Rebound: A 2nd Chance

Chapter 78 - Playing With The Big Boys

Jason walked up to Kyle and gave him a quick pat on the back "Don't mind it. That was just good offense beating good defense. You just gotta keep up the intensity."

Kyle nodded as the two of them got into position for the free-throw. 3D's shooting form only used his arms as his lower body hardly moved.

But despite how unorthodox his form was he was able to sink the free-throw cleanly.

- - -

In Jason's past life Trinity Diaz had gone to Georgetown for four years before being drafted as a late lottery pick.

He averaged 18 points and 14 rebounds a game during his tenure as a Hoya. His rookie season in college was enough to make him a lottery pick.

But because of his massive size and frame , 6'10 (2.08m) at 320 pounds (145kg), there were a lot of concerns about his health that prevented him from being drafted.

There were also concerns that his lack of lateral movement could make him a huge liability on the defensive side.

But after four years without suffering any major injuries the Sacramento Kings felt confident enough in his durability to take him with the 10th pick of the draft.

For the first half of the season Trinidad Diaz showed that he belonged in the league. His sheer size and strength made him a legitimate presence in the paint.

While his soft touch around the basket and his polished set of offensive moves in the post made him into a potential franchise caliber player.

Although his team was still out of the playoffs 3D was averaging 16 points, 12 rebounds, 4 assists, and 1 block per game.

He was also leading the Kings to an improved record compared to last season. But just as the future was looking bright for the young Center he met with misfortune.

The kings were up by one point with Just fifteen seconds left on the clock. Their home crowd was silent as tension filled the air.

The Kings played tight defense as they tried to deny the Jazz any opportunity to inbound the ball.

Just as they were running out of time, the Jazz managed to toss the ball into the hands of their own young star.

Jerome caught the ball ten feet out from the three-point line. One of his teammates tried to come over to set a screen but Jerome waved him off.

He signaled for his teammates to clear the floor as the clock slowly ticked down second by second.

With the floor cleared and only eight seconds left on the clock Jerome began his attack. He went for a hesi that transitioned into a quick crossover.

With the tiniest of openings created from his move combined with his explosive first step Jerome managed to get past his defender.

With his amazing speed Jerome was able to get into the paint before the defense could collapse and focus on him.

Jerome saw that there was only one defender that was close enough to do anything. With a clear runway he planted both his feet as he launched off the ground.

3D was the only one in the area. He stepped up and jumped with everything he had as he reached out to block the shot.

3D tried his best to reach toward the ball but Jerome's insane hang time and body control allowed him to maneuver the ball away from him.

Jerome cocked the ball back as far as his arm could stretch before slamming it violently into the rim.

While they were in the air their bodies collided. The fact that Jerome was able to knock 3D's huge body off balance was a testament to the power in his dunk.

The both of them ended up falling to the hardwood but only one of them would end up standing as the buzzer signaled the end.

The Kings lost the game and their bright future star. 3D had fractured his right foot as well as torn his ACL.

That game would be the last time that 3D would ever stand under the lights of professional basketball.

He tried his best to rehab and he tried his best to cut his weight down but he wasn't able to succeed with either one.

And before he knew it his rookie contract was done with no other team willing to take a chance with him. He was then out of the league and out of the game.

- - -

Jason brought the ball up the court. He scanned the floor and came up with the best line of attack.

"Horns! Horns!" It was a play that they had run a thousand times. Even with their minds and bodies tired they were able to execute it perfectly.

Jason ran his defender into the screen set by Kyle. Then he passed the ball to Matt who was running to him from the corner before setting a screen for him. Matt was running the route so tightly that he and Jason knocked shoulders.

Nashton academy seemed prepared as they had anticipated the screens. But even though they weren't caught completely in the screens it did work to slow them down. And that split second of daylight was enough for Matt.

If it was him at the start of the year then he would never take a shot like this where the defense was so close.

But after going through so many battles with Jason and the rest of the team Matt felt confident in his own abilities.

Just as the defender had reached him and put their hand up in his face the ball had left his hand as he held it up for the follow through.

The home crowd went wild as the ball sank through the net. Jason ran up to Matt and lightly punched him on the shoulder.

"Way to go man! That's two in a row!" Matt smiled before clenching his fist 'We can do this. We're going to win.'

The quarter continued as the two teams' strategies were becoming apparent. Nashton academy was focused on feeding 3D in the post who would then kick it out as soon as he saw signs of a double team.

While Jefferson was playing outside in. Jason was initiating the offense from the perimeter with their different plays to generate open shots from the outside.

Whenever a set of plays failed to produce any good looks then Jason would simplify things and call for a pick and roll play.

With 3D being the liability that he was out on the perimeter Nashton academy couldn't switch on the pick and rolls.

And with 3D staying down low to stick with the roller Jason had ample time to take the open mid range shot.

But as good as 3D was it wasn't as though everyone else on his team was a scrub that depended on him to do everything.

Although no one else was at the same caliber as 3D. All of his teammates were solid players with their defensive skills were around the C range while their offensive skills hovered between D-C.

After Coach Swendel subbed Jason and Kyle out for Vince and DJ Nashton academy started a bit of a comeback.

In three minutes their 14 point lead shrank down to just 8 points. Vince had a bit more strength when compared to Kyle.

But he didn't have the height, reach, or athleticism to put up a good fight against 3D. This force Udonis to come over and double team more than they were doing before.

Which in turn resulted in 3D finding his open teammates for easy shots. Luckily for them the quarter ended with them still in the lead.

The scoreboard showed 28-20. Coach Swendel let out a sigh of relief as the quarter finally came to a close.

Coach Swendel bit down on his lip as he looked across the court at 3D 'This kid's a monster! What the hell did his parents feed him? He scored 15 points and grabbed 5 rebounds all by himself this quarter.'

Jason sat down and started downing the ice cold water from his sports bottle 'Things are pretty manageable so far.

We don't have any one person that can defend 3D but if we just keep throwing bodies at him it should start to work.'

Jason then took a look to his side. Kyle, Udonis, and Vince were both breathing hard while Kyle's legs were even trembling just ever so slightly.

Jason frowned 'The only problem is if our bodies are gonna make it long enough to see that happen.'