"A Look in My Eyes" - Journey Of 5'4" Guard Michael Kane

[LemonTea3260]

Re: "A Look in My Eyes" - Journey Of 5'4" Guard Michael Kane

Big chance for micheal

[beast10]

Re: "A Look in My Eyes" - Journey Of 5'4" Guard Michael Kane

December 24th, 2014

I got out of bed following up on my sleepless night. I had been trying to catch a little shut eye with the small amount of time I had but the flight left at six in the morning so the day had started for me at around 3:45 A.M..

With all my luggage packed, me and my dad set out to the Dayton International Airport. The skies were still gloomy considering the time but I was as energetic as I normally would be. I countlessly day-dreamed and day-dreamed about how after this camp I'd be plastered all over Youtube with videos calling me the "Most Exciting Player" and "Best of Class 2017".

• • •

"Ladies and gentlemen this is your captain speaking we like to welcome you aboard this American Airlines flight to Fort Worth in Texas the flight duration is around 2 and a half hours and we are expecting a fairly smooth flight today to start the morning. Once again we thank you for choosing to fly with us today and we hope you enjoy your flight."

I got the goosebumps as I always did every since my first airplane ride back when I was like 7. Sitting next to me was an older man who began reading his newspaper. I looked over and gazed at it as I saw him looking through the sports section the article featured "Polk @ Whitney Young - January 3rd"

The old man noticed me staring at the paper and asked, "You play any sports?"

"Yeah, I play at varsity basketball at Polk. I was just looking at that article."

"What are the odds, I used to coach basketball there. I'm coach Joe Gerth."

"I'm Michael, Michael Kane. It's nice to meet you." He nodded and I carried on the conversation. "Why did you stop coaching?"

"Well I retired about 6 years ago. I wanted to coach until the day I died but I knew it was time to step down." He said with wretched voice. "Nothing happens these days for me now.

The conversation wasn't getting interesting so I just shook my head up and down and yawned as I closed my eyes to get some rest before the arrival.

• • •
*Still sleeping*

"Folks, we have begun our descent to Fort Worth, where the current weather is about 59°, and we will be in the Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport gate in about twenty minutes, we'd like the flight attendants to prepare the cabin for arrival and we want to thank you for flying with us today."

• • •

I was awoken by Joe who continually alarmed me that the plane had landed until I'd woken up. I gathered my stuff from the bin and set out towards the airport where I saw the a man awaiting me with a sign saying "Michael Kane".

"Hello you're Michael correct?" He said as I approached.

"I am." I replied.

"Alright then. I'm just here to maneuver you through the airport and get you onto the bus. They'll be taking you to the Radisson Hotel, everything from there should be easy understood.

[beast10]

Re: "A Look in My Eyes" - Journey Of 5'4" Guard Michael Kane

On that same day...

The bus had finally made its stop at the hotel. I grabbed my bag and got off and I was legitimately solitude and on my own, that is until I walked into the doors. I was greeted by the camp personnel.

The lobby was crowded full of guys clearly here for the camp ranging from my size all the way to seven feet as it seemed, I was one of the smallest players at a quick glance around... They all were gathered around a table signifying sign ins and right besides that resided a document showed our roommate we'd been assigned to. I searched for my name as I waited for sign in and it read "Michael Kane → Eury Reyes"

"This looks to be everyone" Said the man who'd greeted me at the entrance. "I'm Dave Taylor, the director of the camp, I'd like to say that once this camp starts in the two days we are going to do more in 3 days than most of you as individuals do all year. So my message to you is to be prepared or it'll cost. But in the meantime we'll be staying in this hotel and you're free to do whatever you'd like as long as you're using your common sense."

• • •

I received the key to my hotel door and went over to carry my things in. The room was pleasant, I mean all hotel rooms looked the same pretty much if you asked me but it was always nice to be somewhere rather than home. As I walked in I quickly noticed someone already settled in sitting on the opposing bed while using his phone. He looked around 6 feet sharp and had twisties.

