Becoming HIM | The Hakeem Marion Story

[chosenone58]

Damn, GramFam made it competitive....

Tough game for Kohn... yikes!

The Champ again! Keem got busy, but 4 Huskies in double-figures, very nice....

Going for a third?

[The JZA]

Chapter VI: What's Next?

It's been a few hours since we've won the National title. I was feeling jubilant about winning not only my second, but winning back-to-back, making history in the college basketball world. After celebrating from the court to the locker room, we returned back to the hotel where the party continued. While the majority of the team set their sights on exploring Houston, I just wanted to chill and come back down to earth. I ended up making my way to Starbucks where I saw Coach Hopkins and Blake inside, so I figured I joined the table.

"Gentlemen!"

"Hey, there's our MVP!" Coach Hopkins said with elation. "Come, have a sit with us, we were just chatting about you."

"Oh yeah? Hopefully it's good things. Blake, how you feeling tonight, buddy?"

"Feeling like I'm on cloud 9 to be honest. Like, we freaking did it, Coach. And it's all thanks to this guy right here."

"Absolutely, you came through for us big time this year." Coach Hopkins complied.

"Hold up, hold up. As much as I love to relish in the adulation and compliments, this wasn't all me. This wasn't like my situation last year, you guys actually pulled your weight and done some big contributions. I may be "him", but this one is us.

"Here, here!" Blake agreed.

"I have to say, you two, including Christian, are some of the finest athletes I've had the pleasure coaching. When I got here back in 2017, we did some good things, but lost our way. Then Blake came along in 2019, our best recruit that year, and he's just toughed it out during his first two years. But he got better and better, year after year, arguably one of the best home grown talents this program have seen."

"Thanks, Coach, you don't have to put me on the spot like that. A simple thank you would have sufficed."

"I bet it would, but I can't help but acknowledge how far you've came, how much you've grown and how proud I am to have you a part of this journey winning our fist national title."

"Thanks, Coach."

"But I know that some journey's ending our inevitable. We run our course, albeit one year or four years. But this here, tonight, everything we've done all season long, was the culmination to that trophy, and I just want to say thank you to you guys."

"Nah, thank you, Coach", I said. "I'm only here a year, but without you believing in us, I don't think we get over those bumps in the road we had. Oregon, Cal, Kansas, especially what you did for me against Penn State. You let us flourish in the best possible way and you deserve your flowers for that. Besides, you're the main star of the show. Everyone knows the head coach is the top dog."

Coach Hopkins tries to contain his appreciation on his face with a slight smile and a nod. "You guys are something else." After taking a swig of his frappé, Coach pops the question. "So, Mr. Senior, final days are approaching, you have any plans what'll be doing?"

Blake pondered on the question momentarily, sitting back in his chair as he folds his arms. "You know, I've been thinking about entering the draft for about two years now. But I don't think it's the right time now, especially after seeing Hakeem play in the flesh. I know there's still some things I can improve on my game, so I'm really thinking about heading overseas and playing some years there."

"Have you talked to your family about this decision?" Coach asked.

"No, not yet. Think I'ma let them know next week."

"You do that. Life overseas, it's a big change in regards of being away from family that far. If that's not one of your or their, main concern, you have my full support. See the world, expand your knowledge and craft. Sounds like a good idea."

"What about you, Keem? You're primed to go. Or you're staying another year?" Blake shot at me. "I don't think you have any other reason to stay, unless you want to just stat pad and be greedy."

"The normal athlete would probably take that as an insult, but I appreciate that." I said with laughter. "But I thought about it too, and seeing all the articles, comments and debates. "Is he finally ready?" "Will he stay another year?" "Is the college three-peat possible?" I'm actually loving the publicity and the attention, it's doing wonders for my social media front", I jested. "But seriously, I'm thinking about-"

"You're thinking about what? Leaving me? Letting me take front stage and center and usher a new Washington basketball era? Breaking three-point records everywhere and the fans screaming my name?" Christian interjected as he walked into the cafe.

"Well, if it isn't Johnny Cage him-self. What's up? Bright lights in Houston too much for you?" I joked.

"I mean, come on, I'm looking and feeling like a million bucks. Got a million bucks on my arm. Got our program a trophy, I guess you can say, "I am him", Christian lets out a chuckle with one of those movie star wink and the gun. We all couldn't help to contain our laughter.

"Hey Kelly, credit where credit's due. You didn't have that big night on Friday, we wouldn't be here as champions. So much of that bravado is well deserved."

