to our first practice session together. Before we even started I was blind sided by 3 fifteen year olds chanting at me to dunk. They wouldn't let up. I couldn't believe I was letting these teenage girls pressure me into it. I didn't even know if I still could. I hadn't dunked a basketball in almost 2 years. I was nervous. Sweating. There were actual butterflies in my stomach. I knew the only way to get them to stop was to do it. As I made my way up for the dunk attempt I realized I wasn't going to get it down so I audibled mid flight to a lay up in order to save face. My neices face was plastered with disappointment. I told them I was just "warming up". Was I though? Not even I knew. I took a moment to take off my knee brace and stretch. Then I gave it one last go. This time my leap felt different. It felt almost normal. I successfully converted the dunk and just hung there on the rim for a couple seconds. I had missed this feeling. After I landed I looked at my neice. Her face was beaming. Then she turned to her friends and said "See ! I told you he could still dunk ! Now give me my $5 !" I couldn't believe I had been pimped out to win a $5 bet. I made sure to up our runs as pay back after that.

After a few weeks she was really starting to progress. She was a natural shooter and had that killer instinct on the court that made me proud. Her ball handling had come a long way too. We started watching games together and I would break them down more in depth for her. One night we planned to watch the Laker game together. It was a late tip off so we caught part of the pregame. That's when I heard the news. Jeff Bailey my old college teammate was active for the game. He had just signed a 10 day contract with the Lakers to fill in for some of their injuries. I couldn't believe it. He was the first player from our school to make an NBA roster. It was a bitter sweet feeling as I was happy for him, but at the same time I couldn't help feeling jealousy, resentment, regret. "Hey that's one of your old teammates isn't it? -

 I was so zoned out I barely heard her question. I half-heartedly answered yes. Then she asked another question that punched me right in the gut. "Weren't you better than him?" I didn't know what to say so I responded with "Some called me the best player in school history, but he was a great player too" Unfortunately for me her questions didn't end there. "So why aren't you in the NBA? You're better than that guy." I used to be. During our senior year I was Batman and he was Robin. Together we had our team undefeated and on our way to our first ever NCAA tournament bid in school history. It was what I had dreamt of my whole life. Ever since I was a kid shooting in my driveway I dreamed about playing in the tournament. Being a bracket buster. Being one of the reasons they call it March Madness. Cutting down those nets at the Final 4. I was on my way to living that dream before it happened. Before Covid-19 happened. The remainder of my senior year was canceled. It broke me mentally. It was the most depressing moment of my life. I fell to the floor that day and spewed puddles of tears from my eyes. My Coach told me to move on and get ready for the NBA draft, but I couldn't get over it. I started drinking heavily. School facilities were closed just like everything else and I had never felt so alone. One night I was drinking at home solo during lockdown. I had been drinking since I woke up that day so I was already fairly drunk. After I drank the last beer I had drunk me decided it was a good idea to go out and try to find some more. That's when I crashed my car. Breaking my leg and tearing my knee in a devastating accident. On top of that I was slapped with a DWI. Now no NBA scout wanted anything to do with me. No one wants to waste a draft pick on an injured kid with "off the court issues". That's when I went into exile. I hated myself, but also still resented the fact my shot at an NCAA title was stolen. I used that as an excuse. If that hadn't happened I would have never gone into depression which meant I never would have been in that car. It wasn't my fault right ? I knew that it was though. Seeing my former teammate in a Laker jersey made me realize. If he could make it. Maybe I still can too. I didn't think he had any chance, but look at him now just 2 years later. He's rubbing elbows with Lebron James! "You should be playing on TV too!" I heard as I stopped my flash backs. "You're right" I said. "You're Uncle is going to the NBA"

