Chapter 6 Riggs
SIX
RIGGS
Usually, I dislike team bonding activities, especially when they involve taking my phone away. With the need to always be reachable, it gives me extreme anxiety to be off the grid. Uncle Jake promised he would keep his phone with him in case I need to be contacted.
Everett Mills, Jordan and Reagan’s dad, offered to let the team use his cabin retreat at Firefly Overlook on Durham Lake. It’s a two-hour drive from campus, give or take.
We load into a couple of vans. It’s crowded and reminds me of my travel ball playing days. I laugh, thinking about how we would squeeze our team in one van and have the best weekends of basketball, food, and great memories.
The drive goes by quickly, as most of us take advantage of the free time and get some sleep.
When we pull up, I quickly realize this is no cabin.
It’s a freaking mansion. It seems the weekend is getting better and better.
As we unload, Coach tells us there are enough rooms for us to share with one teammate, and I’m paired with Jordan.
I’m relieved at that. I want to get to know him better so he will see me for who I really am—a man who wants to win basketball games.
Walking into the room, I take the twin bed on the left side.
Jordan is already lying on the other, staring at the ceiling.
I look around and see we share a bathroom with one other bedroom occupied by Carter and Theo Williams. That is an odd pairing, for sure.
Carter is loud, opinionated, and the team's funny guy.
Williams is, well, the opposite. Think Eeyore, but he can dunk.
“Hey man, you alright?” I look back at Jordan, and even though we haven’t known each other long, I can see something is weighing on him.
“I’m good, Hart. Just a lot going on, you know?
I’m feeling a lot of pressure, especially as I get closer to the NBA.
My dad brought a championship to CTU, and I haven’t yet.
This year is important to me and the team.
We all have to be locked in and on the same page.
This weekend is the start of that, you feel me?
” He looks over at me, narrowing his eyes.
Everett Mills is a giant shadow to live in. He played at CTU and is a legend. His NBA career was just as stellar. Jordan telling me this doesn’t surprise me at all. I am going to take this opportunity to show up for my captain.
“Man, I can’t even imagine that kind of pressure.
But you have to know that the people who know basketball and matter are looking at you as your own person.
Don’t get stuck in the comparison trap. As for this season, I need you to know that I am all in on this team.
I want everything this year. The conference title.
The national championship. Everything.” He nods his head like he’s picking up what I’m putting down.
Then he lifts one eyebrow and directs a suspicious look at me.
“What about life outside of ball? You got a girl? Because I see the way you eye my sister, and I don’t approve of that.”
I’m stunned silent for a moment. I know I look at Reagan, but so do a lot of other guys.
I clear my throat, trying to make sure what I say next doesn’t earn me a punch in the face.
“Nah, man, I’m not looking for anything with anyone, including your sister.
I don’t date. I only have time for basketball and school. Well, my family, too.”
I didn’t lie about Reagan. I’m not pursuing her, but she has been running through my mind more than I ever expected, and it has me confused. I’m trying to push her out of my thoughts constantly.
“I hear you, man. Just know that Reagan is not for you or any of these other guys on our team. My sister deserves someone who will put her above everything else. That isn’t a basketball player, at least not one I’ve ever met.
As for everything else, I can see how invested you are.
Adding you to our roster instantly makes us championship contenders.
I have respect for what you bring to the table. ”
Relieved that we can drop the subject of Reagan and girls in general, I let out a breath I didn’t know I was holding. Knowing I have the support of my captain gives me hope that our team will be accepting of me as well.
After dinner, I decide to go out on the back porch and chill in one of the hammocks that overlooks the lake. As I walk out the door, I see that one of my freshman teammates has the same idea, and I take the chance to get to know him.
“Hey, Zee. Looks like you found the spot.” I laugh a little as he looks at me with a genuine smile on his face.
“Yo, this place is crazy! I can’t believe we are at Everett Mills’s house. It’s surreal.” I’m nodding at that because I’m still getting used to it myself.
“Yeah, for real. I wanted to talk to you, though. I know that Coach recruited you as a point guard, and you weren’t expecting to have me on the team.”
Zee has a little bit of a shocked face, and he clears his throat before he responds.
“Yeah, I mean, at first, I ain’t gonna lie, I wasn’t thrilled.
But then I looked at your highlights on YouTube.
You are the dude who’s gonna make a huge difference this year.
I know I’ll get three years starting, and learning from you is only gonna push me harder and make me better. ”
“You’re a lot more mature than I was at your age. I would have been pissed.” We both laugh. “But truly, you’re going to be an asset this year, and I can’t wait to see you lead the team in the years after that.”
He beams at that. “Thank you, man. Means a lot that you reached out.” I nod, and we both go back to looking out at the lake.
Waking up the following morning to the sound of the CTU Titan fight song playing through the house sound system has both J and I groaning, then laughing. We stayed up late talking about our families, basketball, and what we want for the season ahead.
“Carter, turn that off before I beat you into the middle of next week,” I yell over to the room next to me.
Jordan looks over at me with a grin. “How did you know it was Carter?”
Carter walks in laughing like a crazy person. “Oh, J, my musical motivation started many years ago. Riggs was lucky to get all my high school soundtrack wake-up calls when we played travel ball.”
Nodding, I smile, remembering how much fun we had back then. “Yeah, he was always up first, so Coach had him wake the rest of us up.”
“What was the worst song he woke you up to?” Jordan asks with curious eyes.
I think for a moment before responding. “Not that I don’t love the song, but he had an Usher obsession for the longest time. If I never hear ‘You Got It Bad’ again, it won’t be soon enough.”
Carter busts into his own horrible imitation of Usher’s song, and we all start booing until the rest of the team is in the room with us, laughing and giving Carter a hard time for his awful voice.