He placed the phone down and said, "Wassup? You my roommate?"

"Yeah I'm Michael Kane. You're Eury right?" I replied while putting my bags down.

"Yeah. You nervous as I am?"

"No no no... Bro you can't be nervous here I'm bout to go out there and kill, I swear." I barked. "By the way what grade you in?"

"9th. It just a lot of pressure man. I think I'll be fine come show time."

Man no way this guy was in 9th, I was thinking at least a junior. "You best be doing that cause you better believe that the college scouts are gonna be packed in the gym."

"Just have to treat it like another game, right" He continued.

"Yeah exactly. Hey you heard about Dontae' Brown being at this camp? I haven't seen him yet."

"Nah but he'll most likely be here. He's a pretty big prospect. Literally."

"I have to admit I'm pretty scared to go against him but like you said It'll all be different once we hit the floor. Everybody gonna know my name after I dominate this camp."

He lets out a little chuckle "Yeah I'm hoping to get some recognition as well"

"Wanna go see if anybody at the gym downstairs? I heard they work the sh*t out of you at this camp so might as well start early."

"Yeah, being on the court will help ease my mind."

"Alright I'm about to head down, I'll see you there."

"Alright, be there in a little."

I changed into some casual gym attire and headed out. I expected everybody to be at the gym trying to figure out each others game and indeed I was correct. They already had games of 21 going on. I'd never seen this much talent in a room, there were people throwing it down then you had the gunners, it was loaded and unreal.

[beast10]

Re: "A Look in My Eyes" - Journey Of 5'4" Guard Michael Kane

December 26th, 2014

On this day we'd been alerted to be awoke at 5:00 and ready to board the bus and stroll out to the gym to get this started at camp. Before hand we were told to be back in our rooms before 9:00 and be sleep to be prepared for tomorrow. I'd been in the gym all the way up until that minute.

• • •

We got to the gym and officially day 1 of the camp begun. Coach directed us to the baseline and began talking.

"So welcome to Boot Camp of 2014 everybody. Give yourself all an applause for being invited, you're all recognized as a top tier in your area therefore you should be proud. But the point of emphasis at this camp is to make you better at nearly every aspect of your game. Not only will we be in the gym working you all but we will also have classroom session which will be a preparation for testing and other things in the category.

The key is for you to come out of this camp a much better player than you already are as well as better in the classroom.

The camp will be jampacked with drills making you a basketball player but everything won't be about having the basketball in your hand, matter of fact conditioning plays an important role here at Boot Camp. So without further due let's get started. Any questions?"

The guy directly in front hand rose and he was addressed, "How often are we going to scrimmage?"

In a reply coach stated, "We're going to be working for hours and hours but the last of them will be dedicated towards scrimmaging."

Then I raised my hand, "Will any college scouts be here?"

"A few of them will be. This isn't really an exposure camp but we've had scouts come in from previously."

"That's it?" Asked coach Dave. "Ok let's get things started. We're going to start off with some stretching." He pointed towards my direction and said "Trevor come lead the way."

"Butterfly stretch, 30 seconds." I could tell Trevor had been to the camp before, coach knew him and he appeared to have no issues running the stretches. He was clearly over 6'5" and had great flexing ability.
...
"Ok, back on the baseline. 8 lines with 5 people in each. Hustle up or we run."

I rushed to a line that only had 3 people lined up at the moment. Coach began to order us to do high knees, defensive stance movements, closing outs, pivoting, and even more... It had to had lasted for almost an hour before coach blew what we thought was the final whistle of that drill. Turns up it has an another announcement, "Alright good job, 15 laps around the outer part of this fieldhouse let's go."

You've gotta be kidding me! This field house was enormous and 15 laps around it. My heart was racing, coach had been right, this was just the start and I'd never ran this much. I slowed down to a near walking pace around my 12th lap and immediately coach snapped at me telling me to pick it up now or he'd add more laps for everybody.

Yogi who was running near me continued muttering under his breath saying are we ever going to touch the f*cking basketball. I felt the same way under these conditions. Everybody started finishing and trotted back towards the center court.

