Chapter 6: The Duel Begins

"Ethan, I really didn't expect that we'd actually become basketball teammates and make it to the Sweet 16 together. It's unbelievable!"

Marcus Camby lay back on his bed, still unable to process everything that had happened that day.

It was a historic moment—for the first time ever, the University of Massachusetts had advanced to the NCAA Sweet 16.

They had made history.

But Ethan Walker?

He remained calm, almost indifferent, as if this was nothing more than a small stepping stone.

"Maybe this is just the beginning," Ethan said quietly.

Camby sat up, eyes wide.

"You mean… we can beat Connecticut?"

His voice carried both shock and excitement.

The idea was crazy. UConn was a powerhouse, led by Ray Allen, one of the most elite college players in the nation.

But Ethan didn't hesitate.

"That's just the next step," he said, locking eyes with Camby. "This year, we already made history at UMass. So why stop here? Why not keep going? Why not… win the whole thing?"

Camby froze, letting Ethan's words sink in.

Winning the NCAA Championship?

That was a dream, not something realistic for a team like theirs.

But Ethan's confidence was contagious.

Camby took a deep breath and nodded.

"You know what? Maybe it's not impossible."

Ethan grinned.

"That's the spirit. Now, how about a one-on-one?"

Camby blinked in surprise.

"You… want to go against me? The best defensive player in America?"

Ethan shrugged.

"Why not? If I want to be the best, I have to go against the best, right?"

Camby let out a booming laugh.

"Alright, but I'm not gonna hold back!"

Ethan smirked. "I wouldn't have it any other way."

They grabbed their gear and headed to the gym.

Word spread fast.

Within minutes, the entire UMass campus was buzzing with news—Marcus Camby vs. Ethan Walker.

As students flooded the gym, Ethan could only sigh.

"Man, I didn't expect this many people to show up," Camby said, shaking his head.

Ethan chuckled. "Yeah… I guess looking good is a curse, huh?"

Camby smirked. "Nah, bro, you brought this on yourself. Now, let's put on a show."

The crowd roared as they stepped onto the court.

It was time.

---

"21 points. You start," Camby said, tossing Ethan the ball.

Ethan took a deep breath, gripping the leather.

This was it—his first true test against an elite player.

He needed to see how far he had come.

Without hesitation, he dribbled forward.

Camby stood his ground, his long arms outstretched, his stance solid.

Ethan knew that beating Camby with raw power was impossible—so he had to rely on skill.

Bang!

He tapped the ball between his legs, testing Camby's reaction.

Then—boom!—he exploded forward.

Camby reacted instantly, shuffling to stay in front.

But Ethan had already anticipated it.

A sudden hesitation move.

Then—a sharp crossover to the right.

Camby took a half-step in the wrong direction—just enough space.

Ethan shot forward, taking the lead.

As Camby scrambled to recover, Ethan went straight to the rim, extending the ball with one hand.

Swish!

2-0.

The gym erupted.

"Damn, that was clean!"

"Did you see that crossover?"

Camby let out a low whistle.

"Ethan… that was nasty."

Ethan just grinned.

---

Camby wasn't going to let it slide.

On the next possession, he backed Ethan into the paint, using his superior size and strength.

Ethan held his ground as best he could, but Camby was a beast.

With a quick spin move, Camby went up—slam!

2-2.

Ethan chuckled. "Alright, big guy, I see you."

"Now you know what you're up against," Camby said with a wink.

The battle continued.

Ethan relied on his speed and creativity, while Camby used his strength and experience.

Each play became more intense, as both players pushed themselves to the limit.

By the time the score reached 18-18, everyone in the gym was on their feet.

"Yo, this is insane!"

"Who's gonna take this?"

Ethan wiped sweat from his brow.

Time to finish it.

He dribbled up slowly, locking eyes with Camby.

Then—a step-back.

Camby bit on the fake for just a second.

Ethan exploded forward—but instead of driving, he stopped on a dime.

With perfect balance, he rose up for a mid-range jumper.

Swish!

20-18.

Camby sighed. "Alright, man. This is it."

Ethan nodded.

One last play.

Camby backed him down again, but this time—Ethan anticipated the spin move.

The second Camby turned, Ethan lunged forward, reaching for the ball.

Steal!

With nothing but open court ahead, he sprinted to the hoop—

And with one last surge—

Boom!

A thunderous dunk sealed the game.

21-18.

The gym erupted into chaos.

"HE ACTUALLY WON!"

"That was INSANE!"

Camby, still breathing hard, walked over and clapped Ethan on the back.

"Ethan… that was the best one-on-one I've ever had."

Ethan grinned. "You weren't too bad yourself."

Camby laughed. "Man, with you on the team, I actually believe we can win this whole thing."

Ethan looked at him, eyes burning with determination.

"We're not just here to play, Camby. We're here to make history."

And with that, the legend of Ethan Walker had truly begun.