Chapter I: The Prelude
June 22nd, 2023 —
Tonight is the night. Everything I had done culminated to this very point that I dreamed of; making my way into the NBA... I've lost count of how many people that crossed my line of sight, Victor Wembanyama, Scoot Henderson, the Thompson twins, Anthony Black, Jett Howard, just to name a few. Everyone you can think of that had a dominant year in college was in the building. But only one place , before my eyes, would see sixty athletes stand before the arena, and the televised world; the draft stage. We was mere moments away, and I couldn't wait to hear my name be called...
"Little bro, you nervous?"
"Nervous? You bet I am. You see all the talent in this place?"
"There's definitely some future big names in the draft, especially-"
"Hold up, hold up, I wasn't talking about them, I meant me. I'm the talent in here and everyone is jealous cause you two got the hot seats next to it."
"Uno, you always have to be so cocky?" My mother questioned my grace.
"Especially with that nickname, Mom. Must you always act like this?"
"Hey, you got to invest in your brand and manifest, baby! Come on, don't act like you don't believe I'm the one, it's there in my nickname. It's been written, it's been fated. I'm destined for this."
"Don't be such an embarrassment tonight, mijo. We're here tonight for you, but not with that attitude, put it on ice."
"Okay, okay... I'm just trying to stay loose. Tonight is a pretty big deal for me, for all of us. Worrying if my name will be called first or sixtieth does nothing for me, so I don't stress."
"I know baby, I'm sorry. I just don't want people looking over here and overhearing you."
"Yeah, you know people are sensitive these days." My sister added. "One sound byte in the wrong hands of the media can lead to unnecessary bad press."
"You right, Mom. But let them haters hate, the Marion family take no prisoners. They line up for the fall every time they're against us." I uttered out pridefully.
"Sound just like your father, always bullheaded. If he could hear you now, he'd have the biggest grin across his face."
"
[Heh] I'm sure of it. But hey, sis, not for nothing, good looking out taking me on as your client. I don't think there's a better person I can trust our interest in."
"As reluctant as I was initially about it, you made some solid points in keeping it in the family. But don't think I'll be riding your coat tails, I still have my own path to walk."
"Man, I wouldn't think nothing of it. Your greatness is nobody's shadow but yours. I'm proud of who you become and what you're doing, sis."
"I'm proud of you too, Uno. You really stepped up for Mom and I when Dad passed away. I know it was a lot, but I don't think life would burden you with so much you couldn't handle. And I have to say, you handled it very well. So being your agent is the least I can do. I'd love nothing more than to make sure my baby brother is in good hands."
Just as the sentimental moment reached it's peak, NBA Commissioner took the podium as everyone's attention gravitated towards him. "With the first pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, the San Antonio Spurs selects..."
[Needle skip]
But before we get to that, how about I introduce myself. Hi, I'm Hakeem "Uno" Marion. And this is my story of, "Becoming H1M"...