"Now for the moment you guys been waiting for." Coach gathers 8 basketballs and starts launching them are direction. "Ball handling and passing drills. Gonna start it off with some right and left hand ball handling, you guys probably know the drills... First cone - crossover, second - behind back, third - between the legs. I don't want to see any mistakes on this drill or we run again."

I spectated as I waited to receive the ball in the line. An extremely stiff big man who was like 6'8" had all eyes on him once he got the ball and indeed he made the mistake and hit the ball on his knee on the last cone.

Attention flew back over to coach as we all expected him to say; Indeed it was what we thought.

"10 Laps!"

Man this was going to be a long camp... And we still had plenty of more hours to put in today, not to mention tomorrow and the next day.

• • •

We got back at the hotel after the long day 1. I was so tired that I nearly fell asleep like 5 times on the bus. We'd done so much that day it was ridiculous but I was glad because I learned and picked up on a lot of things. We eventually actually got to utilize the basketballs once everybody realized how strict coach Dave was and followed all his commands. He taught us a lot about triple threat basketball which was one of my weaknesses I knew about and we ended it off with the scrimmaging as promised. It wasn't too great considering all the work we'd just put in but I hustled all the way through it and tried my best to take advantage of those who appeared fatigued.

Everybody pretty much went back to their rooms skipping any extra practice at the gym downstairs except my roommate Eury who asked me if I wanted to come along before he departed from the room.

My response was a gauging death stare. He inferred correctly and proceeded out the door as I headed to sleep for the energy I was sure I'd needed tomorrow.

[beast10]

Re: "A Look in My Eyes" - Journey Of 5'4" Guard Michael Kane

Question To Followers: After this camp is over and we return back to Polk would you guys mind if I don't post every game, by this I mean having simulations such as going from December to January 21st in the matter of let's say two posts.

[NewscasterNews4]

Re: "A Look in My Eyes" - Journey Of 5'4" Guard Michael Kane

Question To Followers: After this camp is over and we return back to Polk would you guys mind if I don't post every game, by this I mean having simulations such as going from December to January 21st in the matter of let's say two posts.

I don't mind.

[LemonTea3260]

Re: "A Look in My Eyes" - Journey Of 5'4" Guard Michael Kane

That's cool

[beast10]

Re: "A Look in My Eyes" - Journey Of 5'4" Guard Michael Kane

I don't mind.

That's cool

Alright cool thanks.

[beast10]

Re: "A Look in My Eyes" - Journey Of 5'4" Guard Michael Kane

December 27th, 2014

I was unexpectedly awaken out of my sleep by my roommate Eury watching an edition of SportsCenter at around 4:00.
"Turn that sh*t —" I cut myself off before finishing as it caught my attention as I saw it was an upcoming high school game week.

"— lk High School will be matched up with Whitney Young. The two top 10 ranked teams will collide in the epic battle aired on ESPNU on January 7th. Top guard Kameron Levine and Jaime Hogan will lead the Dolphins while Polk's Troy Monroe will hope to continue his stellar play through the season."

I was saddened to not hear a mention on the show but that could only be towards my motivation to strive.

• • •

We all trotted over the the baseline as coach blew the whistle. I'd became a routine or we learned it was a lap around the building.

"Today is all work I want no bullsh*t" Said the assistant director, Grant. "Remember what you here for and push yourself all damn day. You understand? We're going to start this off with the stretching once again then we'll take it from there."

Trevor once again led the way once again and I glanced around the gym as coach spoke and noticed a handful of more adults observers seated in the bleachers and some had cameras. Scouts were the first and only thought flowing through my mind but I still didn't know and wasn't going to ask. All I know was that it was time to impress.

"We're going to get a lot of team defensive drills to start this and then we're going to do a lot of scrimmaging at the end. So into groups of 5 and we will start."

• • •

Help and recover, flat triangle help position, shell drill, and transition recovery were the feature drills and they were as intense as could be. Then we ended it doing some developmental drills.