"Thank you, thank you, you all far too kind. I just did my part man, You had my back more time than I can count, so I had to lock in for y'all. We're a team."

"So, who's the cutie?" Blake asked, noticing her slightly hiding behind Christian's shoulder.

"This is Corlette, my long time girlfriend. We've been together since junior high. She was here for the weekend to see us play and win it all."

"It's nice to meet you all", Corlette spoke somewhat timidly.

As shy as she seemed, she was extremely beautiful. Well put together and light on the make-up, her beauty was natural. Big brownie points for Christian I thought to my-self.

"We just stopped by real quick after finding out you were here, Coach. Just wanted to say thank you for all the opportunities you've given me. I didn't want to wait til later to say so. Coming on the team as a walk-on, I didn't think I had a shot getting into the starting line-up, but you saw the potential in me to shine."

"You had to believe in your-self, Christian. You were the perfect asset to accommodate everyone in the line-up, so give your-self more credit than you think you deserve, you've earned it." Coach insisted.

"I appreciate that. I also wanted to say and let you know up front, that I'm going to enter the draft, Coach. I know there's still some areas to improve in my game, but I think I really have a good shot here. You've given me the confidence to come this far, and I want to see how far I can go with it."

"Wow, wasn't expecting to hear this so soon from you. I thought I'd hear it from Hakeem before anyone else, which we were actually getting to."

"Oh yeah? What do you say Keem? You're going pro?" Christian asked.

After looking at everyone, I finally came to a decision. "Yeah, I'm going to enter the draft too."

And just like that, a round of applause at the table was handed to me. I looked at Coach Hopkins and can see how his hopes of me staying another year had dropped, but he kept a smile on his face.

"Hakeem, I'm proud of you, son. Couldn't ask for a better athlete than you." Coach flattered.

"Hey, what about me? I thought I was your guy?" Blake insinuated playfully.

"You are, I have enough room for all three of you. You guys are my big three, as teammates and success stories. I'm proud of you all."

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After Returning To University
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Once the team and I got back to campus, we was award adulation from a big crowd, like big-big. All the school's athletics were out, few city suits came out, local news team, even some of the Washington alumni were there. Isaiah Thomas, Spencer Hawes, Dan Dickau, even the dunk legend him-self, Nate Robinson came to show appreciation. The turnout was loved, and while it was my second time experiencing the inaugural, I was glad to see others get to celebrate their first. Such an historic moment.

After a while and things died down, I made my way to the common house to see what was going on around the place and I bump into Elexis. Happy to see me, she wasted no time jumping in my arms.

"Hey! I'm so glad you're back! & Congratulations, so happy for you and the team."

"Thank you, thank you. I'm glad to be back too, but what's up? What's all this? I was gone a little while and you switching up on me?"

Elexis had given her-self a chop around the neck, now sporting a considerably shorter and tomboyish/rocker cut. While I got use to the long white flowing hair, I can't say this new look of hers is bad in any way. She looked a little more mature.

"I wanted something different for me, you like it?"

"Yeah, I dig it. I'm just taken aback since I wasn't expecting to see you cut your hair. But I definitely dig it though, it suits you."

Elexis smiled, pulling me close and planting a kiss on my lips. I return the reciprocation as I did miss her soft plush lips with her soft body pressed up against mine.

"I really did miss you Hakeem, I'm glad your back", she says with a more serious tone.

"Is everything okay? What's wrong?"

"... It's Bryant. He came back here."

"What? When?"

"A few days ago. He came looking for you and Rashad, but I guess he didn't get the notion that you'll be away for games."

"He didn't try no shit with you, did he?"

"No. Not this time. But he really did seem piss about what happened last time. I just... I just want all this shit to go away and be done with. I can't keep stressing myself out over this... Like, I'm really considering dropping out of school."

"What? No way, don't let some ass sucker like him force you out of school."

"What I'ma do Keem? Where I'ma go? I can't keep hiding and running, even though that's the only option I have. I'm really starting to fear for my life here, especially whenever he's around."

I looked around and saw a few eyes gazing our way. I grabbed Elexis by the hand and left with her, "come on, lets go somewhere more private."

