Page 9 of The Transfer
By the timewe are all back at the lake house, everyone is exhausted. Coach gives us about an hour before dinner to shower, nap, or relax. We all know the conversations after dinner are going to set the tone for the season. There is an air of anxiety, excitement, and anticipation as we eat and then settle into the giant living room.
My Uncle Jake knows how to motivate college athletes. He is approachable and relatable, and more than anything, he loves his players. Each of the assistants shares a little about their role on the staff. Then it’s time for our head coach to take over.
“Men, this season has the potential to be unlike any other. Beyond the court, you are all exceptional human beings. You have bright futures, and I’m proud to be your coach. On the court, we have enough talent to play with any team in the country. I mean that. But talent alone will not win championships. We need more. I can promise you right here, right now, that if you pledge to live the core values of our team and leave everything on the court each game, we will be cutting the nets come April.”
As he finishes that first part, everyone is locked in. Excitement floods the room, and I can see that each guy has already bought in. That’shuge. Ego can get in the way of winning, and what I can tell aboutthis teamis that no player is bigger than the team, not even Jordan, who is arguably one of the best players in the country.
“That being said, I want to talk about each of these values: communication, discipline, and toughness. They will look different for every individual, but the outcome is the same. First, we strive to excel in our communication both inside and outside the gym. Without communication, we fail every game. On the court, this starts with our seniors, Jordan and Riggs. What do y’all think this looks like off the court?”
Carter is the first to speak up. “We know what is going on with each other's lives outside of basketball. And we show up for those conversations. Expect a group chat, and y’all better answer all my texts. I’m looking at you, Williams.” Everyone laughs at that, except for Williams, who just rolls his eyes.
I can see everyone nodding, and I know tonight is the time to tell them about my dad. It’s not an easy topic to share. People often feel awkward and struggle to find the right words.
“We build each other up.” I see it’s Zee who spoke up, and Jake is smiling at him. He is going to be a leader on this team sooner than we probably expect.
Jake continues, “I want each of you to find a way to communicate with at least one teammate daily.” We all nod, and then he sits down, and Jordan stands up.
Our captain shines bright regardless of never seeking the spotlight. Jordan is a born leader, and as soon as he begins speaking, all eyes are on him.
“Discipline is a value I have strived to keep my entire life. We all know what it looks like for ball: early morning workouts, putting shots up, weight room, practice, film, and working a little bit harder than the other guy every day. Outside of basketball, discipline is just as important. If we focus on our academics, we are eligible to play. We need to manage our time effectively, particularly in terms of how much time we spend preparing for our classes. It’s an adjustment, but we haveresources available on campus. And like always, as captain, I’m here to help you with that.”
He passes around a slip of paper to each guy, and we all write down one thing we are going to work on to be more disciplined. Jordan shares the answers but keeps them anonymous. We all write our names discreetly so he knows and can reach out to help us obtain these goals.
Surprisingly, it isn’t Coach who stands up to lead the final value discussion, it’s Carter, a junior. I suppose it’s not that big of a surprise, considering he is not only an excellent player but also the most social and personable player on the team. Carter keeps it short and simple.
“Toughness is never easy. We are going to face injuries, losses, disagreements, idiot referees, and even players on opposing teams who will test you at every turn. Toughness is more mental than anything. You can hit the weight room and bench more than anyone on the team, but if your mind can’t handle a little trash talk or criticism to get better, you’re weak.” The guys all look around, and I can see that this is working. These values are speaking to each of us.
Carter concludes by going around the room and asking each player to share their best example of toughness. Starting with the freshmen, many guys talk about a sibling, teammate, coach, or even an NBA player. When Jordan shares, his answer has me listening a little closer.
“So y’all know my twin, Reagan.” I see eyes around the room light up at the mention of her name. Of course they do. You’d be stupid not to. Something weird twists in my stomach anyway.
“She is off-limits, especially to you idiots.” Everyone laughs at that. I hear a few boos scattered in there as well.
“Anyway, my twin sister is the toughest person I know. She sets her mind to something, and she fights relentlessly until she gets it. Whether it’s a high school championship in dance, straight A’s, or tutoring. Even in her relationships, she’s tough. Nothing is too much for my sister.”
With that speech, Jordan just confirmed what I already suspected. This girl is dangerous, and I have to keep my distance from her if I’m going to stay focused on my future.
A throat clears, and I realize the guys are waiting for me to share. I guess the time has come, so I lay it all on the line.
“My dad is the toughest person I know. I realize that sounds like a cliché answer, but it isn’t for the reasons you’re probably thinking. About a year ago, my dad was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. That’s the real reason I’m here. He’s not going to be alive much longer, and I need to be as close as I can. Anyway, he spends all his time fighting a disease he already knows will win in the end. I have not heard one complaint from him either. He is holding on for my mom and for me. It’s a level of toughness I aspire to, and I will work this year to be that for y’all.”
As I finish, I look around and see looks of admiration, understanding, sympathy, and then I see Jake with misty eyes. Yeah, this team has what it takes, and I love these guys already.
SEVEN
RIGGS
After a grueling week of classes, workouts, and spending time with Dad, the last place I want to be is at the Carolina Tech football game. Don’t get me wrong, I like football, but I feel like my time is better spent in the gym, the library, or with my parents. But the team is hosting a tailgate, and attendance is mandatory.
As I walk up to the giant CTU Titans tent full of my teammates and their families, I seeher.
She is truly sunshine in human form. Her hair is pulled up in a high ponytail, and she has a big smile on her face. She doesn’t wear a lot of makeup, and I like that I get to see the real her. As I take my eyes down, I see a cropped CTU T-shirt and tight jeans that fit snugly on her curves, along with a pair of Dunks.
She is so casually beautiful, it takes my breath away. If her brother knew the thoughts in my head, he would kill me. Speaking of my captain, I see him talking to Coach, so I walk over.
“Riggs, glad you could make it,” Uncle Jake says. I always struggle calling him Coach, but in public, that is what he is to me.
“Thanks, Coach,” I say and greet Jordan with a nod. He reciprocates but doesn’t finish his greeting before being cut off.