Scrimmaging was up next and it was a traditional 5 on 5 for each grade level so I was matched up with all sophomores. It was a guy named Remy Martin who's jump shot was absolutely deadly and he was my match-up. He didn't really have the handles but he was so smooth that he could still get past me. I still showed up though.. Once I received a pick coming my way I exploded off the dribble and that's where I made my showing at whenever it was possible.

As I began to get more and more into the rhythm coach Dave blew the whistle and called us over the the main court. Those people who were seated in the bleachers made their way onto the court with their cameras as well.

He cleared his throat and spoke, "Before we leave back to the hotel I'd like to discuss something... About how giving up is such an unacceptable manner- You should all know that failing is ok, you learn from failure but giving up is beyond limits.

Why? Because giving up implies that you’ve stopped and let up on the thought. It implies that you’ve made the conscious decision to stand and abandon whatever you did. It means you've closed the book and left something that could've been a fulfilling success.
Once you’ve given up and effectively stopped trying though, then all hope of success gets hurled out the window. So yes, don’t give up. Fail if you must, but don’t let anything end that way."

I listened deeply, I remembered how I almost didn't try out for basketball last year at Central just because I thought I was too small. What a mistake that would've turned out to be if I didn't change my mindset. I guess whatever you want to do, if you work for it you'll get there eventually. I went from not thinking I was good enough to play to nearly being a starting guard on the #4 ranked high school basketball team.

Just before I walked out to the buses a man approached me while waiting at the exit doors.

"Hello, you're Michael Kane, correct?" He asked.

[beast10]

Re: "A Look in My Eyes" - Journey Of 5'4" Guard Michael Kane

On the same day...

I once again scanned the man. He looked casually professional, wearing a crew sweater and jeans.

"Yes I am." I said after feeling safe enough to reply.

"Great, I myself am Brent Scott an assistant coach at Texas Christian University." He extended his hand for a handshake and I did the same making a firm and confident handshake. "Now like I was saying. There's a lot of developing talent here at this camp but I noticed that special gem in you, a game beyond your years as it seems. You make a very interesting prospect that I think a lot of college will keep their eye on and that includes me accompanied by TCU as well."

I didn't know what to say. The moment was too surreal for an immediate response.

Brent continued after I failed to make a reply. "Is there any contact information I could have to stay updated with you. If that's ok with you"

"Uhm yeah... You can google my name, I'm on Maxpreps, BeRecruited, and my high school keeps up with our statistics and things. My number is 317-981-762 and I don't use my email but it's [email protected]."

"Ok sounds good, by the way what school are you attending?"

"I live all the way in Ohio." Brent showed a surprised look right after the words left my mouth. "I go to Polk High in Dayton."

"Oh wow, you're pretty far from here then haha. But Polk huh, heard you guys had a big game against Whitney Young soon." I nodded. "I'll definitely be tuned in. But I think the buses are getting ready to depart, I it was nice meeting you Michael." We shook hands once again before I left the building.

• • •

I sat on the edge of my bed watching ComedyCentral trying to force myself to become sleepier. My body was worn out begging for rest from all the work put in today. My phone started ringing in my pocket and I bashed through my pockets trying to get i out. I answered quickly when I realized it was my dad.

"Hey dad what's up?"

"Hey Mike. How's everything going down there?"

"All is well. I can really tell that I'm getting better here."

"That's good, think you're ready to take on Whitney Young?"

"I'd be ready to take them on any day of the week. I'm not worried about them, just another game on the schedule."

"Good way to think of it. Fearless, I like."

"Yeah... Oh dad guess what."

"Huh?"

"One of TCU's coaches talked to me today! Said he likes my game and he told me he'd keep in touch with me! This may finally be my big chance!"

"Wow you must be playing great Mike. Just be careful with those coaches because one little misunderstanding can jeopardize your NCAA future. But congratulations, that's what the hard work gets you. But I got to get back to work so I'll call you tomorrow."

"Alright dad see ya."

