Undrafted: Underrated x Underestimated

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PS5 | NBA 2K [21/22] | Dual Player Chise
Origin: http://dynastysports.net/viewtopic.php?f=14&t=1072

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Re: Undrafted: Underrated x Underestimated

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Re: Undrafted: Underrated x Underestimated

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Re: Undrafted: Underrated x Underestimated

THE PREQUEL: FOR HONOR & GLORY

Tonight was the night, the beginning of the end. After three years on campus at the University of Southern California, Recks was ready for the show after the show. The only obstacle between him and the NBA was the senior season.
"Big man! You ready for tonight?" Coach Enfield addressed to Recks. "Yes sir! Born and raised to be ready, always ready!" "That's what I like to hear. You know this is your final year, and I'm gonna hate to see you go once it's all said and done. You've been nothing but leader to this locker room and a warrior among trojans, arquably the best of the best."

Recks takes the praise in stride, "Thanks coach, means a lot, but I'm not focused on that. Right now, I'm focused on game one, then the next one. We'll get the speeches when it's time."

Recks hopped around, staying loose as game one of the season was merely moments away.
"Absolutely, you're right about that, but I want you to take it all in. Soak in all the hardwork and effort you dedicated to this team since you got here three years ago and unleash hell on whoever stands before you." "Don't I always Coach?" "Yes, you do. And some would call it arrogance about you, but you're just a kid with a lot of moxie, keep that edge about you Recks." "Always and forever Coach, it's what got me here and it's what's going to take me further."

Coach Enfield pats Recks on the back as they head for the corridor. Recks rallies the team around him for some words of encouragment.

"Aight guys! Listen up! Tonight's the night we show everyone that stands in our path what we're about! Tonight, we feast! Tonight, we dine! All for glory and honor! Trojans on three! 1! 2! 3!"

"TROJANS!!"

The USC Trojans were set to open their season to the visiting Stanford Cardinals. USC has been dominate for a stretch of seasons before recording a 16-17 (8-10 conference) season. They bounced back with a 22-9 (11-7 conference) record last season. Though still chipping away at capturing their first NCAA title, some magic was in the air for USC, as this could be their finest hour.

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Re: Undrafted: Underrated x Underestimated

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Re: Undrafted: Underrated x Underestimated

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Re: Undrafted: Underrated x Underestimated

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Re: Undrafted: Underrated x Underestimated

THE PREQUEL PT.2: TWO 2 TANGO

"Man, it's nice to back on campus" Recks drops his duffle bag onto his bed, plopping next to it. A few of the stuents passing by poked their head in to adulate Recks on his performance on the road.

"Knock, knock! You guys finally made it back."

Recks looks towards the door, seeing it was Khyri, long time friend, on and off girlfriend.

"Khyri, what's up?" Recks gets up to hug her, noticing her gym clothes drenched in sweat. "You couldn't shower first before you came over?" "Shut up, I just finished practicing", Khyri retorted. "I saw you guys return and I wanted to share the good news with you." "Which is?" Recks asked. "I won the starting job for this season!" "Word? congrats! It's about time Coach Gottlieb recognized your talent. I was starting to think I was your only fan." Khyri punches Recks in the arm, "Ha, ha, very funny. Suit up, lets hit the court for a set. I'm not even close to being maxed out and I'm too jittery to relax." "Nah, nah, it wouldn't be fair. I just got back, you just had practice,-" "And we're not at 100%" Khyri mocking Recks. "Really? That's what we're doing?" "I don't know, you running from a challenge from a girl that can beat you one-on-one?" "Here you go, you still holding onto that? I wasn't at my best that day. But since you want to be so snooty about it, I'll see you on the court." "Great, see you in half hour. Show up or I'm telling everyone you're scared to play a girl." "Pssh! Try me and get dunked on!" Recks shouted as Khyri left the room.

Some time gone by just before Recks was to meet Khyri. As he collected his phone and water bottle, Recks bumps into his other long time friend, Clinton Brown.

"My duuuude! Recks, what's shaking baby boy!" "Yo CB, what's good brodie? I didn't think you was coming back to school." Recks giving a dap and a bro hug.

"Nah man, I just had some family issues I had to deal with, grant it was over-extended. But I'm back, in the flesh, ready to get this degree and be outta here, you already know, riding that senior wave!" "I hear that, good to see you dude" "Likewise bro. I caught that game last night, you and that JP kid was serving it up." "Yeah, it would've been close if we didn't put clamps on one of his teammates. But you know, I wasn't taking no L." "Right, right, ain't none of these cats out here ready for you bro." "Yo, so what's up? What you getting into?" "Ain't nothing, I was just passing through and wanted to see my boy. On my way over, I was checking out your scouting reports, everybody is still high on you. Dig this one."

