(August 7th, 1995. Starkville, Mississppi.)
Two cars pull up to the main entrance of Mississppi State University as it was the first day of a new school year. For one in particular, a new adventure came for future NBA bound prospect Prince Travis. Having committed to the SEC powerhouse over schools like Kentucky, and other standout schools such as Syracuse, Duke and UCLA, the shooting guard wanted to carve out his legacy from humble beginnings and what better place than a humble university. He had been on the phone with his high school sweetheart Sabrina Allen who was halfway across the country in Los Angeles.
Sabrina: Is it too late to convince to come UCLA, Prince?
Prince: Sabrina, we've discussed this love. I can't just decommit months after a National Signing Day, and don't worry you'll be seeing plenty of me during Spring Break which coincidentally falls just in line before March Madness ends. Then we can coast on with our lives, plus I don't want to interfere with your rising actress career. You'll survive without seeing me for a few months.
Sabrina: I don't define almost nine months of our lives apart as "a few".
Prince: Hold on Bri, I gotta go. Mom, Dad and I just pulled up to the campus. Talk to you later.
He steps out, luggage and a few boxes in hand as he whiffs in that humid Starkville air, the newest entry in his life journey about to written.
Prince: Let's-
(Present Day.... Lexington, Kentucky.)
Christian: DO THIS!
Christian steps out of his Toyota Corolla as he overlooks the sprawling scene of the University of Kentucky's first day of the official 2014-15 school. Having found a rare student parking spot, he joins Zendaya, his father and mother, the latter of the three who has fresh tears escaping her eyes for the fourth time in three days.
Christian: Oh come on mom, please don't cry. It's only my first day of college, you should be happy.
Sabrina: I am Cubby, I am. I JUST DIDN'T THINK IT WOULD HAPPEN SO SOON!
She gives her son a bone-crushing hug and kiss. She knew the day was bound to come after his commitment after he signed his letter of intent to join the rich history of Kentucky basketball and complete what was a stacked class for legendary coach John Calipari as he already inked great talent like center Karl-Anthony Towns, shooting guard Devin Booker, forward Trey Lyles and another guard by the name of Tyler Ulis. Between the McDonald's All American Game, his senior prom and graduation, it had seemed this year had gone by in a blur. It seemed like only yesterday her baby boy had started his senior year and now he here was. Starting his freshman year at her alma mater and in a few months, would more than likely be a lottery pick in the upcoming NBA Draft.
Zendaya: I'm just surprised Dad is keeping it all together, you okay Chris isn't a Bulldog?
Prince: Daya, it's like I said. I'm proud of the little man wherever he chose to go. Education was top tier for me whereever Christian went and I find nothing wrong with Kentucky. Great atmosphere, great basketball program and lineage, and the majors are unlimited as they are great.
Christian: Plus.... don't get me wrong Louisville pulled out all the stops for me, but it was something about the recruiting class about Big Blue. I KNOW I can make a difference here for Coach Cal, but don't worry. So long as I'm here, my education is coming first. And even when I'm in the league I'll be focusing on my major as well.
Sabrina: You better, come on. Let's go meet your new roomie!
After touring the campus and signing a few autographs of fellow freshmen.
Christian: Here it is... who's the lucky teammate?
He stops at a door with the number 323 with the Kentucky basketball insignia labeled on it. The family opens it to find....
Devin: Chris? Holy crap!
Christian: Devin freakin' Booker! Man, I haven't seen you since the game, bring it in dude!
They hug it out as the Michigan native spots his new teammates family.
Devin: I see you brought the whole family. Mr and Mrs. T, Zendaya.
Prince: Hey there, kid. Family left?
Devin: Nah, they went to get me something to eat while I unpacked. I imagine they'll be back soon-
Melvin: Did someone say eat? Prince!
Prince: Mel! Man the hits just keep on coming!
It's now the father's turns as former NBA player and current NBA player hug it out as Devin's family comes through the door bearing pizza.
Melvin: Look at this, the next generation really is taking over guys. Our boys, are taking over.
Devin: I wouldn't say all that. Heck, we haven't did the time honored tradition of Midnight Madness.
Christian: I almost forgot about that. I haven't picked out my jersey number least of all.
After goodbyes were exchanged by families, both freshmen were starting the process of decorating their living arrangements.
Devin: Not gonna lie, didn't think you were coming here. Coach got a pretty stacked class, you sure you're not gonna regret not going staying in LA with family?
Christian puts a Boyz II Men poster as he ponders the decision.
Christian: I mean... I get they wanted me staying close to home especially with Zendaya's career taking off but when Coach offered me that scholarship, knowing my mom was an ex-Wildcat? Not much was left to the imagination. Plus it helps, knowing this programs spits out NBA-level talent like a machine gun. You and I gone take over the SEC, I know it.
He and Devin do a dap up and then snap their fingers.
Devin: For sure... we still gotta hire our agents.
Christian: HEY! One thing at a time man!
(October 17th, 2014, Memorial Coliseum)
The boys had been laughing as they watched the Women's team coach belting out a hilarious rendition of Bruno Mars songs.
Christian: HAHAHAHAHAH! Who knew Coach Mitch had the vocals like that?!
Devin: Forget that, you know you're dedicated to the act when you dress like the artist!
The freshmen roommates now sporting Kentucky jerseys with a bold #1 and #14 respectively stand in the tunnel of the Memorial Coliseum as many of their newfound classmates and fellow Wildcats of all shapes, sizes, colors and genders were screaming their heads off, ready to meet the new squad and hope in bringing another National Championship back to Lexington, Kentucky.
Karl: I know that's not Drake!
Christian: HOLY SHIT- IT IS!
Drake: LEXINGTON! NO MORE SPEAK, NO MORE WAITING! LET'S MEET THOSE KENTUCKY WILDCATS.
The process goes on rather quickly. Player introduced here, pyro and cheers erupted. Christian waited on his hands, doing some light stretching as the wildly popular rapper introduces him.
Drake: Next up, is a 6'9? Gah damn he about as tall as a redwood! Hailing from Santa Ana, California by way of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Weighing 224 LBS. MEET YOUR SMALL FORWARD, SUPERNOVA-14, CHRISTIAN TRAVISSSS!
Christian: Bout time!
He emerges through a plume of pyro and smoke as he grabs a basketball while walking up the scaffolding as he soaks in the adulation of his new home crowd. Whatever it took, before he made any moves or plans about going pro.... He was intent on bringing a national championship to Big Blue. Nothing else mattered.
END OF CHAPTER ONE. Short chapter, just wanted to give you guys something to sink ya teeth into. Yep the boy is a Kentucky Wildcat, if you're happy about this new Fab Five.... clap it up. If you not? Shit, I ran out of copium for you gang.
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Winning Time and Hearts. An NBA Romance Story
Ficción GeneralA kid with an impossibly possible dream. A third generation basketball talent with his grandfather and father have both played and have had very successful careers in the Association, this formidable and potential laden prospect looks to add on the...
