You drafted my heart - Nika Mühl (Eng. version)

Chapter 23 - Insecurity

MIDDLE SEPTEMBER 

The UConn women's basketball team gathered early at the gym for another intense training session under the watchful eyes of Head Coach, Geno Auriemma. The five starters, Nika Mühl, Olivia Bennett, Aaliyah Edwards, Lou Lopez-Senechal, and Dorka Juhasz, took their positions on the court, ready to absorb every instruction.

Geno stood at the center, his sharp eyes scanning his players. "Alright, girls, today we're going to focus on some key plays," he began, his voice carrying authority and encouragement. "First, I want to see our pick and roll execution. Nika, you're going to handle the ball. Olivia, set the screen."

Nika nodded, dribbling the ball with precision as Olivia positioned herself near the top of the key. As Nika approached, Olivia set a solid screen, causing the practice squad player guarding her to stumble. Nika seized the opportunity to drive towards the basket, drawing the defense before passing the ball back to Olivia, who had rolled out to the three-point line.

"Perfect, Mühl! Now, Bennett, show your range..." Geno shouted. Olivia, with a swift movement, launched a three-pointer from deep. The ball arced perfectly, swishing through the net.

"Nice shot, Liv!" Geno praised, clapping his hands. The rest of the team cheered, the sound echoing through the gym.

Next, Geno guided them through the give and go drill. "Nika, I want you to pass to Lou and cut towards the basket. Lou, be ready to give the ball back. Everyone, pay attention to spacing and be ready for any rebounds."

Nika passed the ball to Lou and immediately cut towards the basket. Lou, anticipating the move, delivered a precise pass back to Nika, who finished with a smooth layup.

"Well done, girls. That's how it's done!" Geno nodded approvingly.

Afterwards, it was time to practice the pick and pop. "Olivia, you're setting the screen again, but this time, pop out for the shot. Dorka, be ready for the offensive rebound if needed."

Olivia set another screen for Nika, who drove towards the basket before passing the ball back to Olivia. With her feet set, Olivia launched another three-pointer from the media logo. The ball flew through the air and dropped cleanly into the net.

"Great work, Olivia! That's exactly what we need," Geno exclaimed, his enthusiasm evident. "Your shooting is going to be a game-changer for us this season, I can feel it."

The team moved on to an off-ball screen drill next. "Aaliyah, set a screen for Lou to get free for a mid-range shot. Nika, keep the ball moving and find the open player."

Aaliyah set a solid screen, allowing Lou to free herself from her defender and move to an open space near the free-throw line. Nika, with her court vision, found Lou with a precise pass. Lou took the shot, the ball falling smoothly through the net.

"Excellent, everyone. Keep working those screens and creating space," Geno encouraged.

Throughout the practice, the chemistry between Nika and Olivia was undeniable. Mühl's precise passes and Bennett's long-range shots complemented each other perfectly. During a fast-break drill, Nika intercepted a pass and sprinted down the court with Olivia right behind her. As defenders closed in, Nika made a behind-the-back pass to Olivia, who caught the ball in stride and nailed another deep three-pointer.

"Exceptional teamwork, that's how it's done!" Geno shouted, visibly impressed. "This is the kind of chemistry that wins championships."

As practice wound down, Geno gathered the team at center court. "You all did a great job today. Remember, it's not just about individual talent, but how you work together as a team. Keep pushing yourselves, and we'll be unstoppable."