30 Having Fun Before Rucker Park

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~~~(Date: September 25th, 2025)~~~

~~~(Location: New York City NBA Headquarters)~~~

~~~(Time: 12:00 PM)~~~

~~~(POV: Ulysses Kennedy)~~~

I walk out of the conference room with a feeling of sheer happiness. I'm actually going to skip college and head straight for the NBA. At the end of my high school season in 2026, I'll be NBA-bound. "Normally, I'd share a drink with my clients after a win, but you're only 17. The limo is outside, waiting for Ellie and you. I have another car coming. The driver will take you anywhere in the city." Howard has helped me so much, and once I become 18, I'll make him my official lawyer. We enter the elevator, and we descend to the lobby.

Ellie and I exit the building while Howard stays waiting for his car. We enter the limo, and I look at Ellie. "I have to be at Rucker Park by 3:00 PM, so that gives us about 2 and a half hours to looks around the big apple. Is there anywhere you want to go first, Ellie?" This trip was for business, but now it's for fun. We aren't leaving until tomorrow morning. I look as Ellie really gives some thought into her answer. I'm really looking forward to spending time with my adoptive mother. She is my aunt by blood, but she is my mom too.

~~~(Date: September 25th, 2025)~~~

~~~(Location: Rucker Park)~~~

~~~(Time: 12:08 PM)~~~

~~~(POV: Grant Hudson)~~~

ESPN has sent me out from the local branch to film some video of Ulysses Kennedy. What I didn't expect was the sheer number of people here. Cops are working as security as games are already going on. My cameraman, Jeff, is having a hard time navigating the crowd. I'm supposed to interview Ulysses Kennedy. Well, try to, at least. We make it courtside, and some games are already being run. There is no reason to film right now, but no reason not to practice my interviewing skills. I look around, and to my shock, there are retired NBA legends at this park.

There are sitting in a section surrounded by personal security. I notice some faces. Dwayne Wade and Lebron James are talking to each other right now. They came all the way from their homes to watch Ulysses play. Perhaps even play some games with and against him. "Jeff, let's see if we can't get an interview with them." I point over to the section, and he nods his head. My microphone has an ESPN logo on it, as well and Jeff's camera. So maybe that will give us some leeway for a possible meeting with the past NBA champions and teammates.

We make our way through the crowded courtside and to the section, but before I can ask for an interview. A few security guards stop me. "You can let them through!" Mr. Wade has to shout over the yells from the crowd at the current game. The security steps aside, and we notice some rappers here too. Drake, Kendrick Lemar, Chance the Rapper. This is a seriously high rolling club right now. I clear my throat and walk up to the past NBA players. However, before I can speak, the crowd erupts into cheers. This is going to be a hard interview.

None of the Rappers are paying attention to me and are only focusing on the game right now. "You guys mind if I get your thoughts on Ulysses Kennedy coming here today?" I quickly get my question out, and Lebron looks at Dwayne. It's like I'm standing in NBA royalty. They stand up and place hats on their heads. Likely covering up the fading hairlines. The nod for me to start, and I indicate for Jeff to start rolling. He points the camera at me and to the two tall people I'm standing next to. He has to step back slightly to get them into the frame.

I ask them questions about Ulysses Kennedy and themselves. After a few questions, I want to end it on a high note. "In your opinions, how much do you think Ulysses Kennedy will achieve once he makes it to the NBA?" Both of them stay quiet for a moment, and Lebron is the first to answer.

He takes a small breath as I bring the microphone to his face. "However much he wants. The NBA and the great superstars that are playing today are going to have to be ready. He's called The Singularity for a reason." Before I can move my microphone to Dwayne for an answer, the crowd erupts again for another play that's been made. It's going to get even louder when Ulysses actually gets here and starts to play. Only a couple of hours till then.