Clinton hands over his tablet showing Recks one of the scouting feedback.

[*Overall is for story line purpose]

"High praises... Mike and The Glove? I can appreciate that" Recks said grinning. "But I don't appreciate their criticism on my good eating. I'm still a growing boy." "Yeah, you grow any more, you gonna have to change career and put you on the grid iron." "Man, don't give me that. There's baseball players today out doing the thing." "True, but they're not as athletic as you. They not out there running at mach speed and jumping over stars." "See, now you just gassing." "Nah, I'm promoting." "What? You my agent now?" "Bitch, I might be, if we keeping it Gucci" Clinton laughs off.

"What you about to do Recks, I know you just got back, you trying to chill later?" Recks looked his clock on his phone, remembering that he has to an appointment with Khyri. "Actually, I'm about to run a set with Khyri. She made starter for the team today." "Congrats to her, she bust her *** to be as good as she is, glad it's finally paying off." "Yeah, now she wants to challenge me one-on-one." "So what you need, a ref?" "Just a witness. She got stakes on claim." "Oh, that one time she beat you in a game?" "How the hell you know about that??" Recks asked quisitively. "News get around buddy" Clinton shrugs.

"I'm surprised y'all still talk. As much as you two bump heads, I figured you'd end up on the news missing, girl is hella fiesty." "Yeah, who would've thought we survive a whole 4-years together in college with all the stress and craziness around." "Y'all been at it since junior year in high school, and you let this girl chump you in basketball." Clinton noted jokingly. "I'ma dunk on both of y'all when it's over, come on..."

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Re: Undrafted: Underrated x Underestimated

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Re: Undrafted: Underrated x Underestimated

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Re: Undrafted: Underrated x Underestimated

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Re: Undrafted: Underrated x Underestimated

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Re: Undrafted: Underrated x Underestimated

THE PREQUEL PT.3: PIPE DREAM

After defeating the Rutgers Scarlet Knights, USC would taste first defeat at the hands of the Texas Longhorns. Through the next five games, they would end up with a 10-3 record, losing to Baylor and Virginia as well. Nevertheless, they remained on top, still ranked #1 around the nation.

Next upcoming game was a national game, heading out to play OSU Cowboys to close out the year. That game is tomorrow, well, at least for most of the roster in attendance...
Over at Keck Hospital of USC, Clinton and Khyri rushed over to meet Coach Enfield along with Recks' parents and a little boy. Giving the circumstances of the pandemic, Coach Enfield and Recks' crew were given limited visitation time, allowing the parents to stay longer.

After some time, the little boy rushed to Recks' bedside with the parents pursuing, "Daddy! Daddy!" The boy was elated to see his father, but quickly sadden by the state his father was currently in. "Heeeey, what's up baby boy!" The boy climbed up bedside with the help of Recks, nestling next to him. Kairos was his name. Six years old to be exact, and from a relationship prior to meeting Khyri.

"Be careful now, don't move to much son", Recks' father spoke gingerly. Recks' mother was lost for words, seeing her son laying in a hospital bed, almost being over dramatic about it. "Hey Mom, hey Dad." "How are you baby? What happened?" His mother asked worriedly as she looked over his body.

Recks went on to explain how he blew his knee out during practice. Dislocating his left patella and tearing his left ACL. One twist of the knee during a suicide exercise and it was all she wrote.

"Daddy, are you going to be okay? You going to get better?" "Yeah, baby boy, Daddy is going to be just fine in no time." "How long did the doctors say it'll take for you to get better?" Recks' father asked. "Well, they were looking at 6-8 months, but being so severe, they're thinking a year, year and a half maybe." "Damn, it's that bad?" "Yeah..."

A silence dropped on the room for a moment or two. "Don't worry son, as bad as it looks, we know you'll find a way to bounce back, you always do." "Yeah, I know." "I remember in little league, you caught a pitch to the arm. Doctor said it was broken in three different places. After you healed up, you signed up for next year and came back stronger than before. Stronger, faster, more determined." "I remember Mom. I know it'll be alright, but it's not that." "What do you mean? His mother asked with a slight confused facial expression." "... Doctor said I might not be able to play basketball again." "What?!" What do you mean? Son, today's medicine is so advance than before, lots of players get hurt and comeback" his father retorted. "Yeah, I know, but, it's bad." "So what now?" "I don't know... Think this is it for me. Career's over before it even started."

Recks hugged his son closer, sulking inside as he tried to hold back the tears. His dream was taken from him and it was nobody's fault. Things just happened and played out this way. Recks wasn't happy about it, but it was something he'd have to accept, move on, get better, and focus on being a father to Kairos...

