Daryhl sits back watching the basketball draft knowing if he went to a big-name college he would be getting drafted as well. His hometown, Austin, Texas has the first overall pick and they choose Quincy Evens whom Daryhl had a rivalry with throughout high school. Daryhl was a star player coming out of high school but being a minor with a DWI caused every school interested in him to withdraw their scholarship offers. Daryhl went to the local junior college that didn’t have a sports program and just worked out in his off time and starred in the recreational leagues. No one expected anything out of Daryhl because he’s only 5 foot 11 inches and without the ability to dunk. Daryhl made up for his lack of athleticism by perfecting other areas of his game such as dribbling, passing, and scoring. As his rival, Quincy, gets drafted Daryhl has mixed emotions. He feels good about someone he knows and bested a few times made it to the big time. Daryhl also knows that he could be in that same situation if he had made better decisions when he was younger which was filled with regret. The next day Daryhl was reading the sports news to see who had the best draft and which team drafted impact players. As Daryhl was reading, something caught his eye. His hometown Austin, Texas was having an open tryout due to the lack of talent on their roster even after their successful draft. Daryhl was extremely excited but after a full year of noncompetitive play, he was unsure of how well he would do. Not to mention that he would have to pay $100 of a nonrefundable entry fee which he can’t afford to lose. As a student living off campus $100 may not mean much to others but that’s part of rent and or groceries for the month for Daryhl. Daryhl calls his best friend Trey to ask for advice about spending the money to try out. Trey answers the phone in shock as if he thought Daryhl was insane for not jumping at the opportunity to try out for his hometown team. Daryhl was so uncertain throughout the phone conversation that Trey said something that struck a nerve. Trey said, “D, you’ve always wanted this opportunity. You finally have a chance no matter how small the chance is to prove yourself. Anyone would give the world to get this opportunity. I would even give you the $100 because I know you can make the team.” Daryhl knew Trey would give him the money but declined and since his best friend had so much faith in him, Daryhl was certain that he was going to make that investment. The next morning, Daryhl went up to the stadium to fill out all the forms necessary and pay the entry fee needed for the tryout. As Daryhl was filling out the paperwork, Quincy was walking into the arena and noticed Daryhl. Quincy says, “If it isn’t little Daryhl.” Daryhl looked over and said, “What’s up man congratulations on your success.” Quincy then says, “Man don’t hate while you’re about to try out knowing you ain’t going to make the team. Matter of fact since I just signed this fat contract I’ll pay that weak $100 to see you fail this tryout.” Daryhl looks up from the paperwork stares Quincy in the eyes and says, “I was being real. I’m proud of you for coming up like you did. And Naw man I got it but I do appreciate the disrespect.” Daryhl puts his head down and finishes the paperwork. Quincy walks off with a smug grin on his face knowing that Daryhl is a nobody and he is the number one overall pick in the basketball draft. Daryhl then walks to the basketball court to see his competition and there is no guarantee that he and any of the other competitors will make the team. While Daryhl waits the other competitors are either practicing flashy dunks or their impressive ball handling. These other players do not realize that all Daryhl is doing is scouting them so he can have the upper advantage when the real tryout begins. The coaches finally come out to speak with the competitors and they say, “Hello gentleman, today you’re about to interview for a job like no other and potentially fulfill your dream and the dream of many others. There will be a series of tests that you men will endure to show us coaches what you have to offer and if we feel like you are a good fit for the team then your dream will come true. I expect 115% from you gentleman and we are ready to see how this process plays out. Good luck gentleman.” The coaches walk away and Daryhl starts to get focused on the task at hand. Another coach comes out and explains the first stage of the process.
“Hello gentleman my name is coach Pruitt. Today we will be doing some physical exams such as timed distance running and some lifting exercises.” Daryhl didn’t seem too thrilled about these physical exams because he was ready to show his skills on the court. All of a sudden Quincy walks onto the court and interrupts the coach. “Coach Pruitt, I have a history with this guy Daryhl and I know he can physically pass those tests but I’m here to watch him fail the basketball portion of the tryout.” Coach Pruitt responds, “Look here rookie I don’t care where you were drafted, I am coaching this tryout not you. All players have to go through the same series of tests to even be considered for this team.” Quincy walks away and talks under his breath. Coach Pruitt starts to continue with his lecture but another member of the coaching staff calls him to talk to him in private. Coach Pruitt walks over to the other coach and Coach Pruitt’s face gets angrier and angrier and walks back to the group of players.