165 Australia Vs Marines

Edited by MinionMe

The next matchups were Australia versus the U.S. Marines; a quick highlight of the game was Marine domination in the last quarter. Even though Australia's super point guard, Wayne, was able to hold them down for about three quarters; in the fourth quarter, the Marines using their muscular physical bodies were ready to step their game up and dominate. The Australian team, as they were smaller opponents, it didn't matter how many times Wayne could get the ball to the open man or set up the plays. Once the Marines team got down below the net, it was game over. They got beat by 10 points.

Wayne was a little disappointed, but he didn't dwell on it too long because this was only his rookie season. He was able to take the Australia team to the playoffs. The same team which hasn't been in the playoffs for a couple of years till now. It seemed like all the underdog teams we're getting their shine this year as they slowly made their ways to the top, including Ground Force; but I knew that Ground Force would not do too well after I leave, but we'll see; I'll continue to train them until my time is up, and until they become a playoff-ready team by themselves.

As I was sitting there, watching the game between the Marines and Australia, Blackpool came to join me as he said, "Is there a point in watching this game? The Marines are going to crush them anyway." I looked to him once before shifting my gaze back to the game, responding, "Yeah, that may be true; but, I still want to see and learn a few things from my opponents before our game. I can't just sit back and relax while they come up with some secret play that I'm not aware of."

Blackpool laughed and said, "But we have you, so there's no way that we could lose." I turned towards Blackpool with his carefree look and talked some sense into him. "That's the problem, you have me now, but what happens when I'm not here? Do you want to go back to losing all of your games again? Learn to study your opponents and be prepared to face whatever they throw at you during games. That's how you win. And that's how I destroy it." I turned my attention back to the game, which was minutes away from finished, continuing my observation.

Blackpool went into deep thought; I think he understood what I was trying to say, well at least I hope he did. He nodded his head several times, looking absentmindedly towards the ground before lifting his head, he paid attention to the game until it ended very focused. I don't think I saw him blink once during those couple of minutes. I saw Wayne tearing up after the game, so I decided to comfort him a little bit as I went down the stands. When Wayne saw me coming towards him, he quickly wiped his tears away as he said with a fake smile, "Oh! I didn't know you came to watch!"

I was shocked by this; I asked them who the hell are we facing, they announced right now Africa and South America just finished playing. The winner would be moving on to the next round, facing us. South America won the match; I couldn't help but shake my head as I thought Africa dropped the ball again. So it was the ground force versus the South American military team. I was a little excited and decided to call up Sandra to see if she wanted to see her people play in the playoffs. 

...

After chatting with Blackpool and Wayne, we all left the place to grab a drink as we continue to talk about basketball, life, and ladies. I then asked Blackpool whether he was going to play next season. Blackpool told me he was since he wasn't good enough to go to the NBA. He just wanted to serve out his time in the military and play ball while he's at it. In his words, it's better than standing around doing nothing. Basketball gave him a little bit of excitement in the military, which he was grateful for because, in the military, it could get annoying and boring way too often.

Wayne also chimed in; he plans to come into the NBA one day, I got a little excited as I exclaimed, "I would love to receive one of your passes one day."

Wayne was shocked as he said, "It would be great to get more assists from three-point shots. My guys aren't consistent from that far, but you, I don't think I even saw you miss once." I chuckled and patted him on the shoulder while saying, "Practice, man, practice." I didn't know what to say, I knew he had the passing ability, but I don't even think he knows it's an ability because he's still young. But then again, I'm still young too. But he's much younger than me, and that's a fact.

I couldn't believe how much older I had gotten since middle school when I came back in time. I was now officially 21; usually, 21-year-olds were going out for drinks and partying with their friends. But, not for me. I was traveling to different countries, assassinating people, while also playing military basketball. I couldn't believe where my life has led, as it took a whole 180 turn on me. After hanging out with the boys, I made my way back home and just unwinded, there I was playing NBA 2K for a few hours before calling it a night. 

The next day, Coach Andre told us that we would be facing off against South America's military team. The others were shocked, but I wasn't since I found out the day before, probably even before Coach Andre.