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Re: Undrafted: Underrated x Underestimated

THE PREQUEL PT.4: MORAL SUPPORT

It's been three months and the USC Trojans carried on the will and fire of Recks Black through the season, through March Madness. They ended up 25-8 for the year, and making it to the Elite Eight, only to lose to Gonzaga. This year would mark the Trojans' second-most wins in a season in the school's history.

After it was all said and done, Recks headed back home to Fresno, where his parents and his son resided. All that was left to do was repair his knee, rebuild him-self for a normal life. Recks was never fond of living the 9-5 life. Recks' father ran a now downsized IT company while his mom worked at a bank. She needed not to work, but her parents' instilled the value of hard work and she was proud of it. It was the backbone of their household; everyone earns their plate at the table.

With a knock at the door, Recks hobbled to answered. "Hey Khyri, what you doing here?" "You surprised to see me?" "Well, yeah, kinda." Recks gave leeway, allowing Khyri to step in. "How you doing Recks? How's your recovery?" Khyri checked out Recks' leg as he supported himself on crutches. "I still can hardly walk, but progress is progress, even if it's slow progress." "I can imagine it being tough, just stay strong though." Khyri leans in, kissing him on the cheek and gingerly hugging him. "Thanks Ky. Alright, back up, six feet, you don't got no mask on" Recks jester. "You know what, you're something else" Khyri shot back with a look. "I should take your crutches from you and let you hop on" "You gonna violate a cripple man like that?" "Yup!" "Still evil as ever."

Recks starts to make his way to the kitchen, offering beverage. "How's Mr. and Mrs. Black doing? And that cute little boy of yours?" "They aight. Dad's at work, Mom and Kai doing some grocery shopping." "And you're good home alone?" "I mean, I'm not completely hopeless-" "Boy, you been hopeless!" Khyri cuts off Recks with a jab. "Says the woman who still holding onto old glory of one victory." "Well, since you're out here bummy on these streets of Fresno, that glory don't hold too much weight now" Khyri shrugs with a laugh. "Oh, you really just trying to destroy me aren't you?" "Done it before" Khyri shot back with a smirk. Recks rolls his eyes with no response.

"So, what's up? What you got for me today?" "Well, I got some good news." "Okay, let's hear it. Which unlucky man crossed your path into oblivion?" "Boy, shut up. I came by to tell you that I'm declaring for the WNBA." "Word? Seriously?" "Yeah." "Wow, that's a waste." Khyri curiously asked, "What? You don't think I can do it, I can't make the team?" "No, that's not what I'm saying." "So, what are you saying?" "I'm saying that you're a second round pick with third round skills!" Recks let out a big laugh mocking Khyri. Khyri stood there stone face. "What? You don't get it? "Yu-gi-Oh"? Kaiba?" Tough crowd."

"Anywaaaay! That's the big news. But apparently you got jokes all of a sudden." "Aight, aight, my bad. I'm happy for you, honestly. You going pro is the best thing and whoever take you got a real gem on their hands." "Thanks Recks, see, I knew you could be nice." "Don't push it. But seriously though, I'm happy for you. Live your dream, and wherever it takes you, you know you got my support." "Even if it takes me to the other side of the country?" "Definitely. no limit to my support. We out here since day one, you had my back when I was done and out plenty times. It's my turn to repay." "Thanks Recks. I know you wish it was you going pro, I do too. I'm really sorry about how things turned out for you." Recks took a moment to gather his words as he still sore from losing everything. "Yeah, I know. But, it's your turn. You gotta go out there and do your thing. You the only woman who can say they beat the #1 in the nation, 2x All-American. Show them what you got to make it big and make a difference."

Khyri let out a big smile, latching onto Recks, hugging him tightly. "You may be a pain in my ***, but you know I'll always love you, despite all we been through. I know I can always count on you." The two have a moment, gazing into each other's eyes. Khyri reaches out for a kiss and Recks complies just to pull back at the last second. "Six feet. No mask on." Recks reiterated. "You know what? I'm so done with you." Khyri mushes Recks' face jokingly...

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Re: Undrafted: Underrated x Underestimated

THE PREQUEL PT.5: THE BALLAD OF KHYRI

The 2021 WNBA Draft night had came and Khyri and her family, along with Recks and Clinton via zoom have endured the moments of anticipation, hoping to hear her name be called. As Khyri had dreamed big to making it in the professional league, the picks and names announced grew weary by the selection. 35 names were called, one spot left on the board and the house grew silent. Khyri anxious to hear the announcement, she takes her family in hand and prayed.

