The storm of cheers from the arena echoed like thunder, but on the Chicago Raptors' bench, a different storm brewed silent, heavy, pressing.
Coach Jenkins stood with his clipboard pressed to his chest. Under the arena lights, the sweat on his forehead glistened like cold dew. His breathing wasn't steady. His eyes weren't on the court… they were on the Gods.
His fingers twitched.
Crack.
The plastic edge of the clipboard split slightly under his grip.
He hadn't even noticed.
Around him, the young Raptors were stretching, tightening their shoelaces, breathing slowly to control their excitement. But Jenkins… Jenkins' hands were shaking.
He had seen many prodigies.
Many monsters in youth basketball.
But this… this was something else.
He called out, voice barely more than a whisper coarse, as if it had scraped against fear on the way out.
"...Jalen."
The name cut through the noise.
Jalen Carter turned.