(March 16th, 2015.)
BEEP BEEP BEEP!
The unmistakable beeping of a key card being slid through a hotel card reader activates and the door opens revealing-
Christian: Aw, hell yeah! It's just something about this particular hotel! Continental Breakfast, Free Wi-Fi, and a basketball court?
Christian and his teammate and roommate for the duration of Men's Basketball Tournament in fellow freshman Tyler Ulis brought all of their bags into their room and *whistle* it was immaculate. The massive building, a Hyatt Regency and in turn their hotel room was situated right in the middle of Downtown Louisville where the business district and a majority of the city's attractions were placed. It wasn't even all that long of a bus ride for the SEC Champions and prohibited favorite to win their second National Championship in four years. About an easy hour drive, the team arrived at their destination for the next week as they had their opponents set. Fresh off of winning their single elimination First Four matchup, their first opponent would be the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Champions Hampton Pirates who despite their lackluster 17-17 seasonal record, they earned their opportunity. Unlucky for them, like any other 16-seed, they drew the short end of the stick as they would potentially find themselves walking the plank against the consistent apex predator of college basketball.... Christian's Wildcats.
Tyler: Did you see the view from our patio.... get a look at this Chris!
Christian drops his practice bag, backpack and suitcase for the duration of March Madness as they in take the mild, and at times piercing cool air of Derby City..... in their immediate viewing they could see the KFC Yum! Center, several restaurants starting to hitting their apex of the lunch hour and way, way in the distance you could make out the faint image of the iconic Churchill Downs despite being only a ten minute drive from where the team was at.
Christian: One of these days, I will make the trip to Churchill Downs when I'm insanely rich. Always wanted to drip only insanely weird yet drippy duds while I mingle with the upper crust of society!
Tyler: You feelin' all right, man?
Chirstian: Of course I am, why wouldn't I be? We're three days away from hitting the ground running and winning a National Championship Tyler! I'm as juiced yet focused as a person can be. Plus a lot of us, you and I included are trying to boost our draft stocks every which way. One good game could land you in the top five yet one bad game for a top ten pick could send them tumbling out of the lottery all together. Which is why, I can't be self-
His phone begins ringing and he finds his father Prince fresh off a long nap on a flight from Orlando to Miami and on FaceTime.
Christian: Hey, Dad!
Tyler: What's good, Sir?
Prince: Hey, kiddo! And please Tyler you don't have to be so formal with me. I just wanted to check in on you, son. I never got to properly congratulate because I've been moving like a bat out of hell.
Christian: It's all good, please if anything, I haven't been in contact with what tournament prep, the upcoming games and studying for final exams, it's been just as hectic. Believe me when I say, you don't owe me any excuse, OG.
Prince: I'm glad to see you're in high spirits. Not surprising, March Madness was always one of my favorite times of the year as not just a player but a fan of the game overall. The nerves are natural too, but it all will wash over you once that first game's in the books.
Christian: No doubt, no doubt. So you think you'll be able to catch us for a game? I know you are guys are under the microscope, playing with LeBron and all that?
YOU ARE READING
Winning Time and Hearts. An NBA Romance Story
General FictionA 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...
