The most impressive image at the moment was the kid in the gym at 7:30, and he had been there for a while.
One of the problems with his game, and perhaps his biggest one, was where to play? He was not going to be a guard and not ready to play forward. Lonnie had already decided to delay those worries and watch the kid develop. He would sit the upcoming season as a redshirt.
He watched him for a long time and tried to imagine the fear and confusion in his world. On the court, he was all smiles and energy, even when he was screwing up. Off the court, though, he often gazed away, his smile gone, his thoughts drifting to another continent. Lonnie had coached plenty of players from broken homes and rough neighborhoods, but none with problems as complicated as Samuel Sooleymon’s.
He eased onto the court and said, “Good morning, Sooley.” The nickname had become permanent. Samuel resisted at first, at least with his team, but he soon realized that nicknames were common in the U.S., and usually endearing.
He was surprised and dribbled over to mid-court. “Hey Coach.”
“Getting an early start.”
“I’m here every morning, Coach.”
“How many shots so far?”
“One forty-two. Just got started.”
“How many have you made?”
“Forty-nine.”
Lonnie rattled the numbers for a second and said, “That’s about thirty-five percent. And there’s no one guarding you. Not too impressive.”
Samuel shrugged and said, “Well, that’s why I’m here, Coach.”
Lonnie smiled at the perfect answer. “I guess so. Look, Coach Grinnell got a call yesterday from an assistant dean who said you’re missing classes. What’s going on?”
His shoulders sagged as he glanced around and looked thoroughly guilty. “I don’t know, Coach. No excuses.”
“I know you have a lot on your mind. I can’t imagine, and you know we’re concerned about you and your family.”
“Yes sir. Thank you.”
“But, you’re here on a full scholarship, Sooley. Do you know what this means?”
“I think so.”
“It means that someone else is paying for your college education. It means that the taxpayers of North Carolina are on the hook. The janitors who work here. The bus drivers. Your professors. Murray’s parents. Me. The other coaches. All of us are paying taxes, and some of that money trickles down to Central. It allows you to study here for free and to earn a degree. The least you can do is go to class and make the grades.”
“Yes sir. I’m sorry. I’ll do better.”
“From now on, Coach Grinnell will check every day. When you miss, I’ll know it.”
“I won’t miss anymore, Coach.”
Lonnie clapped his hands and Samuel bounced the ball to him. “Top of the key.” Lonnie got in the lane and began rebounding as Sooley shot from 20 feet. After a few misses, Lonnie said, “Slow it down. You’re working too fast. Concentrate on making each shot perfect.” A moment later, “Square up, shoulders at the basket.” A moment later, “Keep the elbow in. Visualize each shot. Watch the ball go in before you shoot.”
After 50 shots, 18 of which went in, Lonnie kept the ball and walked to the top of the key. “You need some water?”
“No thanks.”
The managers had noticed that Sooley consumed far less water than the other players.
Lonnie said, “Murray is passing the hat around the locker room to raise some money for your family. I’m sure you know this.”
Samuel looked surprised and said, “No sir. He hasn’t told me.”
“Well, maybe I shouldn’t have said anything. Point is, the coaches can’t help out. If we donated we would violate NCAA rules against financial assistance to a player, or some such nonsense.”
“Thanks, Coach, but I would never ask for that kind of help.”
“I know. I’m sure you’ve met his mother, Miss Ida.”
“Several times, yes.”
“Ida Walker is a force and she wants to organize an effort to help your family. She called last night to check on NCAA rules and regs. I have to talk to the school’s lawyer today.”
“But she’s a lawyer.”
“Different kind. Not many lawyers understand the NCAA. Coaches either.”
“She didn’t tell me about this.”
“Sounds like she’s just getting started. Maybe I shouldn’t have said anything, but I want you to know that your coaches and the school are behind you a hundred percent.”