"Alright, enjoy yourself. Talk to you later"

Eury sat staring dead at me as I placed the phone down.

"You got TCU talking with you?" He said as he finally spoke.

"Yep."

"You're lucky man. You already got D-1 teams on your tail and the only people who talked to me so far is Wayne State University.. What the f*ck is Wayne State University?" He said in an angry tone.

I felt bad for Eury, in only these two days I'd learned how great of a worker he was. "Bro you'll get there. You farther than I was last year, nobody knew who I was."

Eury sighed, "I guess. I'm going to got hit the gym before I go to sleep, peace."

"Alright." I turned off the lights and television and check the Twitter.



Seeing this made me even happier than I was at the moment. Whenever I played on the court along with Troy earlier in the year in practice or games he'd never pass me the ball, and I mean never. Now it seemed like we were becoming friends and he actually trusted me with the ball in my hands.



I closed my eyes shut in preparation of tomorrow, the last day at camp.

[LemonTea3260]

Re: "A Look in My Eyes" - Journey Of 5'4" Guard Michael Kane

Here come the horned frogs

[beast10]

Re: "A Look in My Eyes" - Journey Of 5'4" Guard Michael Kane

Here come the horned frogs

And this is just the beginning

[beast10]

Re: "A Look in My Eyes" - Journey Of 5'4" Guard Michael Kane

Update may be coming today or tomorrow

[beast10]

"A Look in My Eyes" - Journey Of 5'4" Guard Michael Kane

January 7th, 2015

Today was the first day back from winter break and a big day for Polk basketball. We were traveling in our first out of state game of the season to top ranked Whitney Young and it was also the first day of our flex schedule so we'd no longer only be playing on Fridays.

Some late day school announcements sounded on signaling for the varsity basketball team's early release in order to reach Chicago in time for some pre-game prep.

• • •

I sat next to Anton on the bus as I typically always did on team road trips. I blocked off all background noise as I listened to some music to keep me calm and remain with my composure which would be key. I made all that talk about how I wasn't nervous about this game but the closer we got to the school the more nervous I had gotten.

"Michael." Anton said trying to get my attention. "You know you got Kameron Levine matching you up today right?"

"If I'm named a starter tonight. Why?" I said as I swiped my headphones off.

"You should look at some film or something to try to slow him down. It's gonna help you and the team."

Anton was really a student of the game, even though me and him were in the same grade, I considered him my guide. I couldn't wait until Doug and Augustus graduated so he'd finally be introduced as a starter.

"Yeah that's a good idea. Thanks." I looked him up on Youtube. The titles on most of his highlights/mixes being "Unstoppable", "Chicago's Finest", "UCONN Commit Dominates". He previewed as a player who could take it inside but also succeed on the perimeter. Finished even with contact at the rim more than often and looked like a natural ball hog at point guard.

Anton looked at the film from my phone as well. "It looks like all you gotta do is keep a help defender on him and he's done. He'll just chuck up shots because he has no court vision."

• • •

We found ourselves arriving at Whitney Young about an hour before tip-off. Seated in the locker room, coach Santiago talked about the plan, "We're going to change things up today in the gameplan today, mainly to adapt to the Dolphins play style. Way more intense defensive pressure than we usually bring, we're going to need to be way more aggressive on the boards as well. Slowing down Kameron Levine and Nicholas Moya are extremely crucial if we are going to get the win today. They both have the ability to score at will but Levine can make something out of anything so he'll be important to trap on defense.

Same lineups as last game now let's get out there." We scrambled to the game floor and got into are pre-game rituals. Stretching, lay up lines, jump shots, and play run samples.

• • •

I'd gotten off to a tough start in the game constantly having my open looks clank off the side of the rim while I heard the PA Announcer rant on Kameron scoring at will.
Eventually coach pulled me out of the game but it wasn't for a very long duration. "Michael you got to stay cool out there. Don't be tempted to take the shot if you're not comfortable with it. Drive and try to get the foul or dish it out." Said coach Platt who sat besides me.
I was put back in and everything flowed better. I'd taken Platt's advice and let things come to me instead of forcing it.