After reaching her dorm room, whom her roommate just happened to be leaving as we walked in, she gave me a smile and a wink, telling us to "have fun". I brushed that off as that was not the case between us. Elexis and I sat and talked for nearly an hour about this Bryant guy, telling me that she knew about him and what happened between her, Bryant & Tiffany. Essentially, Bryant was just one of those lost rich kids who had access to way too much money and doing dumb shit. His father wasn't a model citizen either, a dirty politician at that. One dirty hand shaking another, and connects meeting connects. Bryant got his hands on some shady blow and brought it to a party one night. Tiffany just happened to be at that party with Rashad, whom she had a crush on. But from Bryant's perspective, he had a crush on Tiffany and Shad was in the way of that. Bryant was there as the "party enabler". After securing the transaction with the host, whom happened to be Tiffany's best friend, Tiffany took the first stroke of the drug and had a extremely bad reaction to it, nearly killing her. When Shad got name and info of Bryant, he was on a manhunt for him ever since...

"That's some heavy shit... No pun intended. I see why Shad had it out for him. But I still don't understand how you got so mixed up in it with him."

Elexis body language shut down on me, I could tell that was a dark secret she didn't want to reveal. But after a few moments, she took a deep breath. "Hakeem, promise me, there is no judgement from you if I tell you this. I do not want to jeopardize what we have. I don't think you're a person I want to lose out of my life."

"I promise you."

"... Bryant was once my supplier, I would get this best cannibus in the state from him. One night, I was short on cash, but really needed a hit. Bryant made me a deal that I come to this "party" where he's meeting some guys, and entertain them to sweeten the deal... He told me, all I had to do was dance for them, give them a light show and we were good. Well, that couldn't be any further from the truth. My drink was spiked and one thing led to another disaster..."

"Stop... Say no more. It's already hard enough, but I understand what went down."

"I'm sorry, Hakeem..."

"Got nothing to apologize for." I pull Elexis close to my side as I wrap my arm around her while she laid her head on me. "I'm sorry that happened to you."

"I just don't know what to do right now..."

"You're gonna come with me."

"With you? Go where?" Elexis asked.

"Well, I'm going to en-"

"YOOOO!! KEEM!! KEEEEEM!!" someone shouted from outside. I get up and check the window and see Carlton out front.

"I got to go, I'll be back and we'll finish talking. Stay here." I quickly made my way to Carlton as he seem really concerned calling for me. "Yo, what's up Landry? Everything okay?"

"No man, it's Rashad, he's down there beating down on somebody and he won't let up!"

"Shit!"

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Carlton and I raced over to the east wing of campus where Shad was at. I wanted to question why he ran all the way to me instead of calling, but it was whatever. Rashad was laying in to who I was expecting it to be, and sure enough, it was Bryant. I did my best to try to intervene and pull Shad off, it took me, Carlton and Blake, who was passing by, to get him off. I've never seen Shad like this before, eyes filled with blood rage. We tried to move Shad as far away from the scene, but it was too late. Someone called security as they were on us. Shad tried his best to break from us, ripping his arms from our grasp, trying to lunge at Bryant over security.

"I'M GOING TO KILL YOU!! I'M GOING TO FUCKING KILL YOU, YOU BASTARD!! GET OFF OF ME!! TIFFANY'S DEAD, YOU MOTHER FUCKER!! SHE'S DEAD BECAUSE OF YOU!!"

And that's when my heart sank. Hearing the raging blare of anger, grief and sorrow, wrapped in vengeance revealing the pivot in the plot of the dark stories around Washington. Without having meeting Tiffany, I felt a sad wash come over me. I felt grief for Tiffany, for Elexis, for Shad. I wanted to pounce on Bryant and finish the job so bad, so fucking bad... But I was so close to my reality being realized. I couldn't come this far just to throw it away all on some politician's son.

It didn't take long for the cops to arrive on the scene, and with Shad being transferred to the police's custody, I was left confused, shocked, irritated, most of all, helpless. Eventually, I took a slow walk back to Elexis' room, left with a daunting task of telling her what happened.

"Keem, is everything okay? I saw cop lights flashing from the window. What's going on?"

I took a moment, sitting down in the computer chair, not saying a word as I gather my thoughts.

"Keem?.. What happened?..."

"... Rashad said Tiffany is dead..."

