Coach Chris went to the Board of Governors of the ABA to appeal Jeremy’s draft application. He presented evidence of what kind of person is Jeremy.

“Good day sir! I am Coach Chris, college coach of the Illinois Falcons. I was the former coach of Jeremy Gomez. There is no need for me to present his credentials as a player, surely you know that already. I came here to testify what type of individual is he.”

The governors were all ears to what Chris was saying.

“He loves his friends so much. He loves his family more. Jeremy can never harm any of them. He is willing to sacrifice himself to give them a better life or to protect them from people who want to hurt them. Because of this, I do not believe that he is guilty of killing his best friend Jeremy.

I know… I know, you would say that I have no proof that he is innocent. But certainly I can show to you that he is not guilty. Please do not judge him before the court even passes theirs. Give him a chance to fulfill his dreams. Accept his application to your draft.”

Coach Chris said everything that he has to say. He is hoping against hope that the Board would side with him and grant Jeremy a second chance at being a pro player. He deserves it.

He left the meeting with head up high. He has done his part. It’s just a matter of waiting for the Boards decision on his appeal.

At the bar, Jeremy is drinking beer to while his time away. He needs to forget his rejection. He needs to forget what happened to his best friend Reggie.

Coach Chris came back to the inn. He immediately looked for Jeremy so he can tell him about what he did.

“Jeremy! There you are. I have some news for you.”

“Coach, what are you saying?”

“I just got back from a meeting with the Board of Governors of the ABA. I spoke to them to give you a second chance at the draft.”

“”What did they say… what did the Board say about it?”

“Well, they said they’re gonna come up with their decision after three days. The Board promised to keep me posted.”

“Do you think I have a chance, coach?”

“I’m sure you do. You’re such a good person and you ought to get the second the chance of being a pro player.”

“Alright, coach. You said so!”

The two basketball personas drank beer together. It was already midnight when they bade goodbye to each other.

“Are you sure you can drive?” asked the coach

“Yeah, I’m certain about that coach,” Jeremy answered.

Jeremy drove home to his apartment. He slept the whole day.

Three days after…

“Rrriiinnnggg! Rrriiinnnggg!”

The phone of Coach Chris buzzed four times before he accepted the call.

“Hello? Who’s this?”

“Good day, coach. This is Mr. Rochevsky from the Board of Governors of the ABA.”

“Yes, sir?”

“We need you and Jeremy to drop by the office today. He needs to sign some papers regarding his application for the draft.”

“Does this mean his application is accepted?”

“Yes, coach. That’s right.”

“Thank you, sir. We will be there early tomorrow morning.”

Coach Chris was delighted by the news. He quickly called Jeremy and told him to meet him tomorrow at the Office of the Board of Governors of the ABA.

Early the next morning…

“Howdee coach,” Jeremy exclaimed.

“You’re here.”

“Yes coach. I am so excited!”

The two went inside the office. They were ushered into the meeting room.

Soon the governors arrived. The deliberation began. They asked Jeremy several questions.

“We’re done here, please wait outside as we prepare the papers for you to sign. We just need to do a little bit of confirming before we reinstate your application for the Draft. Congratulations!”

Coach Chris and Jeremy were elated by the announcement.

“Coach and Jeremy, please come in. The papers are ready. You may now sign them.”

Moments later, Chris and Jeremy are on their way home.

“Rrriiinnnggg… Rrriiinnnggg!”

“Coach! Jeremy here.”

Chris put his phone on speaker mode.

“Yeah, Jeremy. What’s up!”

“Just wanna say thank you, coach.”

“No problem Gomez. As I said you deserve this.”

A month passed and soon it’s Draft Day. Everyone is excited. Who wouldn’t be, there are a lot of good prospects this year. And that includes Jeremy, Mr. Buzzer Beater!

The players arrived one by one at the Coliseum. Most of them are dressed in stylish ensemble. Jeremy arrived together with his mother. He is garbed in a blue suit paired with black slacks, a yellow tie and alligator shoes.

“Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the ABA Draft Day!”

The program commenced. All of the players were seated in tables together with their parents and some of their relatives. There are 240 rookies who applied for this year’s draft. All are dreaming of becoming a part of the ABA. And of course, they won’t deny that they are all aspiring to be the top draftee of this year’s batch.

The moment everyone is anticipating came.

“Taking the first crack at the podium is the Chicago Storm. Here is Mr. Stevens to announce their draft choice.”

“All of the aspirants this year showed impeccable performance in the Draft Combine. But what convinced us to tap the services of his player is his love for the game.”

“The Storm chose, Jeremy Gomez!”

The whole coliseum rocked with the applause of the people watching. Jeremy and his mom can’t believe their fortune. He is now the Top Draftee of the ABA! Coach Chris congratulated Jeremy. He is elated about what his ace player has achieved.

Jeremy and his family celebrated his newest milestone in his basketball career. They went to an exclusive restaurant to lunch out. Of course, Chris was with them. They have a lot to thank him for. Without him, Jeremy’s application couldn’t have been accepted. And they wouldn’t have given him a second chance.