The Boy from Tomball

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In the following month, the Bulldogs players, despite losing their last game, worked hard to prepare for their final exams while maintaining their training routine. Unlike other players who might be satisfied with just reaching the Sweet 16, they were motivated to push further.

Especially players like Julian Bacco, Drew, Mike Green, and AJ Graves. Entering their senior year soon, with the realization that their strength wasn't enough to secure a spot in the NBA, they were determined to make their last NCAA season count. None of them wanted to end their college careers with regrets, so they worked tirelessly.

Although Coach Liam Gonzalez (formerly Zhang Yu) didn't outwardly express it, and Curry didn't complain, the entire team knew that had they been stronger, the team wouldn't have lost even if Curry had scored 39 points.

Previously, the team would coast through the regular season without much ambition because the outcome was usually the same. However, Liam's arrival, along with Curry's emergence, brought hope that they could surpass their previous achievements and make a deeper run in the tournament. After all, the newly crowned NCAA champion, Fordham University, only defeated them by two points! This realization fueled everyone's desire to improve, and the sound of basketballs constantly echoed in Hinkle Fieldhouse as they worked to better themselves.

Meanwhile, the coaching staff was equally busy, particularly Matthew Graves, who was focused on recruiting fresh talent for the team. Unlike previous years, where his efforts were confined to Indiana, he now found himself flying across the U.S. to scout new prospects, following the targets Liam had set.

After Curry's success as the NCAA's scoring leader, Matthew had full confidence in Liam's judgment and worked hard to fulfill his requests.

…

In Liam's office:

"They all turned us down?"

Liam looked at the two scouting reports in his hand, frowning slightly.

Matthew, sitting opposite him, quickly responded, "That's right. Draymond Green has been a priority for Michigan State for some time. He's always dreamed of playing for the Spartans, so when we approached him, he declined without even considering our offer."

"Klay Thompson is also off the table. Apparently, Washington State has already secured him, thanks to his father, Michael Thompson. They've likely offered him a deal he couldn't refuse."

Matthew's face showed guilt. These two players were the key prospects Liam had specifically mentioned, and he hadn't been able to land either, which made him feel like he'd let Liam down.

Liam tossed the reports onto the table and sighed, "We made it to the Sweet 16 last season! Is that really so unimpressive?"

Matthew gave a sheepish smile, "Draymond's heart was set on Michigan State from the start. As for Washington State, they've got a strong track record for developing shooters. And while I did offer Klay the same benefits they did, his father still has concerns about you…"

"He thinks I'm too young, doesn't he?" Liam smiled wryly.

Michael Thompson, a former No. 1 NBA draft pick and a Lakers legend, was old-school. The idea of entrusting his son to a 24-year-old coach probably seemed reckless to him, despite Liam's accomplishments. Even a trip to the Sweet 16 wasn't enough to sway his opinion.

Matthew chuckled awkwardly, unsure how to respond.

"The offer we made to Draymond Green should've been more tempting than what Michigan State gave him, right? I mean, I promised him a full scholarship and a starting position," Liam said, still puzzled.

"That's true. Michigan State only guaranteed him a bench role and a full scholarship, but come on, that's Michigan State! They're a top-tier NCAA team!" Matthew replied helplessly.

Liam raised an eyebrow and sighed, "Well, there's no competing with the big dogs, huh? But mark my words, Butler's going to be one of them someday! In the meantime, let's focus on players the big schools overlook."

…

Houston, Texas.

This world-renowned "Space City" is the largest in Texas and the fourth largest in the United States. Its booming economy and mild climate make it the economic hub of the Gulf Coast. But like many American cities, beneath its glittering surface, slums scar the outskirts, breeding poverty and crime.

Tomball, a suburb of Houston, is one such place, home to a predominantly Black community. The residents here work low-end jobs and struggle to make ends meet, while their children grow up on the streets, with few opportunities for education. For many of these kids, the only place they truly belong is the basketball court, surrounded by rusting chain-link fences.

On one such court, a group of teenagers was playing a heated game. Among them was a boy, around 6'2", who stood out from the rest. His defense was fierce, and he frequently drove to the basket, often finishing with powerful dunks that sent the crowd into a frenzy.

Bang!

He intercepted the ball again, rushed to the hoop, and threw down a two-handed slam. The onlookers erupted, chanting, "Jimmy! Jimmy!"

The boy with the ball was Jimmy Butler. A tattooed opponent, clearly frustrated by the steal, shouted angrily, "You fouled me, you bastard!"

Jimmy's friend, Jordan Leslie, quickly stepped forward, shoving the other player. "Who're you calling a bastard?"

The tattooed boy sneered, "You know exactly who I'm talking about—the bastard who got dumped by his mom!"

"You—" Leslie was ready to throw a punch, but Jimmy stopped him.

"Let it go, Jordan. It's almost dinner time," Jimmy said calmly.

"But he called you a bastard!" Leslie fumed.

"We can't fight Banks. His brother's in a gang," Jimmy whispered in Leslie's ear.

Jordan's aggression instantly faded.

Feeling emboldened, the tattooed boy jeered, "A bastard's a bastard. You've got no guts, and you think you're going to college? No school wants you!"

Leslie made another move, but Jimmy dragged him away from the court.

From a corner nearby, Matthew Graves and Liam Gonzalez watched the scene unfold.

"Is this the kid you were talking about?" Matthew asked.

Liam nodded, "Yep. What do you think?"

Matthew observed Jimmy Butler's intense defensive play and nodded. "His defense is really something special."

End of this chapter

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