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 next morning, Kendrick's phone buzzed loudly and woke him from the bed. He peered into the screen with blurred eyes, and by the time he saw the number, he sat up with haste.

"Hello?" he answered, trying not to allow a slight ripple in his voice.

"Kendrick Rivers?" a deep, professional voice responded.

"Hello, my name is Paul Grant. I'm a scout with the State University basketball program. I was at the showcase last night, and I gotta say, I'm impressed with what I saw."

Kendrick felt his heart leap with excitement. This is it, he thought-the opportunity of a lifetime.

"We'd like to invite you to visit our campus," Grant continued. "Coach wants to meet with you personally. We're interested in having you as part of our program."

Kendrick stuttered; his head was spinning. "That… that sounds incredible, sir. I'd be honored."

Grant chuckled. "Good. We'll arrange for you to come out next week. Expect an email with the details later today. And Kendrick?"

"Keep up the work. The drive you showed last night is just what we're looking for."

The call was over, and Kendrick sat there with his mind racing. He had dreamed of this for so long, but now that this was real, the gravity of it all hit hard: a college offer, a shot at the big leagues-it was everything he'd ever wanted.

But the more hyped he got, the more apprehensive he started to feel. The streets weren't going to let him go without a fight. He thought of Trenton's words from the night before, the cold anger in his eyes.

He knew now that a choice was at his doorstep, and every decision that he would make from here on out would define his future.

Chapter 13: An Offer on the Table