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This is what Jason was preparing himself for his whole life. He was on a transit train to the Utah Airlines, where he would be on his way to play in the Rookie Showcase. This game could make or break his career. He could end up being picked in the late second round. He could end up as an undrafted free agent! It was time to, as Jason put it, "Fight, Fight, Fight, to win."
This journey wasn't just to peruse a lifelong dream of becoming an NBA player. This journey was about a promise he made to his mom. When Jason was only three, his mom was diagnosed with cancer. It was a long time losing battle. She lived only two more years after the diagnosis. But Jason had made a promise, just before his mother's dying words. He told her, "I'm going to make you proud." She gave him a kiss, and told the Jason and his older brother, Daniel (10), to go wait outside. An hour later, she was gone. Now Jason had to fight to win.
His journey to the Rookie Showcase was a long one, filled with blood, sweat, and tears. He was a natural outside shooter, swishing with ease over the tallest defenders. He knew that he would have to do better if he ever wanted to do better than that. He had a philosophy: Ever shot missed equals 50 half-court chest passes, 1 lap around the track, 50 push-ups. Gave him pretty good reasons not to miss.
Now Jason was on the U.R.T. (Utah Rapid Transit) with his father, Robin, a slick passing Point Guard that barely missed an opportunity to make it to the NBA and his girlfriend Jess, a sweet, attractive, and smart girl. She could also hoop it up when she wanted to.
"You ready?" said his girlfriend. She sometimes liked to talk like a smart-alec
"What do you think?" Jason answered back with confidence in his voice.
"I'm taking that as a yes."
"It's a dream of mine. I've been training for it my whole life."
"I know that. I've helped almost everyday since we started going out."
"By the way, I got a little gift for you after the Showcase."
"Secret?"
"You know it." Jason was fond of surprising people. By then, they had arrived at the Utah Airlines Airport. They got of the train and went through the usual procedure. While walking to the waiting area, he was stopped by a small kid in a Running Utes jersey.
"Hey!" shouted the little boy. "Aren't you Jason De La Cruz?"
"Yes I am," he said back, "but keep it down. Don't want everybody coming after me." He grabbed something from his backpack. "Here, take this." it was a Running Utes basketball.
"Thanks Mr. De La Cruz!"
"No problem."
"Good luck at the Showcase!" then he disappeared, running like a kid that beat a video game, eager to tell all his friends.
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"All boarding Flight 18," screeched the intercom. "Again, all passengers to Flight 18."
"Well, this is it," said Jess. "Guess it's time to fight, fight, fight to win." Jason gave a friendly punch and a smile. But she was right. It was time to fight, fight, fight to win. For his mom.
Last edited by test99 on Tue Oct 25, 2011 10:16 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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