"And with the final selection of the 2021 WNBA draft, the Las Vegas Aces have selected... Kionna Jeter, out of Towson" the Commissioner of the WNBA announced just before congratulating the selected draftees and exiting the podium.

"Aw! Come on! This is that bull****!" Clinton shouted out loud. The atmosphere around Khyri fell into disappointment as her family hugged her, trying to cheer her. "Hey, I'm sorry you didn't get your name called, but it's okay. We all, your familia and friends, know how good you are, how hard you worked at basketball. Don't look at this as the end of the world. You just keep at it and you will find your way in there." Khyri's mother soothes her. "Yeah, your mom is right Ky" Recks co-signed. "You keep putting in work and stay ready. Play overseas, get your name up and they'll come to you." "Exactly. You go overseas, ball out, take them fools for every nickel and dime and the WNBA will be begging to sign you, Khyri Blu, International Superstar." Clinton followed up with support. "Thank you guys. I know you mean well." Just as Khyri drops her head, releasing a deep sulking sigh, her father's finger gently rises her head back up. "Niña, escúchame. Eres un guerrero. Te caes, te levantas y sigues luchando. Saldrás victorioso mi ángel. (Baby girl, listen to me. You are a warrior. You fall down, you get back up, and keep fighting. You will be victorious my angel)" "Gracias Papi (Thank you, Papi)." "Si quieres jugar al baloncesto, coges la pelota y disparas. Solo pierdes las tomas que no haces, especialmente en la vida. (If you want to play basketball, you pick up the ball and shoot your shot. You only miss the shots you don't take, especially in life)" Khyri hugs her father tight as he kisses her forehead. "I don't know of that what was said, but I totally agree with him 100%" "Yup, yup!" Both Clinton and Recks input.

At this point, Khyri was a free agent. She was free to go wherever she wanted. Women's basketball has picked up over the time and flourished in some countries overseas. For Khyri, it wouldn't be a bad idea to take a gander what the world had to offer, but she was determined the WNBA is where she belong.

It's been two weeks since the draft and Khyri has been putting her agent to work, getting whoever in the league who'll answer there phone to listen. The first to respond was the Phoenix Mercury. Clinton tagged along with Khyri, courtesy of Recks for the trip to Phoenix, Arizona. Unfortunately, the try-out was not a success as Khyri learned the pressure wrecking the nerves, along with the competition. This would only serve as a notion of what to expect. The next to answer were the New York Liberty, but their roster were overextended. Los Angeles Sparks didn't have the fund to give way to any interest. Indiana offered a try-out, but went to another with their contract. After that, no other teams had taken an interest for her. With each bail out, Khyri grew more and more uncertain. Fortunately Clinton was there to have her back and keep her focus. Clinton wasn't no big time athlete as Recks was, but his days of play in high school never left his bones. With each passing day, Clinton would be helping Khyri train and run sets with the locals between trips.

Two weeks later, Khyri's manager urgently gets in touch, informing her about the Seattle Storm's situation. There being a fall out with one of their players, it left an open spot and they offered a private try-out. Hours later, Khyri and Clinton were on the next flight out to Seattle. Try-outs came, with Clinton hanging back outside the premises, anticipating the outcome, Khyri finals makes her exit from the facility.

"So? How'd it go K?" Khyri took a moment to gather her-self, rousing the cliff hanger. "I made the cut! I made the team!" Khyri jumps for joy and excitement. "Yoooo! You did it girl! Congrats! Aw man, this is big! Wait til Recks and the fam hear about this, gonna blow their heads off!" Clinton couldn't contain him-self, overjoyed to see a good friend achieve their dream. "It's been a hell of a ride these past few weeks, ain't it?" "Absolutely. I haven't even taken all this in yet, I just wana scream!" "Let it out then!" Khyri complied and let off her loudest shout, loud enough for one of the staffs to poke his head out the main door to see what was going on. They both laughed. "Hey, lets get back on the road home and tell the big news" "I can't wait!"

It wasn't long after the private try-out that Khyri had signed off on her newest professional career in the making. Khyri is now a official employee of the WNBA, affiliated with the Seattle Storm ball club. With the league's season opener literally just a couple weeks around the corner, there was little time for Khyri to transition her-self properly. Everything was up-and-go fast pace, learning new things, trying to integrate with the team as smoothly as possible. Majority of the team welcomed Khyri with opened arms. One of the WNBA's active legends, Sue Bird, was high on Khyri. After watching her tapes in USC as well as her try-out, Sue immediately took Khyri under her wing. Not everyone was happy with Sue's gesture, particularly Jordin Canada. Khyri would soon learn that you can't make friends without enemies. In this line of work, life is competition...