CHAPTER 3

That spring I worked on strengthening my knee and getting my game back. After my neices basketball season finished up it was full steam ahead chasing the NBA dream. I was connected with an agent that represented a few G-League players. The NBAs developmental league. I knew I would have to start from the bottom. Little did I know that wasn't the bottom. My rep had been burned so bad from my 2 years of inactivity and DWI prior to the draft that even competing in the NBA summer league was nothing but ash. I had a meeting with my agent to see what options I had. He represented a couple clients previously in the Euro League that eventually made the leap to the NBA. He told me he would "see what he could do." It wasn't very reassuring, but I stayed positive and continued my daily workouts. After a couple weeks I finally got a call. I was getting an opportunity to play in the Euro summer league. Living in Europe for the summer playing ball wouldn't even guarantee me a spot on a team, but I didn't have a choice if I wanted to get back to competitive basketball. It also carried a price tag of 5,400 Euros, but that was a small price to pay in order to be seen by European professional coaches, teams, scouts and managers. Well, here goes nothing. I'm off to Valencia, Spain where the league is held.

Let it Ride

 

CHAPTER ONE

Knock knock knock. The sound of my home life changing. I hadn't even told my wife yet. I didn't want her to shut it down. I knew once he was here she would just go with it to avoid causing a scene. Now that the moment is here I fear the tongue lashing I will receive. He's my best friend. He's just gambled away his marriage. He has nowhere else to go. This is his all time low. I don't have a choice. 

As I snap back to the reality that I need to answer the door my wife is already on her way. I rush past her like George Costanza fleeing a burning building. I open the door. I knew he was in bad shape, but I wasn't prepared for the blob of broken dreams on my door step. He had misery in his eyes and alcohol on his breath. "Jason what are you doing here?" Martha- "He's here to talk about a business idea honey. Sorry I forgot to tell you." She said ok, but the look on her face told me she knew there was more to it. If the backpack didn't scream red flag I'm sure the shakiness in my voice didn't suppress suspicion. I don't know why I said that. I guess I wanted to get him settled in first and drop the bomb on her privately. Our guest room had become her home gym and by home gym I meant room with a yoga mat and pelaton. That left my office/mancave. It wasn't much, but it had TV, a couch and a mini fridge. A welcome sight to a man crashing back into bachelorhood. After I settled in Jason I told him I'd come back to check in with him after I talked with Martha. I headed back downstairs to finish dinner with the kids while dodging death stares from Martha. Her gaze was focused on me like the Eye of Sauron. The instant our kids finished their last bite she sent them to their rooms. It was time to man up and explain. We sat in silence for a few more seconds before I ripped the bandaid and blurted "Sharon kicked him out so I told him he could stay here for a while."
"You what ?! How could you invite an addict to stay in our home and be around our kids ?!" Martha
"It was just gambling gone wrong Martha not drugs and he's my best friend. I want to help him."
"He gambled away his career and his marriage. You can't help the helpless Joe" Martha- "I have to try. He's like my brother. This won't be permanent. Just till I help him find a new job and get his own place." "You don't get it. Gambling is a disease. I don't want him infecting you and sucking you back into that world." Martha -
"Honey you know I don't even play poker or bet sports anymore. I just want to help my friend restart his life. Nothing more." "Ok but, If I find out you're gambling again I'm kicking you both out. I mean it Joe. Help him then get him out. " Martha-
Well at least the worst was over I thought to myself as a pillow hit me in the back of the head. Martha's way of telling me I was demoted to the couch. Normally if I was in the doghouse I'd at least have my man cave, but tonight I couldn't even have that. 