We spend most of the day on the lake. The coaches want us to have as much downtime as possible, giving the team a chance to bond off the court. Creating friendships is imperative, and it translates onto the court. I’ve seen it time and time again.
We rent Jet Skis, a giant trampoline, kayaks, and paddleboards. Anyone who thinks paddling across the lake on one of those things is easy clearly hasn’t tried it.
The local Publix, a grocery store with the best sandwiches, caters lunch. The pub subs are a hit with everyone. In addition to that, we have fruit, veggies, chips, all sorts of drinks, and every bite is eaten by the guys.
If I’m being honest, this is the most relaxing, fun day I have had in the last year. I needed it, and I can already feel the bonds between the players growing stronger.
By the time we are all back at the lake house, everyone is exhausted.
Coach gives us about an hour before dinner to shower, nap, or relax.
We all know the conversations after dinner are going to set the tone for the season.
There is an air of anxiety, excitement, and anticipation as we eat and then settle into the giant living room.
My Uncle Jake knows how to motivate college athletes. He is approachable and relatable, and more than anything, he loves his players. Each of the assistants shares a little about their role on the staff. Then it’s time for our head coach to take over.
“Men, this season has the potential to be unlike any other. Beyond the court, you are all exceptional human beings. You have bright futures, and I’m proud to be your coach.
On the court, we have enough talent to play with any team in the country.
I mean that. But talent alone will not win championships.
We need more. I can promise you right here, right now, that if you pledge to live the core values of our team and leave everything on the court each game, we will be cutting the nets come April. ”
As he finishes that first part, everyone is locked in.
Excitement floods the room, and I can see that each guy has already bought in.
That’s huge. Ego can get in the way of winning, and what I can tell about this team is that no player is bigger than the team, not even Jordan, who is arguably one of the best players in the country.
“That being said, I want to talk about each of these values: communication, discipline, and toughness. They will look different for every individual, but the outcome is the same. First, we strive to excel in our communication both inside and outside the gym. Without communication, we fail every game. On the court, this starts with our seniors, Jordan and Riggs. What do y’all think this looks like off the court? ”
Carter is the first to speak up. “We know what is going on with each other's lives outside of basketball. And we show up for those conversations. Expect a group chat, and y’all better answer all my texts. I’m looking at you, Williams.” Everyone laughs at that, except for Williams, who just rolls his eyes.
I can see everyone nodding, and I know tonight is the time to tell them about my dad. It’s not an easy topic to share. People often feel awkward and struggle to find the right words.
“We build each other up.” I see it’s Zee who spoke up, and Jake is smiling at him. He is going to be a leader on this team sooner than we probably expect.
Jake continues, “I want each of you to find a way to communicate with at least one teammate daily.” We all nod, and then he sits down, and Jordan stands up.
Our captain shines bright regardless of never seeking the spotlight. Jordan is a born leader, and as soon as he begins speaking, all eyes are on him.
“Discipline is a value I have strived to keep my entire life. We all know what it looks like for ball: early morning workouts, putting shots up, weight room, practice, film, and working a little bit harder than the other guy every day. Outside of basketball, discipline is just as important. If we focus on our academics, we are eligible to play. We need to manage our time effectively, particularly in terms of how much time we spend preparing for our classes. It’s an adjustment, but we have resources available on campus.
And like always, as captain, I’m here to help you with that. ”
He passes around a slip of paper to each guy, and we all write down one thing we are going to work on to be more disciplined. Jordan shares the answers but keeps them anonymous. We all write our names discreetly so he knows and can reach out to help us obtain these goals.
Surprisingly, it isn’t Coach who stands up to lead the final value discussion, it’s Carter, a junior. I suppose it’s not that big of a surprise, considering he is not only an excellent player but also the most social and personable player on the team. Carter keeps it short and simple.
“Toughness is never easy. We are going to face injuries, losses, disagreements, idiot referees, and even players on opposing teams who will test you at every turn. Toughness is more mental than anything. You can hit the weight room and bench more than anyone on the team, but if your mind can’t handle a little trash talk or criticism to get better, you’re weak.
” The guys all look around, and I can see that this is working.
These values are speaking to each of us.
Carter concludes by going around the room and asking each player to share their best example of toughness. Starting with the freshmen, many guys talk about a sibling, teammate, coach, or even an NBA player. When Jordan shares, his answer has me listening a little closer.
“So y’all know my twin, Reagan.” I see eyes around the room light up at the mention of her name. Of course they do. You’d be stupid not to. Something weird twists in my stomach anyway.
“She is off-limits, especially to you idiots.” Everyone laughs at that. I hear a few boos scattered in there as well.
“Anyway, my twin sister is the toughest person I know. She sets her mind to something, and she fights relentlessly until she gets it. Whether it’s a high school championship in dance, straight A’s, or tutoring. Even in her relationships, she’s tough. Nothing is too much for my sister.”
With that speech, Jordan just confirmed what I already suspected. This girl is dangerous, and I have to keep my distance from her if I’m going to stay focused on my future.
A throat clears, and I realize the guys are waiting for me to share. I guess the time has come, so I lay it all on the line.
“My dad is the toughest person I know. I realize that sounds like a cliché answer, but it isn’t for the reasons you’re probably thinking.
About a year ago, my dad was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.
That’s the real reason I’m here. He’s not going to be alive much longer, and I need to be as close as I can.
Anyway, he spends all his time fighting a disease he already knows will win in the end.
I have not heard one complaint from him either.
He is holding on for my mom and for me. It’s a level of toughness I aspire to, and I will work this year to be that for y’all. ”
As I finish, I look around and see looks of admiration, understanding, sympathy, and then I see Jake with misty eyes. Yeah, this team has what it takes, and I love these guys already.