Ups and Downs

Unfortunately, the others weren't able to just brush off the negative comments. Even if it wasn't them being badmouthed on the internet it still frustrated them knowing how hard Jason worked day in and day out.

Jason's mom stood up and turned to Jason who was still snacking on the popcorn "It's good to not let other's opinions bother you sweety.

But are you really okay? You can tell us if you're upset. You don't need to hide it. It's not good to bottle things up."

Jason started laughing which almost caused him to choke on the popcorn that he was eating. He turned to his mom with a smile.

"I know mom. Trust me I wouldn't hide my feelings from you or dad. Those comments really don't bother me in the slightest."

Jason's mom let out a long sigh before giving him a faint smile "You really are something special Jaya. You've really changed ever since you started playing basketball.

Everyone else is so upset at those comments and we aren't even the ones being talked about. How can you be so calm?"

Jason swallowed the mouthful of popcorn that was in his mouth "This is what I like to do. Imagine all those people that are hating and doubting me.

Imagine them at home watching TV. They had been posting all these comments about how bad I am and how I won't be a top level player.

Now imagine their faces when I keep proving them wrong. What kind of face will they have when I win a state championship? How about when I win a national title?"

Everyone was following along with Jason's story. They started laughing after Jason mentioned what kind of faces the haters would make after he proves them wrong with his success.

Jason smiled after seeing everyone in a better mood "Now the big kicker is when I get drafted and make it pro. Imagine how stupid they'll feel for talking so much trash about me."

Jason's dad was laughing as he came over and put his hand on Jason's shoulder "I like how confident you are son. Just remember that even if you fall short on your goals you should be proud of the work that you put in."

Jason smiled and nodded "I know dad. As long as I know that I did everything I could that's all that matters. Now can we please get out the pie that Aunty Vee made? I've been waiting this whole time."

Kyle's mom laughed as she stood up "Naomi, let's go warm up that apple pie so that our little MVP can fill up his lil stomache."

Everyone ate their fill of the pie as they talked and laughed for a bit. After an hour everyone said their goodbyes as they left with full stomaches and bright smiles.

Jason helped his parents clean up before getting ready for bed. As he laid down staring at the ceiling he opened up the system.

Jason currently had 130 points that he had earned from his daily training and from doing small miscellaneous quests for the system.

[Estimated height in a year: 5'7

Points to increase height: 50/100]

Jason was surprised that his estimated height had increased without him putting in the full 100 points 'Maybe it's because of the lifestyle changes that I've made.'

Jason put in 50 more points to his estimated height.

[Estimated height in a year: 5'8

Points to increase height: 00/100]

Jason smiled as he slowly began to fall asleep 'Things are looking really good.'

- - -

The weekend quickly passed as Jason and the rest of the team practiced hard on Saturday and Sunday.

The switch in focus for Trell's training program showed some results as he made a little bit of progress in his shooting.

[Skills

Free throw: E-

Lay Up: E

Dunking: C

Close Shot: E-

Mid Range Shooting: E

Three Point Shooting: E

Dribbling: E-

Passing: E

Ball Handling: E-

Play Making: F+

Post Scoring: F

Rebounding: D

Post Control: F

Perimeter Defense: B-

Post Defense: F+

Steals: D

Blocks: D

Athleticism: AA ]

Trell made some improvements in his shooting. But his daily one on one games against Jason also improved his perimeter defense and his dribbling. Although not to the point of being able to be a secondary ball handler.

Jason also spent some time with Kyle to teach him more about boxing out and how to defend the post. As well as teaching him more about playing defense on the perimeter.

[Skills

Free throw: E+

Lay Up: E+

Dunking: C

Close Shot: E+

Mid Range Shooting: F-

Three Point Shooting: F-

Dribbling: F-

Passing: F

Ball Handling: F-

Play Making: F-

Post Scoring: D

Rebounding: D+

Post Control: D+

Perimeter Defense: E-

Post Defense: C-

Steals: F+

Blocks: C+

Athleticism: A- ]

Jason was surprised by how quickly Kyle had improved considering where he was when he first started playing basketball.

Even without Jason focusing on certain areas in Kyle's training he made improvements just through the course of playing and gaining experience.

With Udonis Jason was confident and at ease. He knew that even without him there holding his hand as long he gave him instructions Udonis would be able to figure things out.

