Rebound: A 2nd Chance

Chapter 79 - Playing With The Big Boys: Part-2

Jason looked across the court to Nashton academy's bench. He saw 3D breathing pretty hard as he dumped all the ice cold water from his bottle on to his head.

'Hehe still the same as ever. I wonder if 3D ever knew about how much info he gave with just his body language.'

Jason and 3D had clashed numerous times before in his past life. The both of them played all four years at college which resulted in many encounters.

Through all of their times competing against one another Jason had learned some of 3D's telltale signs.

Such as right now. Whenever 3D dumps water on his head it means that he's tired and that his body needs to cool down.

'Normally whenever he does this it means that he won't play the first half of the next quarter.'

Coach Swendel gave the team a quick pep talk "You guys are doing great. I know that our front court is still getting a feel for the other team's Center but I'm sure you guys will get it soon.

Let's keep up this level of energy alright guys? I want to see you guys hustling on offense and defense."

Jason spoke up "Coach, I know that we would normally start the next quarter with me, Nick, Trell, Udonis, and Kyle.

But I've been watching Nashton academy's bench and it looks like their Center is gassed. He probably won't play for the first few minutes of the quarter.

I think we should play DJ at Point Guard, Matt at Shooting Guard, Nick at Small Forward, Trell at Power Forward, and Udonis at Center.

This way me and Kyle can get some rest and have more energy for when their Center gets back into the game."

Coach Swendel thought about it for a second 'The kid's instincts have never failed us yet.' Finally he nodded his head "All right. We'll go with Jason's suggestion."

Jason just barely managed to finish telling the team the new game plan for this specific roster rotation when the clock buzzed signaling the start of the second quarter.

There was a bit of awkwardness in their movement as this was their first time playing with this lineup but most of it was on the defensive end.

Nick and Matt weren't in sync as they defended the pick and rolls. Sometimes they hesitated to fight through the screens sometimes they switched without communicating.

But after a few possessions they were getting into rhythm with one another as their on court play became smoother.

Trell also had trouble in the beginning as he had to box out and fight for rebounds more than what he was used to.

But with his muscular frame and amazing athleticism Trell was able to assert himself as a presence in the paint.

Trell didn't have the reach that Kyle did. Nor did he have the polished offensive move set if Udonis.

But he became a lethal part of the offense with his ability to rim run on the pick and roll. His ability to beat even the perimeter players with his speed made it so that Nashton academy had to sag off of someone in order to ensure that they would have a body to protect the paint.

But even with them sagging off of someone it didn't prove to be effective. They couldn't sag off of Nick or Matt because of their threat as perimeter shooters.

And so they tried to sag off of Udonis but with his improved mid-range although he wasn't automatic from there, it was enough to keep them honest.

The quarter passed as the new lineup did a good job of building upon the lead that they already had.

By the time the quarter reached its halfway point and Nashton academy called for a timeout Jefferson was up 40-28.

Jason saw 3D getting ready to hop back in and was happy to see that the information that he had from his past life proved to still be right.

Coach Swendel put Jason, Kyle, and Vince in while Nick, DJ, and Udonis went to go rest up on the bench.

The clock buzzed indicating that it was time for the game to resume. Before they made their way back to the court Jason had the guys huddle up really quick as he discussed something with them.

As Jason watched the opposing team's Point Guard bring the ball up court he couldn't help but feel irritated.

'All he does is bring the ball across half court before tossing it to the wing so that they can feed 3D in the post.'

It had only been a little more than two months since Jason had traveled back in time to his twelve year old body but he had already grown used to playing a major role on both offense and defense.

The fact that he couldn't help his team by guarding 3D got on his nerves a little. But just because he couldn't guard 3D himself didn't mean that he had to just stand around and watch.

Jason locked on to his defensive assignment. He was watching every little detail from the way he distributed his weight to his feet to how he held the ball.

'Now!' Jason noticed that the Point Guard was getting ready to pass the ball to the wing so he preemptively jumped into the passing lane.

Before the other player was aware of what was happening Jason already had the ball and was making his way to the basket.

With the huge head start that Jason had there wasn't anyone close by him as he made the easy fast break layup.

Ever since that possession Jason started doing something that would drive Nashton academy's coach crazy. He was guarding the ball handler full court.

Jason was all up in their faces and their jerseys as he suffocated them with his intense defense.

He knew that he couldn't help his teammates much with guarding 3D but the least he could do was make it hard for the opposing team to get the ball to him.

Even though Jason couldn't completely stop them from bringing the ball up court. The fact that he was slowing them down lessened the amount of post ups that 3D could do.

But Jason wasn't done with just that. Whenever a shot went up they left the rebounding up to Kyle as they started going all in on the fast breaks.

Even though he had a hard time competing against 3D's strength and bulk Kyle was still able to put up a fight on the glass with his amazing leaping ability.

With how fast Jason was pushing the tempo everyone was getting tired more quickly. But this was exactly what Jason wanted.

Jason saw that 3D was breathing even harder as sweat was pouring down his face 'Looks like you've been skipping out on cardio 3D. I'm feeling generous today so I'll help you out with that.'

Jason made it a point to try and tire out 3D by pushing the tempo of the game. For the remainder of the quarter Jefferson was playing a run and gun style of offense while playing a physical grind it out style of defense.

The physical and gritty defensive possessions often times translated into high pace offense as Jefferson put the fast in fast break.

There were only thirteen seconds left on the clock. It was Nashton academy's ball. They inbounded the ball to the opposite wing.

Their perimeter player gave 3D a few seconds to establish post position before feeding him the ball down low.

Kyle's breathing was labored as his sweat dripped down his nose. But inside his eyes there was no fear or hesitation to be seen.

Instead it seemed as though he burned with the excitement for battle. Like a gladiator awaiting for the cage of the beast to be opened.

Jason saw the ball getting tossed to 3D in the post and he immediately activated his Defensive Anchor skill badge.

Kyle felt a surge of energy flow into his body. The once immovable force in front of him now seemed more manageable.

3D also noticed the change as it became harder to back down his opponent 'What the hell is going on? Was he holding back this whole time?'

Finally after a few bumps that didn't get him much closer to the basket 3D planted his foot as he hit Kyle with the drop step.

Kyle was pushed back from the initial force but he quickly recovered as he tried to press against 3D with his hands all the way up.

3D went up with the ball in his hands and Kyle exploded off the ground following him. Kyle went straight up.

3D tried to readjust his shot in the air to avoid Kyle's long arms but it proved to be useless as Kyle spiked down his shot.

Jason ran up to Kyle as he smacked him on the chest before pulling him up from the floor "Nice shit bro! That's what I'm talking about man!"

Everyone from Jefferson walked off the court with a smile on their tired faces as the quarter came to an end. Jefferson was now up 54-40. This was proving to be a high scoring game.