A couple weeks went by and Jason still hadn't found a job. He seemed to be in a better place mentally so I didn't think it would be too much longer. It was a Sunday in October which meant a full day of football watching. I grabbed a 12 pack and a bag of hot fries and headed up to meet Jason in the man cave. As the games went on he was increasingly more animated to the point I felt my stomach sink. I didn't want to, but I had to ask. "Do you have money on any of the games?" "No of course not. I don't even have money to bet." Jason- That I could believe as he had previously told me he lost everything in a private high stakes poker game. "I'm just excited about my fantasy team. That's all" Jason- another plausible reason. So I let it go. Mid way through the afternoon games he couldn't contain it any longer. He had to share with me what was up. He had entered a $20 daily fantasy tournament which held a first place prize of 1 million dollars. We used to brainstorm our line ups together every week for it before my wife banned me from all types of "gambling". Under the circumstances he didn't want me to know he was still getting his fix through fantasy sports. The only thing he could afford a hit of is what my wife would say I'm sure. Well as fate would have it he was currently in 3rd place with a couple players still remaining that were different from the remaining players of the two teams ahead of him. This meant he had a legitimate chance to win the whole thing. I couldn't believe it. I considered myself an expert in fantasy sport knowledge and yet I had never come close to scoring a life changing payout over the years I tried. We were both standing for the rest of the afternoon. This was the biggest sweat of my life and it was done vicariously through my friend who's head was still resting on rock bottom. The games started to end until there was one game left. He had fallen to 14th which meant he had next to no chance at the top prize with just one player remaining. It was still exciting though as he was in position for a sizeable payout. Then, it happened. With just seconds remaining and the Packers down 6 Aaron Rodgers threw up a hail marry as only he can. The ball was batted down by one of the safeties. It bounced off the ground and into the hands of Marquez Valdes-Scantling who happened to be Jasons last remaining player. "Ahh so close !!" He shouted. As I asked him what his final payout ended up being we noticed MVS celebrating in the endzone. There was a moment of confusion as the game was over. Then came the replay which showed the ball being knocked down by the defender, but off a shoe and into the hands of MVS without ever touching the ground. Unbelievable. Just Unbelievable. We both looked at each other before giving a high five that would make Barney Stinson proud. He checked his phone to see he had jumped up into 2nd. No one ahead of him had MVS on their roster. 2nd place paid out over 300k. To add to this series of unfathomable events the Packers missed the extra point sending the game into OT. Only one question remained. "How many points are you behind first?" "11...." he replied in disbelief. 11 points meant if MVS could somehow end up with 50 yards and another TD in OT he would earn himself 1 million dollars thanks to the ppr format.

Packers won the toss. Jason's hands were shaking. The game going to OT did give him a chance to take home first, but it also opened the door for him to slide back down the rankings as other teams behind him had players remaining in this game. The returner took the kick out of the endzone and returned it all the way to the opposing teams 30 yard line. This meant the optimal outcome for MVS was catching a 30 yard TD which would earn him 10 points and 1 shy of first. The door for him sliding back down the ranks was still open. He then headed for the bathroom. He couldn't watch anymore. What happened next I'll never forget for as long as I live. First play was a toss to Aaron Jones who scampers to the endzone untouched, but wait. A holding penalty on the offense brought the ball back to the 40. Now it was 1st and 20. Rodgers pass fell incomplete. 2nd and 20 from the 40. The snap goes over Rodgers head! He was able to fall on it, but not before losing another 11 yards. Now they were backed up to their own 49 for a 3rd and 31. Rodgers takes the snap. Surveys the field. Steps up in the pocket before heaving up a prayer deep down the sideline. The corner and MVS get their feet tangled just before the ball arrives. The corner falls. MVS lunges forward fully extending his arms as the ball dropped right into his hands. He caught it ! His body slide into the endzone ! TD Packers! I was reluctant to celebrate before seeing a replay. All scoring plays are reviewed so while I was awaiting the verdict to the most impactful replay ruling I'd ever imagined I hunted down Jason. I put my arm around him as the ref trotted back out on to the field. "After reviewing the play. The receiver was touched prior to having possession of the ball. The receiver caught the ball without it touching the ground and crossed the plane without contact. It is a Touchdown."
After all Jason had gone through recently. Losing his 6 figure paying job. Losing his wife. Losing his savings. I'd never seen him cry until this moment. I asked him some questions about what he planned to do now. He wasn't going to try to get his wife back. And fuck the job search now. So I asked him one final question. "So what are you going to do then ?" He looked up at me. Tears gone. With a smirk he said "now... now I let it ride"