Troy was having an insane game. I looked at the leaderboards and realized he had yet to miss a shot going 9-9.

---

Time winded down and Whitney Young began to push the ball and up their tempo putting more points onto the board. Soon the point difference was 75-74 and we were in the bonus. I received the ball on the inbound and was immediately fouled with 21 seconds remaining on the game clock.

PA Announcer: Polk's Michael Kane goes 1 for 2 at the line.

I quickly transitioned back on defense while Kameron slowly pushed the ball up the floor. I guarded him with the tightest defense I'd played all game as he dribbled in the a pattern. With around 7 seconds remaining he made a huge speed differential and shot past me heading into the paint going up with a euro step as I attempted to keep up with with him. Luckily Doug saved the day as he stepped into the paint contesting the shot forcing him to switch up his shot in mid-air and resulting in a clank off the back part of the rim. Doug then went up for the rebound after winning possession of his defender but failed and was called for a kicked ball violation with 0.7 seconds remaining. Whitney Young lined up in a stack and ended up passing it in the Kameron almost near the half court line resulting in a heave that fell short after nearly falling in.

PA Announcer: That's the game. Whitney Young takes a their first lost of the season 74-76.

We as a team celebrated on their floor as we got the victory. We cheered "KNIGHTS" continuously as we made our way back to the visiting locker room. I looked up at the leaderboards and found "#1 - Michael Kane - 19 Points". Second behind Troy's 34. I'd believed I made a great national showing, I hope TCU and other programs thought the same.

[beast10]

"A Look in My Eyes" - Journey Of 5'4" Guard Michael Kane

On the same day

On the bus ride back to Dayton it'd been vivid the whole time as we celebrated the big victory.
This time instead of sitting with Anton I accepted the invitation from the seniors in the back.

"Instagram team video!" Called out Troy as he started a video. He waved the camera around as everybody held up the number one sign and shouted let's go. Then he shifted the camera towards me, "And here we got the new king of the court MICHAEL KANE! Well second behind me."

Man the rest of the season was going to be so fun if it all set out to be like this...

"So Troy where you going for college?" Asked Cleveland.

Troy replied, "Probably Tennessee or Ohio State. I don't even know though."

That'd reminded me about coach Brent and TCU. I constantly refreshed my email hoping to see a new message to appear.

Augustus laughed as he saw me using email, "Haha Mike you the only person who still uses email."

"Nah, this coach from TCU said he would keep in contact with me and he told me he had watched was going to watch the game. I want to see if he gonna mail me about it."

"How the f**k does a school in Texas know about you."

"They saw me at the Adidas basketball camp in Fort Worth during winter break and that's where TCU is at."

"Damn you doing it big already."

"Hell yeah, I'm bout to be on Ball is life next week." I said in a jokingly manner as I noticed a new message was being retrieved in my inbox.

From: [email protected]

To: [email protected]

Hello Michael this is once again Brent Scott, TCU assistant coach. I alerted the team staff about my interest in your game and and the majority of us watched your anticipated game against Whitney Young. We were very impressed with the confidence you displayed as well as your court vision. If this continues we'd be more than willing to send a scholarship your way in the upcoming period of time. Congratulations on a great game.


Coach Brent Scott

Honestly I had no interest in going to TCU. I looked at their program as something to get me off my feet because once a D-1 team offered a class of 2017 athlete a scholarship he was bound to get attention and I figured that'd be the way for me to get going. That didn't mean I wouldn't "act" like I wasn't interested. I had already learned from NBA 2k to say you're willing to play for any team haha.

I responded to the email immediately upon reading.

From: [email protected]

To: [email protected]

Thanks coach Scott. I appreciate the positive feedback. I will continue to work hard to impress and hopefully turn myself into a can't miss prospect for TCU. Oh and we've got all our game tape live streamed onto YouTube so you can watch me play against our conference games if you want. The username is PolkBasketballFilm.