March 2020 – Spartan Facility, South CarolinaKyle pulled up to the gated facility in a blacked-out sprinter van, his hoodie pulled low, earbuds in, but nothing playing.
He wasn't here for music.
He was here for war.
Inside the facility were five courts, three trainers, two cameras from BallIsLife, and a room full of killers.
Zion. Ja. Cole Anthony. Josh Green. Cassius Stanley. Nico Mannion.
All ranked. All elite.
This wasn't school ball. This was where you earned your name.
"He from Jamaica?"Kyle stepped into the gym. Some heads turned.
Ja Morant squinted, tapping Zion on the arm.
"That's him. The defender. The one with the mixtape—Island Reaper."
Zion nodded.
"He's big. Like... real big."
Kyle scanned the court.
The game didn't stop for him. They were already hooping.
No greetings.
No warm-ups.
You jumped in or stayed out.
Round 1: The BaptismZion tossed Kyle a jersey.
"Five on five. You guard me."
Kyle nodded, silent.
First possession:
Zion caught a lob—dunked so hard the net screamed.
Kyle didn't blink.
Next possession, he denied the entry. Picked Zion's pocket.
Drove baseline.
Boom.
Two-handed flush.
The gym paused.
"Okay... man ain't soft." – Josh Green muttered.
The First Run StatsKyle: 8 pts, 3 rebs, 2 blocks, 1 steal
Zion: 12 pts, 4 rebs
Ja: 7 assists, 0 turnovers
No refs. Just pride.
Blood on the hardwood.
After the First Run – Ice Packs & EyesZion sat beside Kyle, panting.
"You quiet, but you got fire."
Kyle half-smiled.
"Mi talk with mi game."
Ja came over too.
"You got league defense already. Who training you?"
Kyle shrugged.
"Mi life."
They laughed.
But Kyle felt the pull in his knee again.
It twinged. Then stiffened.
He stood. Walked it off.
"Nah. Mi not falling now."
Trainer Room – Pressure BuildsOne of the scouts—former college coach now turned consultant—pulled Marcus (Kyle's trainer) aside.
"Kid's raw, but if that knee holds, he's a first-rounder. Otherwise... he's a footnote."
Marcus nodded, jaw tight.
They all saw the wrap.
They all knew the risks.
Second Run: The GauntletCoach switched up teams.
Kyle now faced Cassius Stanley—bouncy, fast, and cocky.
Cassius grinned.
"Let's see if your defense works on Americans too."
First play: Kyle stripped him mid-spin.
Second: chased down block off glass.
Third: caught a pass from Ja and euro-stepped into a poster dunk.
The gym lost it.
"WHO IS THIS KID?!"
Even Zion clapped.
Reality CheckBut by the fourth game?
The pain screamed.
Kyle landed awkwardly on a layup.
Grabbed the knee. Bit his lip. Stood up anyway.
"Mi not done."
Marcus motioned from the sideline to sit.
Kyle waved him off.
"Mi come too far."
Coach's Clipboard – Evaluation NotesPros: Versatile, intelligent defender, relentless motor, no ego
Cons: Medical red flags (knee), limited jumper, unknown AAU history
Status: Potential sleeper pick → Late 1st / Early 2nd
Post-Run Interviews – Kyle's Name SpreadsOne of the reporters from a sports YouTube channel caught Kyle outside.
"You didn't grow up in AAU. You're not even American. Why are you here?"
Kyle looked into the lens.
"Because mi belong here."
That clip?
300K views in 48 hours.
Phone Call – The OfferLater that night, Kyle's phone rang.
Langston's voice was sharp.
"You impressed the right people."
"Which one?"
"Both. A D1 school and an overseas development league. And they're serious."
Kyle sat on the edge of the bed.
"What about mi health?"
Silence.
"They're asking the same question."
Mirror Talk – The BurdenHe stood again in front of the mirror.
Same scars.
Same tired eyes.
But now?
The world was watching.
And he wasn't sure if his body could hold the weight.
Final Scene – Trainer's WarningMarcus sat with Kyle.
"There's a line coming. You either rest now and protect your future—or run through it and maybe never walk the same."
Kyle looked down.
"Mi already made mi choice."
Marcus didn't smile.
"Then let's make it count."