Chapter 36: Invitation To Get Close II

WHOOSH!

Another three-point shot fluidly entered the basket.

"Captain, this is just practice, right?" the short, curly-haired member remarked after Kenneth hit his tenth three-point shot during their practice game.

"Our aim is the championship for the Winter Cup. So we should start taking things seriously as early as possible, even during these kinds of practice games, JJ," Kenneth instantly rebuked.

Jordan Rivers, a.k.a. JJ, was the team's point guard. With a lean body, bright blue eyes, and mixed heritage, he stood at 5'9".

Quick-witted and energetic, he matched Kenneth's energy on and off the court, making him an ideal point guard. JJ was not only the team's motivator but also known for his strategic thinking in crucial moments, forming a perfect tandem with Kenneth, the main shooter.

He was able to support him perfectly during crucial times allowing the team to get out of dangerous times.

Another member with closely cropped hair laughed and slung his arm around JJ's shoulders.

"I heard this is the first time all his friends will be watching as a whole. He must be very nervous right now. Isn't that right, Cap?"

Kenneth looked at him and grinned widely.

"Malik, how about a little battle to see who scores the most points in this practice?"

Malik squinted his eyes.

Standing at 6'1" with a muscular frame, Malik was known for his charming smile off the court.

As the team's shooting guard, he exuded confidence every time he took a shot, but his competitive and stubborn nature made him an ideal sparring partner for Kenneth during practice. Kenneth often challenged Malik to shoot games to keep things serious when the practice became too relaxed.

Malik's eyes sharpened, "I won't back down from such a challenge."

"It seems the other teams are getting stronger, Leo," the tallest member remarked to the person beside him.

Leo Martinez, the power forward, stood at 6'3" with a buzz cut, a muscular build, and broad shoulders. Known as one of the best rebounders in every tournament, Leo was a significant threat to their opponents.

His love for surfing gave him a tanned complexion, and his calm demeanor made him the team's peacemaker when disagreements arose. Leo was also the vice-captain.

"Well, this is our final tournament—both for me and him. After this, it's on you guys," Leo said with a slight shake of his head.

"Be glad we stayed for the Winter Cup, Tasha."

Tasha Arthur, the team's center, stood at 6'4"—the tallest of the group—with a shaved head and deep-set, intense eyes. He was known for his strong defense under the net, often making crucial plays to support his team's scoring efforts.

"Yeah, right. You and the Cap stayed because you just wanted to play more," Tasha replied.

Kenneth was the captain and small forward, an all-rounder on both offense and defense. Despite being listed at the same height as Leo, his presence on the court made him feel even taller. With Shawn and Gabriel standing at 6'1", and Justine at 5'8", Kenneth was also the tallest among his friends.

The practice session intensified as Kenneth's small challenge motivated the Malik, making it harder for the rest of their teammates to keep up.

"I'm dying," Kenneth groaned, collapsing onto the floor after practice officially ended.

"You're way too intense, Cap," Malik complained, lying beside him.

In the end, he had lost the challenge.

"Be honest—were you nervous about your friends coming to watch?" Leo asked, handing Kenneth his bottle of water.

Kenneth took a long drink before replying.

"Not just that. The other teams are seriously getting stronger, and we've been too relaxed for a while."

"Yes, we know you are this way because of that but you are more intense right now. So why don't you just be honest?" Leo urged.

Kenneth sighed, "Those guys don't watch often, but when they do, all I hear are their critiques. Way harsher than anything our coach says. Who wouldn't be nervous when they are coming?"

The team couldn't help but laugh. It was rare to see Kenneth this nervous—once when facing a tough opponent, and again when his friends were in the audience, especially since all of them would be present.

"But isn't it that you are actually looking forward to what they'll say about your game?" Leo teased.

Kenneth grinned and lay back down, and the others shook their heads.

After a bit of silence, Malik thought of something.

"So, Cap, which school will you be entering for your professional basketball career? Since we are already on our final competition together as teammates?"

"Indeed, it is fun and all. So it is either we go against one another during university or we can still be teammates," JJ added while playing around with the ball.

"So what team is it?" Tasha was also curious.

No, all of them were curious.

Leo turned serious, but Kenneth only chuckled.

"Basketball is fun, isn't it? Whether intense or relaxed."

Sitting up, he looked at his three younger teammates.

"You can run as much as you want. You can face new opponents every year since lineups keep changing."

He took the ball from JJ and spun it on his finger.

"So make sure to enjoy every single day you play to the fullest."

JJ, Malik, and Tasha exchanged puzzled glances, confused by his sudden shift in tone.

"And enjoy playing with your teammates, no matter which year it is. Even your opponents. Who knows? It might be the last time you play with them—or against them."

A brief silence followed as Kenneth continued spinning the ball.

The three younger players slowly turned toward Leo, sensing something deeper in Kenneth's words.

Leo just smiled.

"That's why we need to give everything in our upcoming games. As I told Tasha earlier, this is our last tournament together."