Chapter 39: Birth of a King Candidate

Drew PoV

Drew watched as Wilt walked away. That guy, his friends held him back. Maybe he didn't actually want to be the very best. Maybe basketball was all but a game to him.

It was something that always baffled him about Wilt. The guy had talent, there was no denying that. He was quick, agile, had an uncanny ability to anticipate his opponent's moves. He could have been one of the best, Drew was sure of it. But instead, Wilt seemed content to just have fun, to treat basketball as nothing more than a game.

Drew watched as Wilt disappeared into the crowd, his red hair standing out like a beacon. He shook his head, a small smile playing on his lips. Wilt was unlike anyone he had ever met before. He was carefree, spontaneous, always looking for the fun in any situation. He was the kind of guy who would suggest sushi for breakfast and then nap right after because why not?

And while Drew admired his rival's free spirit, he couldn't help but feel a pang of frustration. Wilt could be so much more than what he was settling for. If only he took things a bit more seriously, put in a little more effort, he could easily outshine everyone else on the court.

But that was Wilt. Unpredictable, unbothered, unapologetically himself. And as much as it baffled Drew, he also respected it. Wilt knew who he was and what he wanted.

With a sigh, Drew turned to leave. He had his own training to focus on. Unlike Wilt, he wasn't content with just being good. He wanted to be the best.

As he made his way to the gym, he couldn't help but think about Wilt's words. "Bring it on," he had said with a challenging smile. And Drew intended to do just that. He would show Wilt that such a half-hearted attitude toward the game would only cause him to fall to the wayside.

As he entered the gym, he took a deep breath, the familiar scent of sweat and polished wood filling his senses. This was his sanctuary, the place where he could lose himself in the game he loved so much. 

He started with some light stretching, his eyes focused on his reflection in the mirror. He saw his determination, the fire in his eyes. He was going to give it his all, not just for himself, but to show Wilt the true value of commitment. 

His training was intense, each dribble, each shot, each jump, pushing him closer to his goal. Sweat poured down his face, his muscles ached, but he didn't stop. He couldn't stop. Not when he had something to prove. 

When he was done, he was exhausted but satisfied. He knew he had given it his all, and that was what mattered. 

As he made his way back to the dorm, he couldn't help but think of Wilt. He wondered if his rival was training or relaxing, oblivious to the effort he was putting in. 

A part of him felt a twinge of envy for Wilt's carefree attitude. But then he shook his head. He knew what he wanted, and he was willing to work hard for it. 

As he reached the dorm, he saw Loxus practicing in the nearby outdoor basketball court.

The raven haired young man turned to look at him.

Drew smiled. Seemed he wasn't the only one taking things seriously. 

"Nice moves," Drew commented, making his way toward his teammate.

Loxus merely shrugged, a smirk playing on his lips. "Just warming up."

Drew couldn't help but return the smirk. "Mind if I join you?"

"Go ahead," Loxus said, grinning.

The two exhausted boys played a game of basketball. Loxus used his power move against him to get the first point.

Drew smirked as his blue eyes seemed to shift. "You wasted all that energy on a flashy one pointer. Too bad it will be your last dunk."

Loxus scoffed as Drew picked up the ball. "Yeah?"

He nodded and rushed past Loxus. "Kneel."

The raven-haired teen gasped as his legs began to shake.

"Ugh, this power move is annoying," Loxus said as Drew made a two-pointer.

Drew couldn't help but chuckle.

"Still think I can't keep up?" Drew called out, grinning as he turned to face Loxus.

Loxus was panting slightly, his face flushed from the effort. But there was a determined glint in his eyes, a clear sign that he wasn't ready to give up just yet.

"I'm just getting started," he shot back, a hint of challenge in his voice.

Drew couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement at his words. He was always up for a good game, and it looked like Loxus wasn't planning on going down without a fight.

"Then let's see what you've got," Drew said, tossing the ball to Loxus.

Loxus caught the ball effortlessly, his gaze locked with Drew's. And then he was off, dribbling the ball with a speed that was almost blinding. 

Drew watched as Loxus weaved around him. But he wasn't about to let him have the upper hand. With a burst of speed, Drew blocked Loxus's path, his hand reaching out to snatch the ball.

But Loxus was quicker. With a swift move, he passed the ball under Drew's arm and went for a layup. Drew turned just in time to see the ball swish through the net.

"Another point for me," Loxus declared, retrieving the ball and tossing it to Drew.

Drew couldn't help but smile. This was exactly what he loved about basketball. The competition, the thrill of the game, the adrenaline rush. It was all worth it.

"Nice move," Drew admitted, bouncing the ball. "But don't think that I'm going down that easily."

With that, he charged forward, determined to regain his lead. The game was far from over, and Drew was far from done. He would crush Loxus and Wilt, proving he was the best player in Kallen University. And soon, he would show he was the best in the nation. But he wouldn't stop there. No, his goal was to become the Basketball King.