The text came at 6:17 AM on a Monday.
Jamal: Coach, I got cleared to play. Full medical clearance. I'm back.
Alvin stared at the screen. His heart swelled. His eyes burned.
Jamal. My star point guard. The kid who tore his ACL. The kid who worked harder than anyone to come back.
He called Jamal immediately.
"That's amazing," Alvin said. "How do you feel?"
"Like I'm ready to play. Like I've been waiting for this moment my whole life."
"Are you sure? Your knee—"
"My knee is strong. I've been rehabbing every day. I've been working with the trainers. I'm ready."
"Then let's do this. Practice today. 4 PM. Don't be late."
---
The gym was buzzing when Alvin arrived at 3:30 PM.
Players everywhere. Coaches shouting. Balls bouncing. The energy was electric.
Jamal was already there, shoot
