Chapter 17: Showing Them How It's Done

Wilt PoV

Wilt's alarm clock blared, jolting him awake far earlier than he'd have liked. He groaned, rubbing the sleep from his teal eyes as he glanced at the time. It was still dark outside, the first hints of dawn just beginning to paint the sky with streaks of orange and pink. Today was day two of the Kallen University basketball tryouts, and despite the lingering soreness in his leg, he felt a spark of excitement at the prospect of watching the new talent.

He swung his legs over the side of the bed, wincing slightly as his feet touched the cold floor. The cast had been removed weeks ago, but the memories of the injury still haunted him. Shaking off the discomfort, he stood and stretched, feeling the familiar pull of muscles that had been worked hard the day before. His recovery had been nothing short of miraculous, a testament to his determination and the unwavering support of his family and friends.

After a quick shower, Wilt dressed in a comfortable pair of sweatpants and a hoodie emblazoned with the Kallen U. logo. He grabbed a protein bar and a bottle of water, knowing he'd need the energy for the long day ahead. As he made his way out of the house, the cool morning air hit him, refreshing and invigorating. He took a deep breath, letting it out slowly as he started the walk to the university gymnasium.

The campus was quiet at this hour, most students still nestled in their beds, dreaming of summer adventures or dreading the upcoming semester. Wilt, however, had one focus—basketball. The game had given him so much: discipline, purpose, and a sense of belonging. Even after the injury, his love for the sport hadn't waned; if anything, it had grown stronger.

He arrived at the gym just as the sun peeked over the horizon, casting long shadows across the entrance. Inside, the atmosphere was electric, a mix of nerves and anticipation hanging in the air as the hopefuls warmed up on the court. Wilt took a seat on the bleachers, his gaze scanning the players.

Loxus looks as determined as ever. When he noticed Wilt staring at him, he grumbled. "There's something creepy about you constantly staring."

Wilt chuckled. "Sorry, I was just trying to size you guys up today. I'm curious to see who will make it." He glanced at the coach. "Say, coach, how many positions are open anyway?"

"Most of our team last year was made up of seniors, so we actually have several."

"Huh? So this team is going to be made up mostly out of freshman?" Drew asked as he joined them.

The coach crossed his arms. "Not necessarily, there are sophomores, juniors, and a few current seniors trying out. You freshman would be a cocky bunch to think it'll only be you. Of course, Wilt and you are already part of the team. With the upperclassmen I decided to retain, that leaves nine open spots at maximum. Five if I decide to go for eleven members."

Wilt hummed. That meant that there were four upperclassmen who were accepted into the team before hand. He knew one of those was Yosiah, but who could the other three had been? Were they strong? Maybe he should watch some of Kallen's games from last year. His sister had taken some recordings of her boyfriend's matches.

The coach's whistle pierced the morning air, signaling the start of a new drill. "Alright, everyone, time to run laps! Let's get those muscles warmed up!" he barked, his voice echoing off the gym walls.

The players groaned collectively but obediently began jogging around the perimeter of the court. Wilt watched them for a moment, noting the varying levels of enthusiasm and stamina among the group.

"Hey, Drew, Wilt," the coach called out, beckoning them over with a wave of his hand. "I want you two to join in. Show those seeking to become your teammates how it's done."

Drew shot Wilt a wry smile. "Looks like we're up, man."

Wilt nodded, the competitive spark in his eyes igniting. He stood, rolling his shoulders back to loosen them up. "Let's set the pace," he said confidently.

They stepped onto the court, falling into stride with the others. Wilt's leg protested at first, a dull reminder of the injury, but he pushed through it, setting a steady rhythm. Drew matched his pace, and together they led the pack, their strides long and even.

As they rounded the corners of the gym, Wilt felt a familiar rush, the joy of movement, the thrill of competition. He glanced over at Drew, who was grinning despite the exertion. They pushed each other to go faster, their friendly rivalry driving them forward.

The coach watched from the sidelines, a satisfied nod here and there as he observed them. "That's it! Keep it up!" he encouraged.

Lap after lap, Wilt and Drew maintained their lead, their presence motivating the others to keep up. Sweat beaded on Wilt's forehead, but he welcomed it, a sign that he was alive, that he was getting stronger.

Wilt and Drew gasped as they felt someone catching up to them. The two looked over their shoulders and saw Loxus. Had he been cutting his gap with them all of this time? Wilt was sure he hadn't ran past him.

Loxus smirked at them, as if saying, "You bastards forgot about someone?"

Wilt's competitive nature flared up at the sight of Loxus gaining on them. He couldn't help but respect the determination in his peer's stride. "Looks like we've got a real race on our hands," Wilt said to Drew, his voice laced with excitement.

Drew nodded, his breath steady as he replied, "He's not holding back, that's for sure. But I'm not going to lose to him." 

Wilt scoffed and sped up as well. "Nor will I!"

Loxus kept smirking. Somehow, he managed to speed up again.

The three of them, now side by side, pushed the pace, their feet pounding the court in unison. Loxus, with a smirk still playing on his lips, seemed to relish the challenge. "You guys aren't the only ones with something to prove," he shot back, his eyes fixed ahead.

Wilt felt a surge of adrenaline as they rounded another lap. This was what he loved about basketball—the camaraderie, the competition, the sheer will to excel. He glanced at Loxus, acknowledging the unspoken bond forming between them. They were going to be teammates, but that didn't mean there couldn't be rivalry within the group. Such rivalry would surely push them all to be better.

As they completed the final lap, the coach blew the whistle, signaling the end of the drill. Wilt, Drew, and Loxus slowed to a stop, each catching their breath, their chests heaving with exertion.

"Good hustle out there," the coach said, clapping his hands. "That's the kind of spirit I want to see!"

The trio exchanged looks, a mutual respect evident in their nods. They had set the bar high, not just for those trying out, but for themselves as well.

Wilt wiped the sweat from his brow and grabbed his water bottle, taking a long drink. The ghost pain his leg was a distant thought now, overshadowed by the satisfaction of a challenge met head-on.

As the tryouts continued, Wilt couldn't shake the feeling of anticipation. He still wasn't sure what form the team would take, but he looked forward to seeing it. Although it also made him curious about the competition.