[The JZA]

[The JZA]

END OF SEASON WRAP UP

NCAA Champions
Washington Huskies
REC: 36-3 CONF: 15-3

John R. Wooden Award
Washington G Hakeem Marion, Sophomore | 25.4 PPG 7.6 RPG 7.2 APG 2.7 SPG 1.5 BPG

Lou Henson Award
New Orleans G Harold Ager, Senior | 23.7 PPG 7.4 RPG 2.9 APG 2.4 SPG 0.2 BPG

Naismith College Coach of the Year Award
Washington HC Mike Hopkins | REC: 36-3 CONF: 15-3

Naismith Defensive Player of the Year Award
Washington G Hakeem Marion, Sophomore | 25.4 PPG 7.6 RPG 7.2 APG 2.7 SPG 1.5 BPG

Pete Newell Big Man Award
UNC PF Bennett Kohn, Senior | 27.7 PPG 7.7 RPG 0.2 APG 1.4 SPG 0.2 BPG

Wayman Tisdale Freshman of the Year Award
Kansas State F Scott Del Rosario, Freshman | 16.0 PPG 7.9 RPG 2.3 APG 1.5 SPG 1.0 BPG

First Team All-American
Washington G Hakeem Marion, Sophomore | 25.4 PPG 7.6 RPG 7.2 APG 2.7 SPG 1.5 BPG
Tennessee G Ray Dupre, Senior | 23.9 PPG 3.6 RPG 2.3 APG 1.6 SPG 0.3 BPG
Texas Tech F Louis Clark, Senior | 20.2 PPG 6.4 RPG 4.6 APG 1.4 SPG 0.4 BPG
North Carolina F Bennett Kohn, Senior | 27.7 PPG 7.7 RPG 0.2 APG 1.4 SPG 0.2 BPG
Nebraska C Hrvoje Garlepp, Senior | 21.6 PPG 7.9 RPG 0.4 APG 0.6 SPG 1.1 BPG

Second Team All-American
Virginia G Bud Ramsey, Senior | 19.0 PPG 4.4 RPG 6.1 APG 1.9 SPG 0.3 BPG
New Orleans G Harold Ager, Senior | 23.7 PPG 7.4 RPG 2.9 APG 2.4 SPG 0.2 BPG
High Point F Felipe Lang, Senior | 25.5 PPG 12.2 RPG 0.7 APG 1.2 SPG 0.0 BPG
Mississippi State F Ontario Evans, Senior | 18.1 PPG 5.8 RPG 0.3 APG 0.5 SPG 1.8 BPG
Utah C Tom Bathie, Senior | 20.6 PPG 9.6 RPG 0.3 APG 0.3 SPG 1.4 BPG

Freshman All-American
USC G Jimmy Fields, Freshman | 12.8 PPG 3.3 RPG 3.8 APG 1.4 SPG 0.1 BPG
Washington G Christian Kelly, Freshman | 15.6 PPG 0.7 RPG 0.7 APG 0.5 SPG 0.0 BPG
Kansas State F Jonpaul Ravello, Freshman | 14.5 PPG 4.4 RPG 0.3 APG 0.4 SPG 0.2 BPG
Kansas State F Scott Del Rosario, Freshman | 16.0 PPG 7.9 RPG 2.3 APG 1.5 SPG 1.0 BPG
UCLA C Can Blankenship, Freshman | 17.5 PPG 6.3 RPG 0.2 APG 1.1 SPG 0.2 BPG

Conference Champions
America East - Albany, 17-13 (11-5)
Atlantic Coast - North Carolina, 31-7 (14-2)
Atlantic Sun - East Tennessee St, 21-9 (15-1)
Atlantic Ten - Temple, 25-10 (11-5)
Big East - Marquette, 25-7 (15-3)
Big Sky - Weber State, 18-12 (11-5)
Big South - Coastal Carolina, 22-7 (14-0)
Big Ten - Michigan State, 32-3 (17-1)
Big XII - Kansas, 32-6 (13-3)
Big West - Cal Poly, 22-9 (12-4)
Colonial - Drexel, 23-13 (13-5)
C-USA - Alabama-Birmingham, 24-10 (12-4)
Horizon - Butler, 24-9 (14-4)
Ivy League - Columbia, 22-9 (13-1)
Metro Atlantic - Niagara, 20-11 (12-6)
Mid-American - Central Michigan, 21-9 (13-3)
Mid-Eastern - Florida A&M, 13-17 (13-5)
Missouri Valley - Southern Illinois, 24-11 (13-5)
Moutain West - Texas Christian, 20-11 (12-4)
Northeast - Wagner, 28-6 (15-3)
Ohio Valley - Southeast Missouri State, 20-11 (15-5)
Pacific-12 - Washington, 36-3 (15-3)
Patriot League - Lafayette, 22-10 (11-3)
Southeastern - LSU, 25-9 (12-4)
Southern - Davidson, 27-5 (19-1)
Southland - Sam Houston State, 17-12 (11-5)
Southwestern - Arkansas Pine Bluff, 22-9 (14-4)
Summit League - IUPUI, 21-10 (14-4)
Sun Belt - New Orleans, 18-11 (14-4)
West Coast - Saint Mary's, 19-12 (10-4)
Western Athletic - Fresno State, 24-8 (14-2)

[The JZA]

[The JZA]

What if Keem transfers to another school for a hat trick?

it'd be funny if Keem transfers to a new school and beats Kansas again to three peat

Damn, GramFam made it competitive....

