The Mis-Education of Noah Baldwin (2027 - ???)

[The JZA]

Tough losing in the tourney, but it's time to cash in on that stock.

[chosenone58]

Tough losing in the tourney, but it's time to cash in on that stock.

Is that not why you are here?

[chosenone58]

[The JZA]

Felt like a retirement speech.......

[chosenone58]

Felt like a retirement speech.......

Can't just leave the school without showing some gratitude, fam.

[Agent]

Looking forward to what’s next

[chosenone58]

Looking forward to what’s next

Appreciate it. Hope I do you guys proud.

[chosenone58]

[chosenone58]

Getting Out Our Dreams

I pulled into short term parking at JFK and drummed my fingers on the steering wheel. I let my mind wonder back to the conversation that Sydni and I had two weeks ago.

“What’s up, big head?”

“Guess who I just got a call from?”

“Who?”

“Sugar Rogers.”

“Like Las Vegas Aces head coach Sugar Rogers?”

“The very same.”

I muted the television so I could pay close attention.

“I was offered a contract with the Aces! I made it!” She all but yelled into the phone.

I was grinning ear to ear. I couldn’t help myself. Her WNBA dreams had come true. That’s all she’s ever really wanted. I was happy for her.

“Well, things are looking up for us, huh?”

“Yeah. Look at us. I know it’s late, but I wanted to ask you to pick me up from the airport. I’ll be home in like two weeks. I would ask Q, but he’s going to be training for the Draft”

“And I’m not?” I joke.

“Come on. You know it’s different. He’s going to meet with some guy in Chicago, so he’s not even going to be in town. I’m sure your situation is much different. You’ll probably be working out in the Nets’ facility.”

“Sound like a hater to me. You must be okay with taking an Uber from the airport.”

“Come on. You know I’m kidding. But tell me you don’t have the hook up as far as training goes.”

“I might, but that’s beside the point.”

“You picking me up or not, big head?”

“Yeah, yeah. I can use some community service this week.”

“Maybe we can grab something to eat and catch up?”

“You must be treating me.”

“Have you seen WNBA contracts?”

“I don’t even have a contract yet. Broke college student, remember? And I know you secured the bag in Spain”

She laughed.

“How you feeling about jerk chicken?” I asked.

“Throw in some coco bread and it’s a date.”

So, this is how I find myself at JFK. After sitting for about 30 minutes, my phone rings.

“Where are you, Noah?”

“Short term lot. You got your bags?”

“Yeah. I’m headed that way.”

“Nah. Sit tight. I’ll circle around.”

About 20 minutes later we are seated in a Caribbean spot near Prospect Park.

“So, WNBA, huh?”

“So, NBA, huh?”

“Yeah, it’s time.”

“Where do you want to go?”

“I don’t really have a choice at this point. My cousin says I’m looking at middle of the first round. So, I may go to a lower seeded playoff team, which would be great. I could possibly make the playoffs my rookie season.”

“That’d be pretty dope.”

“Definitely. Quincy sign with an agent yet?”

“Not yet, but from what we’ve been seeing on the internet. he’s looking like a late second round pick.”

“Dude beasted this season. For real. He should give my cousin a call if he’s still looking for representation. He’s not on some money hungry stuff. He’ll handle things the right way for Q. He’s handling things for me and my boy Remy. And if the draft is a bust, my uncle’s agent Oliver Tate can definitely find some work for him overseas.”

She sat back in her chair and regarded me for a second. “I’ll do that. I’m sure he’ll appreciate it.”

“So, what’s next for you, Syd?”

“Headed to Vegas to do my thing.”

“Dope. I’ll be around. Training in the city. Uncle D is gonna set me up with some folks. The real work starts now. Combine is coming up. Private workouts with teams. Gotta get ready.”

“Sounds like you’ll be busy too.”

We talked about our professional futures a little more as we enjoyed our lunch. There seemed to be something more that we both wanted to say, but neither of us did. I invited her and her brother to join Remy and I to watch the Nets take on the Pacers tomorrow night for Game 7. Then we made the long drive to Fairview, New Jersey, the air filled with things left unsaid.

[chosenone58]