The Final Test

"I’ve got a final test for our boy here."

(Scene: Basketball Court in a Park, Hong Kong, night. The court is dimly lit by nearby streetlights. The rims are covered with plastic bags, a stark reminder of the city’s Covid lockdown.)

(On the court floor, KIN, a 14-year-old Boy in a basketball jersey, sits cross-legged with a takeout noodle box in his lap. Opposite him is YOU, 19, a former School Team Captain, finishing your meal. An air of nostalgia lingers.)

Kin: And then my sister goes, “Hey, we’re gonna have to cook when we’re in the UK, no more takeaways.” And I’m like, “Cook what? I can barely make instant noodles!”

You: You cook? I’d pay to see that.

Kin: Right? I’d probably burn toast if you came to visit. But I'll really miss these noodles and dumplings you made. Thanks for the big meal! I'm so happy! Hey, why didn’t we just eat at your restaurant?

You: Better than being cooped up inside, right? Besides, it’s our spot. Gotta send you off properly before you leave.

Kin: Three days… It’s kinda crazy, y’know? Everything’s changing so fast. I’ll miss this place. And you. And this home court of ours.

You: It’s not like you can’t come back. You’ll do great in the UK, Kin—with your stubbornness and that likable stupidity of yours. Just stick to basketball, and you’ll be fine.

(Suddenly, the gate creaks. Enter SING, 19, your former Teammate, with a basketball tucked under his arm and a face mask hanging under his chin. He spots you two and strolls over.)

Sing: So this is why you texted me to bring a ball. But… (gestures at the plastic-covered rim) what’s the point? You trying to invent a new game?

You: Not quite. I’ve got a final test for our boy here. Gotta see if he’s ready to graduate.

Kin: (eyes lighting up) Mr. Sing-Sing! It’s been so long! I can’t believe you’re here!

Sing: Look at you, all grown up. Still a shorty, though. (He ruffles Kin's hair like an older brother.)

(You finish your meal, stand up, and dust off your hands.)

You: Alright, enough catching up. Let’s get serious.

(Sing tosses you the basketball, and you dribble it a few times before passing it to Kin.)

You: So, how long’s it been since you played?

Kin: One and a half years, I guess. Courts’ve been closed, cops everywhere… But I’ve been practicing. Dribbling, passing, running… started lifting weights now.

(Kin starts dribbling. The sound of the ball echoes through the quiet park.)

You: Too loud. You’ll draw the cops like that. How can you dribble efficiently without making so much noise?

Kin: (confused) Uh… I don’t know.

You: Think.

(Kin tries again, clumsily, but the dribbling still makes noise.)

You: (taking the ball) Alright, watch closely. Stay low, hands almost grazing the ground. Controlled movements.

(You demonstrate, dribbling smoothly with barely a sound. The ball stays low, your movements fluid.)

You: Quiet as a cat. Ready for anything.

Kin: Wow.

You: Try it.

(You pass the ball back to Kin. He crouches lower, mimicking your movements. The sound softens slightly.)

Sing: Still loud enough to wake my grandpa across the street.

You: Not bad for a start. Keep at it.

(Kin dribbles a bit more, nodding with determination. Then he stops, attempting a casual layup. He misses badly, the ball bouncing away.)

Sing: (laughing) How are you gonna survive in the UK with that?

You: Man, that was terrible. But… (noticing) hey, Kin, you’re jumping higher than you used to.

Kin: Really? I didn’t notice.

You: Let’s find out. One-on-one. First to ten. Only layups or inside shots. Sing, you’re ref.

Sing: One-on-one without a rim. Now this I’ve gotta see.

Kin: Alright… Let’s do this.

(You pass the ball to Kin. He eyes you cautiously before driving forward. His dribbling is quick, his footwork precise, but you block his path effortlessly. The game begins.)

🏀🏀🏀🏀🏀🏀🏀

(MONTAGE: Kin drives toward the basket, his layup blocked by You. / You score with a graceful spin move. / Kin wipes sweat off his face, determination growing. / Sing laughs and shakes his head, calling out a sarcastic comment. / Kin attempts another layup, missing narrowly. / You fake a drive, then score again.)

(The game unfolds. You score effortlessly, showcasing your dominance. Kin struggles to get past your defense, missing shot after shot. The score climbs to 9-0 in your favor.)

Sing: Too bad, kid. You’re outta your league. Use your brain, or you’re done for.

(Kin wipes sweat from his brow, breathing hard. You notice his determination hasn’t wavered, and his movements grow sharper with every attempt.)

You: Kin, if you can’t get at least one point off me, your basketball dream’s toast. You’ll be stuck in this city forever.

(Kin’s eyes widen, but then he grins. A fire ignites within him. He tightens his grip on the ball, his stance shifting. The air around him changes.)

Kin: I can’t believe you’re still this good after two years off.

You: There are plenty in the UK who’ll put me to shame. You’ll meet them, the better you get.

Kin: (nodding) Exciting… and terrifying.

You: Keep that edge. Always think—find your opponent’s weakness and strike fast.

(Kin starts dribbling again, faster, more aggressive. His footwork is precise, weaving through invisible defenders. You prepare for his attack, but there’s something different now.)

Sing: (grinning) 9-0. Come on. Let’s see what you’ve got, kid.

(Kin drives forward, his eyes laser-focused on you and the makeshift rim. Determination radiates from him as he launches into his final attack.)

(Posted on 1.1.2025)

#InspirationalBasketballMentorshipStory