Tough game for Kohn... yikes!

The Champ again! Keem got busy, but 4 Huskies in double-figures, very nice....

Going for a third?

Agent, Scars, chosenone58, Naaaah, I think that's it for him in college. Think it's time to take it to the next level

Left them boys with no room to breathe

Captain Canada,

[chosenone58]

Shad was putting them paws on ol boy!

On to the next level for Keem

[Agent]

Mans can’t even enjoy winning the trophy

[The JZA]

Shad was putting them paws on ol boy!

On to the next level for Keem

chosenone58, #OneForTiffany

Mans can’t even enjoy winning the trophy

Agent, There's still time before the draft

[The JZA]

Chapter I: All Eyes On Him

College days was officially behind me. After spending two years bi-coastal, getting a taste of life on the road, garnering more exposure, winning accolades behind accolades, there wasn't much left for me to do. My collegiate basketball career will forever stand to test time and I was leaving it at that. But my time in Washington wasn't over just yet.

After the incident that took place coming back from Houston, Rashad Cable found him-self arrested and charged with assault and battery. With his bail set to $100,000, his family could not come up with that kind of money. $100,000 wasn't nothing to sneeze at, but where I was heading, that amount was going to look like a small fish in a ocean. So without hesitation, I looked out for Rashad and his family as he made bail. And while my sister isn't the type to give freebies like I am, she did me a solid and took to aid Rashad in his case. While it wasn't a nation wide high profile case, it was big enough to catch the regions' attention since it involved politicians in the family of Bryant's, mainly his father. If it was an opportunity to gain some tract with her firm, she was about it. The gift of athleticism may have skipped Michele and fell onto me, but as you can see, my generation didn't shy away from fortune and fame. When world got around about Tiffany's death, the case was dropped immediately after.

After meeting and spending time with her aunt, Elexis made the decision to follow me back to South Carolina, where I was to set up shop and prepare for my next moves. My mom took to Elexis quickly as if she was her own niece, and that just made the transition just as smooth. Elexis even got along well with Michele, but she stayed in "big sister mode" and had no intentions of hitting the off switch anytime soon. I had no intentions of stepping into those muddy waters, this would be something Elexis would have to treadfully navigate.

After all the homecoming celebrating and a bit of downtime, I waisted no time getting after it. I declared my entry for the 2023 NBA draft on social media and the world was buzzing. ESPN, Nightcap, Jalen & Jacoby, The Athletic, Bleacher Report, Clutch Points, you name it. All medias were running those clicks up and giving their hot takes. Out of all of that, the one tweet that stood out had came from LeBron, "about damn time". It's one thing to get LeBron to acknowledge you, it's another to get him excited about you. But time was pressing and there was no time to relish. My sister, Michele, had became my agent/attorney. My closing and convincing argument was keeping the money in the family. I'm a man of the people, but this was valid and I thought it was time to give back to the inner circle. After all, I wanted to be rich enough so my family would never have to work a 9-5, for generations. The money, I wanted it all.

The draft lottery had took place and things started to shape out for the NBA summer. The Detroit Pistons was awarded the #1 selection in the upcoming draft. San Antonio and Washington, D.C. had followed suit respectively. Not the primest of choices, but any place would make for just a starting point. After privately turning down an ESPN interview with Malika Andrews, I pulled up on my cousin Michael's podcast, "A Broader View" and gave the fans a hell of a podcast interview. Nepo or not, his podcast got a big boost to the fan base, and that was just for the love of my cousin and him getting it out the mud with me in the early days.

