January 2020 – New York City, USAThe snow fell in sheets.
Kyle sat on the window ledge of his new dorm at Summit Ridge Prep—a top-tier private high school known for grooming NBA talent.
It'd been one year since Jamaica.
One year since Nichola's death.
One year since he walked away from vengeance.
And now?
He was 6'8".
220 pounds.
Ranked #27 in the nation.
And part of the same draft class as Zion Williamson, Ja Morant, RJ Barrett.
His highlight reels had gone viral.
Mixtapes with titles like "The Island Reaper" and "Defense Wins Dreams."
But in the silence?
Pain still whispered.
Summit Ridge Prep – Practice GymCoach Alvarez blew the whistle.
"Again!"
Kyle sprinted. Full court suicides.
The team watched in awe. He was a machine—chiseled arms, long strides, motor that never quit.
But today?
His left knee buckled slightly.
Just enough to notice.
Alvarez narrowed his eyes.
"Wilson. You good?"
Kyle nodded.
"Mi straight."
But inside?
He wasn't.
The pain had started three weeks ago.
A pinch. Then a pop.
Now a dull ache that never left.
Training Room – Secrets and TapeKyle laid on the table.
Ice packs. Compression sleeve. Anti-inflammatory pills.
Trainer Marcus frowned.
"You're compensating. You keep this up, you're risking a partial tear."
Kyle looked away.
"Mi can't sit out."
Marcus raised an eyebrow.
"Even Zion took a week off when his foot flared. Ja too. You trying to run through a wall?"
Kyle whispered:
"Mi nah got time to rest."
Instagram Clip – Viral AgainA short video posted by SLAM HS:
🎥: Kyle Wilson blocks a 6'10" center, takes it coast-to-coast, and finishes with a Eurostep lay.
Caption:
"Island Made. NBA Ready?"
Comments flooded in.
"Who is this???"
"Jamaican Kawhi?"
"Reminds me of OG Anunoby but with way more dawg."
"That defense is ELITE."
After Practice – The Call from Coach WhitmoreKyle picked up, breathing hard.
"Mi Coach."
Whitmore's voice was soft.
"Mi proud of yuh, star. But don't lose yourself in that machine."
Kyle exhaled.
"Mi trying. This place... it cold."
"Then stay warm. Remember who yuh are. And why you started."
"For her."
"Exactly."
February – Eden Hill FlashbackLangston visited Summit Ridge to watch practice.
He leaned against the bleachers next to Coach Alvarez.
"He always been like that?" Alvarez asked.
Langston laughed.
"Nah. He used to be raw. Clumsy. Didn't even know how to hold a triple-threat stance."
"So what changed?"
Langston looked at Kyle.
"He lost everything."
Scouting Report – Kyle Wilson (2021 Class)Height: 6'8"
Weight: 220 lbs
Wingspan: 7'2"
Strengths: Elite defensive instincts, positional versatility, improved midrange jumper, court awareness
Weaknesses: Offensive polish still developing, inconsistent shooting mechanics, recurring knee soreness
Comp: Early Kawhi / Ron Artest hybrid
Projected: Late 1st Round (Rising)
Locker Room – The News DropsESPN posted a top-30 ranking update:
#25 – Kyle Wilson (Summit Ridge Prep)
Players congratulated him.
Some clapped his back.
One teammate, Malik Dean, smirked.
"You top 25 now? Guess we gotta pass you the ball more, huh?"
Kyle smiled.
But then sat down, massaging his knee.
The swelling hadn't gone down.
Night Therapy – Alone AgainHe filled a tub with ice water.
Submerged both legs.
No camera.
No music.
Just silence.
He stared at the ceiling and whispered:
"Mi can't slow down."
Late February – National Invitational TournamentGame 1: Summit Ridge vs. Westlake Academy (Texas)
Westlake had a 6'9" sharpshooter getting D1 offers.
The gym was packed. NBA scouts. College coaches. Under Armour reps.
Kyle stepped onto the court with a sleeve over his left knee.
But once the ball tipped?
He snapped.
Full-court press steals
Help-side blocks
Tip dunks
Outlet passes like heat-seeking missiles
By the end of the game:
22 points
12 rebounds
5 blocks
4 assists
1 steal
Statement made.
Postgame InterviewReporter: "You're climbing draft boards fast. But scouts are whispering about your durability. Any comment?"
Kyle wiped sweat.
"Mi body not perfect. But mi heart real. And mi work louder than pain."
Final Scene – The Mirror, AgainHe stood shirtless in the dorm mirror.
Scars. Ice packs. Callouses.
But he smiled.
A little.
"Mi not done yet."
His phone buzzed.
A text from Zion Williamson:
"Next tournament, link me. Wanna run a private run in South Carolina."
Kyle texted back:
"Bet. Mi ready."