[Skills

Free throw: C-

Lay Up: C-

Dunking: D-

Close Shot: C-

Mid Range Shooting: D-

Three Point Shooting: E+

Dribbling: E+

Passing: D

Ball Handling: D-

Play Making: D

Post Scoring: C+

Rebounding: C+

Post Control: C+

Perimeter Defense: D

Post Defense: C+

Steals: E+

Blocks: C-

Athleticism: B ]

Udonis made the most improvements to his game. He was already a solid player back when he was playing on a garbage team and getting not so great training from Coach Swendel.

But now that he was playing on a top level team competing against tough competition and getting training and advice from Jason he was really beginning to show his true potential.

As Jason trained with Matt he couldn't help but smile. He knew that Matt had the least amount of natural talent out of everybody but he consistently worked his heart out every day. So to see his hardwork finally begin to payoff overjoyed him.

[Skills

Free-throw: C

Lay Up: D+

Dunking: F

Close Shot: D

Mid Range Shooting: C

Three Point Shooting: C+

Dribbling: D

Passing: D

Ball Handling: D+

Play Making: D

Post Scoring: F

Rebounding: F+

Post Control: F

Perimeter Defense: C

Post Defense: F+

Steals: D-

Blocks: F

Athleticism: C+ ]

As happy as Jason was to see his teammates making progress he was still happiest in seeing that he had also improved.

[Skills

Free throw: SS+

Lay Up: S (SS+)

Dunking: F+

Close Shot: S- (SS+)

Mid Range Shooting: S (SS+)

Three Point Shooting: S (SS+)

Dribbling: S (SS+)

Passing: S (SS+)

Ball Handling: S (SS+)

Play Making: SS+

Post Scoring: B (A)

Rebounding: B (A)

Post Control: A (S+)

Perimeter Defense: S (SS+)

Post Defense: A (S+)

Steals: S (SS+)

Blocks: B+ (A+)

Athleticism: B- ]

The limiters that were holding back some of Jason's skills loosened up after his physical condition improved. His physical training outside of practice were finally showing fruit.

Jason was pushing his body to the limit every day and using the Recovery Boost function in order to maximize the effects of his training.

- - -

On Monday Jefferson came out with another dominant display as they won the game with a score of 86-34.

Jason had already clocked in 24 pts, 8 ast, 4 reb, 4 stl, and 2 blk by the end of the third quarter. He sat out the entire fourth quarter to let DJ get some more runs in.

At this point Jefferson middle school was getting a ton of local coverage for their basketball team. The principle had given them a certificate and a speach that was showed on the local news.

On Friday Jefferson was back in San Jacinto as they played against another school from there.

The school only had one locker-room so Jefferson had to get suited up in the bus while it was parked in the back.

It was hardly any competition as they coasted to an easy win with a score of 88-42. The teams lined up and shook hands after the game was done. Some of the players asked to take pictures with Jason.

The team began walking off the court. Trell complained "Man I can't believe we gotta go here again next week to play anotha team. We the best team in the county bruh, they should be drivin they asses to us."

Udonis chuckled "Hey man I like the confidence but don't let it get to yo head. Next week the school we playin against is actually pretty decent.

They surprisin everybody this season cause they only got two losses under they belts. Some people got them as a dark horse for the county championship."

Trell rolled his eyes "Whatever UD. For once I'm actually agreein with what Jaya said. We ain't even gotta think about the county championship. We gotta aim for a national title."

Jason laughed after hearing Trell say that. As the team was about to step on to the bus Jason stopped.

He turned to Udonis "Hey I gotta go take a leak real quick. I'll be there in a minute." Jason took off his jersey and put it into his bag "You mind holding this for me Kyle?"

Kyle took the bag from Jason "No problem bro." Jason walked back to the school in his shorts and his compression shirt.

He went into the closest restroom and walked toward a urinal. As he was relieving himself the door opened and some guys walked in.

They looked a little too old to be in middle school. One of the guys asked "Hey you Jason Yang?"

Something didn't feel right to Jason but he just smiled "I am but I would really appreciate it if you let me finish before asking for a picture."

The guy had a serious expression "We ain't come here for no damn picture. You two keep an eye out." Two of the guys seperated from the group and left the restroom.

Jason gulped 'This doesn't look good.'