As the summer got hotter and my 20th birthday inching closer, my schedule got busier. With the NBA combine completed, NBA teams came calling for private workouts. I flew out to Detroit, Washing, San Antonio, Portland and Utah, and put that work in. I never could imagine putting in so much work in such a small window, not even in the NBA yet and I was showing fatigue behind closed doors. But what lifted my spirits and got me invigorated was Michele hitting my line up with a Adidas contract worth $125 million over five years. While Nike, Puma & Anta reached out, Adidas was a sound deal, $25 million over a short five years, I couldn't refuse. With the shoe deal coming into effect, we reach the peak of the summer, the peak of the NBA off-season: the NBA draft.

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For any occasion, when the Marions pull up, the pull up game is strong. And we was in form, as tonight of all nights was the NBA draft. The night where potentially 60 people will have their lives changed for the foreseeable future. All the draft mocks were done with what-ifs. All the talking was done with words. All the hype about my rivalries with Elgin Jordan and Ben Kohn, hyped. All the hype between my-self and Victor Wembayama, two of the biggest names in the draft, hyped to the max. All the doubters that was doubting, all the naysayers that was naying, all the haters that was hating, it was time to shut all of that down. Because all that mattered was the names that was being called, by Adam Silver. So, this is where we come full circle. I asked you to allow me to introduce my-self, and I gave you my story. But the story doesn't end here, we're only just getting started...

"Little bro, you nervous?"

"Nervous? You bet I am. You see all the talent in this place?"

"There's definitely some future big names in the draft, especially-"

"Hold up, hold up, I wasn't talking about them, I meant me. I'm the talent in here and everyone is jealous cause you two got the hot seats next to it."

"Uno, you always have to be so cocky?" My mother questioned my grace.

"Especially with that nickname, Mom. Must you always act like this?"

"Hey, you got to invest in your brand and manifest, baby! Come on, don't act like you don't believe I'm the one, it's there in my nickname. It's been written, it's been fated. I'm destined for this."

"Don't be such an embarrassment tonight, mijo. We're here tonight for you, but not with that attitude, put it on ice."

"Okay, okay... I'm just trying to stay loose. Tonight is a pretty big deal for me, for all of us. Worrying if my name will be called first or sixtieth does nothing for me, so I don't stress."

"I know baby, I'm sorry. I just don't want people looking over here and overhearing you."

"Yeah, you know people are sensitive these days." My sister added. "One sound byte in the wrong hands of the media can lead to unnecessary bad press."

"You right. But let them haters hate, the Marion family take no prisoners. They line up for the fall every time they're against us." I uttered out pridefully.

"Sound just like your father, always bullheaded. If he could hear you now, he'd have the biggest grin across his face."

"[Heh] I'm sure of it. But hey, sis, not for nothing, good looking out taking me on as your client. I don't think there's a better person I can trust our interest in."

"As reluctant as I was initially about it, you made some solid points in keeping it in the family. But don't think I'll be riding your coat tails, I still have my own path to walk."

"Man, I wouldn't think nothing of it. Your greatness is nobody's shadow but yours. I'm proud of who you become and what you're doing, sis."

"I'm proud of you too, Uno. You really stepped up for Mom and I when Dad passed away. I know it was a lot, but I don't think life would burden you with so much you couldn't handle. And I have to say, you handled it very well. So being your agent is the least I can do. I'd love nothing more than to make sure my baby brother is in good hands."

Just as the sentimental moment reached it's peak, NBA Commissioner took the podium as everyone's attention gravitated towards him. "With the first pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, the Detroit Pistons selects..."

This was the moment I've been waiting for. The Commissioner's brief pause seemed like forever, as if time had slowed down. All the murmurs in the arena couldn't drown out my heart throbs while I sat on the edge of my seat.

"Hakeem Marion! Out of Washington..."

At that very moment, I felt like three people in one. On the outside, I was cool, calm and collected, swaggering my way up to the stage, shaking hands with the other draftees. But inside, there was that little boy, two of them. One was jumping for joy, running victory laps cause I had made it. The other, crying, because I knew my father would be so proud to see me become the superstar I'm destined to be. Now normally, these drafts be special to the attire. Being called up as the #1 draft selection, you had to make a statement. Over the years, there's been some clean and outrageous fits, and externally, I don't think I could've topped it, but I had something under my sleeves. As soon as I have received my draft cap and shaken Adam Silver's hand, I took center stage, ripping my dress shirt open, revealing a black shirt with the Larry O'Brien trophy on it. There was nothing to be said, the arrogant, yet bold statement of the shirt had spoken. And while there was a slight reaction from the audience, nothing negative about came to fruition. Just like in college, I was making a statement, and I was going to see to it that I stand on business.

Detroit just got themselves a bad boy...