James Monroe

{This story is ready to read on my P-a-t-r-e-o-n. If you wish to read ahead then the link is https://www.p-a-t-r-e-o-n.com/easyread. Be sure to remove the dashes. I hope to see plenty of you there and enjoying this novel.}

~~~(POV: James Monroe)~~~

~~~(Date: October 9th, 2025)~~~

~~~(Time: 6:45 AM)~~~

~~~(Location: Hotel in Holden)~~~

I'm watching Ulysses's highlights on youtube. I know he's going to be the biggest star the NBA has seen since LBJ. It's going to be hard to convince Ulysses that I should be his agent. You wouldn't expect a talent like his to come from a small town in Northeastern Oregon, but it has. He has things you can't teach.

Things you're only born with. It's like God made him specifically to play basketball. He has so many talents that can't be touched. "Ohh Myy Gooood!! A dagger 3 from Ulysses at the buzzer, and the crowd here in Carolina is silent! Holden has won its 3rd straight title!" The highlights from last year's championship game are stunning, to say the least.

He's also grown over the summer again and is now pushing 7'0 without shoes on. With basketball shoes on, he's 7'1. The only comparison I can make with him is a Kevin Durant type of player. Their styles of play are similar.

However, I've never seen someone Ulysses's height move and dribble the way he does. He's like a guard in a big man's body. His build is perfect for maintaining speed. I stop watching his highlights, and I watch the First Take segment uploaded to youtube regarding the announcement he'll be heading for the NBA draft.

Molly brings the question to the table, and Stephen A. starts first. "Well, I think it's great for basketball. But not for basketball players. The NBA showing this much favoritism to a single player isn't something many people agree with.

Ulysses Kennedy is a special kid, and he'll go far in the NBA. But this isn't high school ball. This is the NBA, and I think he's just a little too young to make a big impact right out the gate." I understand what Stephen A. is saying. He'll be 18 years old in his first game, and by the time the playoff comes around, he'll be a little over 19.

Today's special guest on First Take is Kendrick Perkins. First Take is a show that has guests that come on a debate with Stephen A.

It's been like this since 2021. "I love this move by the NBA, Stephen A. This could be the catalyst needed for the NBA to get rid of the one-and-done rule. Many colleges are making 10s of millions off their student-athletes. The best of them have to go to college for one year, all the while none of these kids are getting paid a cent for playing on TV. This is needed." Like a debate show, there are two different opinions. Stephen A.'s was the more political of the two.

I pause the video, not wanting to watch any more than that. Ulysses is my golden goose. I've represented players before, but they usually leave me after a bigger and better agent comes along. Ulysses is my way to get permanent clients, and not temporary ones.

If I can get him great deals, and if I can get him what he needs. That'll put me on the map too. Make my reputation go up. I close my laptop and stand up. I'm on pins and needles right now. I'm just waiting around for a call from Ulysses. There's a chance he might not even call.

As I think that, my phone goes off. I instantly pick it up, and I hear a familiar voice. "James Monroe, right?" It's Ulysses.

I silently cheer and jump some jumps while pumping my fist. I tell him it's me and if he wants to meet up. "Come down to my favorite park. I'm sure that if you're really interested in being my agent, you know where that is?" I tell him I'll be there in a few.

I know exactly where it is. He's probably practicing and is just finishing up or something. I can't believe this is happening! I actually have a chance here.

I need to make sure I don't screw it up! I need to be ready to answer any questions he has and be prepared. I race out of my hotel room and get in the elevator. "Can this thing go any slower!!" I'm rapidly pushing the buttons and trying to get the door to close faster.

The elevator slowly descends, and my impatience grows with the slow speed. As soon as I hear the ding and the doors begin to open, I pry them open myself and run out of the hotel heading towards my Lambo. I press the button on my key, and the doors open. I hop in and fire the engines up.