King_3317

Kendrick "K-Dawg" Rivers has always been the underdog. Growing up in a gritty urban neighborhood where dreams often fade faster than graffiti on abandoned walls, his only way out is basketball. But making it to the top is more than just crossing over defenders or draining three-pointers. It's about survival in a world where hustle off the court is just as important as hustle on it.

Between dealing with a father caught up in gang life, a mother working three jobs, and the weight of the streets dragging him down, Kendrick's shot at the pros seems farther away every day. But when a former NBA player turned coach takes an interest in him, Kendrick gets one last chance to rewrite his story. All he has to do is survive the trials of life, the competition for the spotlight, and a bitter rivalry with his best friend turned enemy, Trenton.

It's a battle for fame, freedom, and a future and Kendrick will have to shed blood, sweat, and hustle to make it.

Blood, Sweat, and Hustle.

The phone call from Coach Ray should've brought Kendrick peace, but it didn't. Later that night, as he lay in bed staring at the cracked ceiling, thoughts of Trenton kept nagging at him. The look in his friend's eyes earlier hadn't been friendly it had been cold, almost like a challenge.

The streets outside his window were never quiet. Even now, as the clock ticked past midnight, he could hear the distant hum of cars, the occasional shout, and the ever-present sound of police sirens. His neighborhood wasn't known for producing success stories. The few that made it out were the lucky ones or the ones who fought harder than anyone else.

Kendrick knew he had a shot, but it wouldn't come easy. Trenton, the streets, his family, there were obstacles at every turn.

Suddenly, a knock echoed through his apartment. It wasn't a polite knock. It was heavy, demanding. Kendrick sat up, his body instantly tense.

"Yo, K-Dawg, open up!" a voice hissed from the other side.

Kendrick frowned. It was Trenton. His gut twisted, but he stood and moved toward the door, cracking it open just enough to see Trenton's face.

Trenton pushed the door wider, his expression hard. "We need to talk."

Kendrick stepped back, letting his former friend inside. Trenton walked in like he owned the place, pacing the small living room like a caged animal.

"You think you're special now, huh?" Trenton spat. "Got a call from Coach Ray, and suddenly you're too good for the rest of us?"

Kendrick narrowed his eyes. "It's not like that."

Trenton scoffed. "Nah, you think you're leaving us behind. Like the streets don't own you anymore."

Kendrick's heart pounded. "The streets don't own me. I'm making moves, man. Trying to get out."

Trenton turned to face him, his eyes dark. "You don't get to leave, K-Dawg. Not unless I say so."

The tension between them hung in the air, thick and suffocating. Kendrick felt his hands ball into fists at his sides. He'd known Trenton since they were kids, but the man standing in front of him now wasn't the same guy. Trenton had chosen the streets, and he was dragging Kendrick down with him.

"I'm not backing down," Kendrick said, his voice steady. "I'm making it out, whether you like it or not."

Trenton's smirk faded, and for a moment, there was silence. Then, without a word, he turned and walked out of the apartment, slamming the door behind him.

Kendrick let out a breath he didn't realize he was holding. The battle with Trenton was just beginning. But there was no turning back now.

Chapter 4: The Streets Don't Sleep.