For However Long | D. Lillard |

prologue;

Aubrey Kahlo Wright
Flashback - October 15, 2009 - Houston, Texas

"The original Seattle-native played under coach Della Dakich for the Houston Hurricanes for all four-years of her high school career. Aubrey Wright is best known for being a versatile player on the court as she can play point-guard or shooting-guard in certain situations. Now, here in Houston, four years later and approaching her signing, Aubrey Wright has a lot under her belt." The reporter smiled at the camera before bringing the microphone back to her mouth.

"In her time here at Travis High School, Wright has been named to the state All-American team, she helped raise the UIL Basketball State Championship two years in a row, was named a part of the McDonalds All-American team this season, and already a Ronald McDonald House volunteer. She is all about team work on and off the field." 

On the screen, it was cut from the reporter to photos of Aubrey Wright on the field. The first photo was from an away game vs. Prairie View, and then to the shot that scored her her 1,000th career point. It then cut to videos of her in a school news commercial and handing out canned food in a local food bank. It made Aubrey look like the kind-hearted person she truly was.

"In about ten minutes here at the Travis High basketball banquet, Aubrey will be announcing what college she will be attending next fall." The camera cut back to the reporter standing inside the gym where the banquet was being held. You could see the tables set up in the background, parents and players lingering around on the floor as they waited to take their seats on the bleachers for the announcement. 

Around ten minutes later the news station cut back to Travis High School and back into the gym. This time there was no reporter, nor wide shot of the gym. The camera cut to a shot of all the Travis high school athletes sitting on the bleachers, behind a table where Aubrey sat with her parents and younger sister, Ashton.

The news reporter back at the station smiled. Aubrey looked at the camera man as he stood firmly in front of their table, getting the perfect shot of them. 

Aubrey felt a lot of weight on her shoulders at this moment, but she knew that it would all be released soon.

"Alright Aubrey, the waiting is over." The reporter smiled. "Miss Aubrey Wright, where will you be attending college next year?"

Aubrey felt her mother's hand reach over and grab hers, and she smiled at her reassuringly before letting it go. This was it. All of the speculation from people, the late nights talking to her parents about the decision, all of it was finally over.

"For the next four years, I will be attending the University of Kentucky." 

As the eruption of cheers and whistles echoed around her, Aubrey laughed and reached down next to her seat, and pulled out a blue and white hat and placed it on her head. The UK logo printed firmly on the outside. Aubrey felt her dad's hands rub her shoulders, and she turned back to the camera as the reporter spoke again.

"So Miss Wright, why did you choose Kentucky? Why did the university appeal to you so much?" She asked. Aubrey smiled at the camera. She had no idea how many people were watching this live.

"I believe that it was everything about the school and the women's basketball program. As a junior I was invited to attend Big Blue Madness and the opening and closing games of the season. There I also got to meet the players and coaching staff. When I met them, they were very welcoming and felt like family. Coach Mitchell is a fantastic person, and the team welcomed me like I was already playing with them." 

"Mitchell has a fantastic record with recruiting fantastic players like Victoria Dunlap, Mathies, and even point-guards like Eleanor Day, so did that play a factor into your decision?"