Buzzer Beater

“Welcome to the National College Basketball League Final Four! Today’s match up features the best teams of college basketball from coast to coast of the United States. Game 1 is between the Alabama Eagles and the Illinois Falcons while the second game pits the Houston Storm and the Cincinnati Boars.”

A crowd of 30 000 attended the game of the Eagles and Falcons. Anticipating an intense series with the Falcons bannered by the sensational pro-bound basketball superstar, Jeremy Gomez, a 6 foot 3 spitfire guard whose college averages eclipsed those of the past college basketball legends.

And just like what was expected, Jeremy and the Falcons qualified for their third Finals appearance. They have been in the Championship twice already, but they only garnered first runner up in both outings.

“Good work gentleman! We have made it to the final dance once again. Perhaps this time lady luck will smile on us and hand us the Larry Boheim trophy,” Coach Chris said with a sparkle in his eyes full of hope and aspiration.

“Don’t worry coach. So long as I am around, that trophy is definitely gonna be in your cabinet after the series.” answered Jeremy with confidence.

The team celebrated their victory that night at the Grill. Drinks and food overflowed. Everybody is elated and excited about being in the Finals. Jeremy and Coach Chris feel the same way as the rest of the team.

“Coach, what do you think? Are we going to win the trophy this time?”

“Yes, I am sure of that. It’s up for us if we work as a team.”

Coach Chris and the team went their separate ways past midnight.

“Alright everyone, keep safe going home and drive carefully. See you at practice tomorrow.”

“Tomorrow coach! Are you sure?”

“Yes, practice starts tomorrow.”

Jeremy bid his coach goodbye then he sauntered towards his car, tipsy from drinking a dozen bottled beers.

On his way to his ride, two men accosted him.

“Jeremy Gomez?”

“Yes.”

“Our boss wants to talk to you?”

They accompanied him to a luxury car parked in the dark corner of the area behind the restaurant.

“Jeremy, my Jeremy, the new rising star of college basketball and soon the pro ranks, how are you?”

“What do you need from me?”

“Good question, Mr. Gomez. Actually, you can do a lot for me. I’ve heard that your team made it to the Finals.”

“Yeah, and what’s that to you?”

“I need you to drop Game 6 of the series. Then in the final game you are to loss the championship via a buzzer beater that is a missed shot. That’s what I want you to do for me.”

“That’s not gonna happen dude. I won’t do it!”

Jeremy poised himself for a fist fight. The bodyguards of the Big Boss are getting ready as well.

“Boys… boys, that’s not needed. He’s going to change his mind soon, let’s go!”

The mafia boss and his boys drove away, leaving the basketball superstar all by himself, pondering about what they said.

He drove his car not knowing what to do. His mind is in limbo as he headed home.

Screech! He slammed on the brakes and veered his car towards the side of the road. Jeremy groped for his phone and dialled a number.

“Hello, coach?”

“Yes, Mr. Gomez?”

“Coach, I need to talk to you right now. It’s urgent.”

“Where are you right now? Are you in trouble?”

“No coach. But I’ll be if I wouldn’t do what they asked me to. I’m here by the roadside near the foot of the bridge.”

“Okay, Jeremy. Just stay there and wait for me.”

Coach Chris alighted on to his car and drove hastily to where Gomez is.

“Coach… coach. I am here.”

Chris approached his ace player.

“So what kind of trouble are you gonna be in, Jeremy?”

“The mafia came up to me coach. They wanted me to drop our championship game.”

“Ha? What did you say to them?”

“I told them I’m not going to do it. That I am not that kind of player and I have a reputation to protect. What am I gonna do coach?”

Coach Chris was bothered by what Jeremy said. He is aware what the mafia can do to him or to his loved ones if he does not agree.

“Follow me. Let’s go to the police and report the incident. This way the authorities would be aware who to arrest once something happens to you.”

The two headed to the station. After filing their complaint, the coach brought Jeremy to his house for his own safety.

“Treat my home as yours. Stay here until everything is alright.”

“Thanks coach. But I need to call my parents so they won’t be worried.”

“Alright, Gomez, the phone is by the cabinet.”

That night Jeremy was restless. He kept on thinking what to do next.

“Good morning, players!”

“Good morning, coach!

“Are you boys ready for the grind?”

“Yes coach!” shouted all the players in unison.

The players opened the practice with some light warm up exercises.

During the training, it was noticeable that Jeremy is bothered by something.

“Anything wrong star player?” asked one of his team mates

“Nothing bro, I am Just tired from last night.”

His team mate gave a thumbs up sign and continued jogging.

Jeremy walked towards the basket on the west side of the gym and started to shoot some balls through the hoop. This would take his mind of the problem with the mafia and prevent his team mates from noticing his situation.

“Jeremy, can you come over here.”

“Yes coach.”

He tottered in the direction where his coach is seated.

“Don’t let the situation bother you, Gomez. Your team mates are starting to notice. And you don’t what that to happen.”

“Okay coach. I’ll try my best.”

“Good. Now grab your gear and head for the showers. I’ll just wait for you in the car.”

Moments later the two are on their way home. Silence reigned in the car. They were both thinking deeply, trying to come up with a solution to their dilemma.

Coach Chris drove the car on the driveway. Jeremy alighted from the vehicle and went straight to his room. Not even bothering to help his coach with his things.

Inside his room, various thoughts ran through his head as he lay there on his bed. What if he refused their proposal?

No… no he has to. That would put everything he loved in danger. They don’t deserve it. He loves all of them so much and because of this he has to sacrifice even if it means putting his reputation on the line.

“No, Jeremy. Don’t do it. Do not destroy the name you so painstakingly built for years just for the simple reason that you’re afraid. That’s exactly what the mafia wants you to feel. You’re slowly falling into their trap.”

Jeremy ran away into the garage and got into his car. He turned the engine on and stepped on the gas almost hitting another car passing by.

“Stop, Jeremy! Think carefully about what you’re going to do!” shouted the coach vehemently in protest.

But all of these fell on deaf ears. He still continued on what he planned to do. Revving his engine loudly, his tires screeched as he hurriedly left the walkway of the coach’s house.