Rebound: A 2nd Chance

It took two rounds for all the applicants to get a chance to play. After all the scrimmages had finished Jason discussed the results with the other boys and Coach Swendel.

The players who had won their scrimmage were in high spirits as they waited to hear the results. On the other hand the players who had been on the losing teams looked as though their spirits had left their bodies.

None of them were excited to hear Jason announce the results. Although they knew that it was impossible they wished that they could postpone the announcements of the results so that their hopes of making the varsity team could continue to exist.

After thoroughly discussing the results of the scrimmages for around ten minutes Jason stood up and made his way down the bleachers.

With a piece of paper held in his hands Jason scanned the crowd looking at all of the boys' faces. Seeing that all of their eyes were on him he called out the first name.

"Donte Wilkins." A boy stepped forward from the group. He looked to be around 5'4 (1.6m) with a darker skin tone and slimmer build.

His hair was styled in a two inch (5.08cm) flat top with a clean fade on the sides. He had a serious expression on his face as he looked at Jason.

Jason used his Heart's Eye skill.

Donte's skills.

[Skills

Free-throw: C

Lay Up: C+

Dunking: F

Close Shot: D+

Mid Range Shooting: C+

Three Point Shooting: C+

Dribbling: C+

Passing: B-

Ball Handling: C+

Play Making: B-

Post Scoring: E+

Rebounding: D-

Post Control: E+

Perimeter Defense: C

Post Defense: E

Steals: D+

Blocks: E

Athleticism: B ]

Jason asked "What position are you trying out for?" Without any hesitation he answered "Point Guard."

All of the new guys went silent after hearing him say that. Point Guard was the position that Jason played for a large majority of his minutes last season.

Declaring that he was aiming for the position that Jason played last year almost seemed like he was openly challenging him.

Vince started clapping his hands as he sat with the rest of the guys on the bleachers "Whoo! You guys hear that?"

Vince looked at the guys around him "He's shootin for Jaya's position. I don't know if he's brave or just plain stupid."

The boys sitting around him laughed after hearing Vince's joke. All of the new guys were looking at Jason with tensed expressions.

However contrary to their expectations Jason started to laugh. He looked at Donte with a smile on his face.

"If you want something you have to be ready to put in the work required to obtain it. Are you ready for that?"

Once again, without any hesitation he answered "Yes." Jason walked up to him and patted him on the shoulder.

"Good. You better be able to walk the walk because on the varsity team we don't accept people who are all talk."

Jason already knew what position the kids were trying out for and didn't really need to ask them. They had written it down on their applications.

But the reason why Jason asked him in front of everybody was to test his spirit and will 'Looks like this kid has some dog in him. I like him already.'

Donte nodded his head "Thank you." He then stepped to the side. Jason gave him a nod before returning to his previous spot.

"Franklin Goodner" Another kid came forward and stood in front of the group. He was a white kid with a farmer's tan.

He looked to be 5'10 (1.77m) with a good amount of heft to him. His physical profile was similar to Udonis'.

When Jason watched him during the scrimmage he noticed that although he wasn't as mobile as Kyle or even Vince he was still fairly nimble on his feet.

And although wasn't as laterally mobile as Vince his front to back speed was just about even and he looked a bit stronger than Vince.

Jason looked at him "What position are you trying out for?" Franklin smiled "I want to play Center." Kyle's attention was focused on him after hearing him say that.

Jason used Heart's Eye on him.

Franklin's skills.

[Skills

Free-throw: F+

Lay Up: D+

Dunking: E+

Close Shot: D+

Mid Range Shooting: F

Three Point Shooting: F

Dribbling: F

Passing: E

Ball Handling: F

Play Making: F+

Post Scoring: D-

Rebounding: D-

Post Control: D

Perimeter Defense: F+

Post Defense: D-

Steals: F

Blocks: D

Athleticism: B- ]

Jason raised his brow after seeing Franklin's skills 'This guy is a really raw prospect. The only notable things about him are his physical attributes. He's one of the tallest out of all the new guys.

He has good size and decent speed plus his coordination isn't half bad. But all of his technical skills look horrible.'

Jason looked at him with his curiosity piqued "It said on your application that you didn't play basketball at your last middle school. Is that right?"

Franklin still had a smile on his face as he answered "That's right. I've never played organized basketball before today.

Back at my last school I was on the baseball team." Jason tilted his head slightly as he looked at him "You were on the baseball team?

So what made you want to play basketball and transfer schools?" Franklin blushed a bit before looking over at the bleachers where Kyle was sitting.

"Seeing Kyle swat the ball out of the air made me fall in love with basketball. I was never really into basketball but after seeing Kyle's amazing shot blocking at the county tournament I went through hours and hours of highlights just to see other Big Men block shots."

After hearing that Kyle turned his face away and started to scratch the back of his neck. The boys around him began to tease him.

Jason laughed "Well looks like you'll be spending some time with Kyle because you just made the varsity team."

Franklin shouted out as he pumped his fist "Yes!" I did it! I'm on the varsity team!" He then excitedly made his way to the side where Donte was standing.

He tried to chat with Donte but he answered all of his questions with short answers, nods, and by shaking his head.

Jason ignored the comical scene taking place on the side as he called out "Silva twins." Danilo and Alex both made their way forward.

Jason just smiled at them "Happy to see you guys chose Jefferson. Both of you made varsity, congrats."

Danilo and Alex both gave Jason a thumbs up before making their way to the side as they joined Donte and Franklin.

Jason continued to announce the results as he called out the name of four more players that had managed to make the varsity team.

Everyone was now looking at Jason with desperation in their eyes as there was only one final spot left on the varsity team.

Some boys closed their eyes and looked down as they sent a desperate prayer out while some of them crossed their fingers and their toes inside of their shoes.

Jason looked at them "And for the final varsity spot.... Samuel Wu." Unlike the previous times where he had called out a name no one stepped forward.

Sam was stunned when he heard Jason call out his name. It wasn't until a few awkward seconds passed with the other boys looking at him did he snap back to reality.

He called out "Here!" Before hurriedly making his way to the front. His face was flushed as he stood in front of Jason.

Jason simply nodded his head "Congratulations. You made the final varsity spot." Sam had a bright smile on his face "Thank you!"

He then made his way to the side where all the other guys who made the varsity team. Just as Jason was about to make a closing speech a voiced cried out.

"This is a load of bull shit! That guy was ass on the court. He barely did anything, the only reason why he won the scrimmage is because he was lucky enough to get on the same team as the Silva twins.

How can a guy that barely scored make the varsity team? You're obviously showing some favoritism because he's Asian like you!"

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