Chapter 15: End of Day 1

Wilt PoV

Wilt watched as Loxus walked away, a small smile playing on his lips. There was something about the guy that intrigued him. Maybe it was because Wilt never really had a rival before, not even in other schools. Having someone who bantered with him was different. 

He turned his attention to Sylvester, who was still lying on the floor, catching his breath. Despite his obvious exhaustion, there was a fire in his eyes that Wilt couldn't help but admire. He had seen many players give up during his high school years, but Sylvester was different. There was a determination in his gaze that told Wilt he was not going to back down, no matter how hard things got. 

His eyes then moved to the others, each of them showing varying degrees of exhaustion. But they were still standing, still ready to fight for their place on the team. It was a sight that filled Wilt with a sense of pride. 

The coach's voice pulled him out of his thoughts, calling everyone to the court for the scrimmage. Wilt glanced at Loxus, his eyes meeting the other man's for a brief moment. There was a challenge in Loxus' gaze, a promise of a fight that sent a thrill down Wilt's spine. 

The scrimmage began, each player giving it their all. Wilt watched from the sidelines, his keen eyes observing every move, every pass, every shot. He could see the raw talent in each of them, the potential to be great. But he also knew they all had worked hard to get here.

His gaze kept drifting back to Loxus. The man moved with purpose. He still wasn't entirely sure why Loxus was so focus on taking Kallen University to nationals, but whatever drove him must've been strong.

Wilt gasped as the gym door opened. A gray haired guy with sapphire eyes entered. He observed the players much like Wilt and the coach were.

He was sure he had seen him somewhere before? He gasped as it hit him who it was. It was one of the top players from Red Bird High, the team Wilt's team had faced during high school nationals.

"Coach, you recruited that guy too?" Wilt asked, glancing at him.

"Yeah," Coach replied, not taking his eyes off the scrimmage. "His name's Drew. He's a great player, got real potential."

Drew. Wilt repeated the name in his head. He remembered the guy's skills, his quick reflexes on the court, his precise shots. He was a formidable player and a tough competitor. 

Wilt was surprised someone that strong had joined Kellen University. While he did too, it was because he was under the mercy of Loxus.

Drew's eyes scanned the gym, taking in the ongoing scrimmage, before landing on Wilt. His sapphire eyes widened in surprise, clearly not expecting to see Wilt here.

"Wilt?" Drew called out, walking over to him and the coach.

Wilt grinned at Drew, extending a hand. "Long time no see, Drew."

Drew took his hand, his grip firm. "What are you doing here, Wilt? I thought you'd be at some top-ranking university by now."

Wilt shrugged. "Circumstances led me here. But what about you? Why are you here?"

Drew's gaze flickered away, his eyes landing on the bustling court before returning to Wilt. "This is the closest university to my home. My family needed me nearby, so here I am."

There was a brief flicker of something in Drew's eyes, a hint of vulnerability that was quickly replaced by his usual confident demeanor. Wilt realized then that there were layers to Drew that he hadn't seen before.

"That's...admirable," Wilt said, choosing his words carefully.

Drew just shrugged, a small smile playing on his lips. "It's family. You do what you have to do."

There was a pause, an unspoken understanding passing between them. They may be rivals on the court, but off it, they were just two guys trying to balance their personal lives and their passion for basketball.

"Anyway," Drew said, breaking the silence. "I'm looking forward to playing with you again, even if it's on the same team this time."

Wilt laughed, clapping Drew on the shoulder. "Likewise, Drew."

As Drew sat down, Wilt's gaze landed on Loxus. The guy was still going strong, his determination clear as day. With Drew on the team, Wilt knew they had a solid shot at the Nationals.

And he couldn't wait to see how it all played out. But, that left thirteen possible more spots on the team. No, even less given the upper classman who have already been accepting. The total of fifteen also assumed the coach wanted the max number.

Since matches were five vs five, most coaches didn't even bother getting fifteen. Eleven was the usual number, as it helped with internal practice matches. The extra one was in case anyone got hurt.

The coach clapped his hands, signaling the end of the scrimmage. "Alright, that's enough for today," he called out, his voice echoing in the gym. The players gathered around him, their faces flushed from the exertion but their eyes filled with anticipation.

"Good job, everyone," the coach began. "You all showed great potential. But unfortunately, we can't have everyone on the team."

There was a collective intake of breath, the tension in the gym rising. Wilt watched as the coach started to call out names, each one a dismissal. One by one, half of the players were eliminated, their dreams of being part of the team shattered.

"You all gave it your best," the coach said to those dismissed. "And for that, you should be proud. Keep practicing, keep improving. Maybe next time, you'll make the cut."

As the dismissed players left the gym, Wilt felt a pang of sympathy. But he also knew that setbacks were part of the journey, that they could serve as motivation to work harder and come back stronger.

He turned his attention to those who remained. Loxus, Sylvester, and a multitude of others. They were the ones who had made it through the first cut, who had proven themselves worthy of a chance.

"Congratulations to those who made it," the coach said. "But don't get too comfortable. This was just the first round. Tomorrow, we'll have the second day of tryouts. If you think today was tough, wait until you see what I have in store for you tomorrow."

Wilt saw the determination in their eyes, the eagerness to prove themselves. He knew they would give it their all, just like they did today.

"See you all tomorrow," the coach concluded, dismissing them. "Don't be late."

Drew sighed. "This group is lacking."

Wilt blinked. "You think so?"

"Yeah," Drew replied, his gaze scanning the remaining players. "I don't see many who can keep up with us."

Wilt frowned, considering Drew's words. He knew Drew had a knack for accurately gauging people's abilities, a skill that had made him a formidable player at Red Bird High. If Drew thought the group was lacking, then there was probably some truth to it.

"But that doesn't mean they can't improve," Wilt said, turning to Drew. "They've all got potential."

Drew sighed as he stood up. "They are a bunch of amateurs. I'm surprised that seafoam green haired guy made it past round one."

Wilt frowned as he watched Drew go.

"Give them a chance, Drew," the coach chimed in, standing up from his seat. "Remember, we all started as amateurs."

Drew paused before continuing on his way.

As Drew left the gym, Wilt turned to the coach. "Drew's got high standards," he remarked.

The coach chuckled. "That's what makes him a top player. He pushes everyone around him to be better, including himself. But he also needs to learn that not everyone can progress at the same pace. Some might take longer, and that's okay."

Wilt smiled and nodded. Indeed. Everyone had their own starting point.