Chapter 139: First Post-Game Interview
{This story is ready to read on my P-a-t-r-e-o-n. If you wish to read ahead then the link is https://www.p-a-t-r-e-o-n.com/easyread. Be sure to remove the dashes. I hope to see plenty of you there and enjoying this novel.}
~~~(POV: Ulysses Kennedy)~~~
~~~(Date: July 19th, 2026)~~~
~~~(Location: Post-Game Interview, Thomas & Mack Center)~~~
~~~(Time: 3:42 PM)~~~
"Ulysses, do you think this performance is a one-time thing, or can we expect something like this every night?"
High expectations already, huh... I don't blame the guy for asking that. Scoring 51 Points, 15 Rebounds, 12 Assists, 7 Blocks, and 6 Steals on my first night would spark such thoughts. It's something that most players couldn't do at any point in their careers.
The rewards for completing the quest are on my mind since I haven't checked them out yet, but it'll have to wait until I'm done with the interview.
A simple smile on my lips doesn't go unnoticed by many. Reporters lean forward in their chairs just a little, waiting for my answer.
"I could if I wanted to. But lots of rookies suffer their first season since they're not used to an 82-game season. If I did play like this every night, I'd be wiped when the post-season starts. It's smarter if I conserve energy."
This doesn't necessarily apply to me, given certain badges like Endless Energy and Uninjurable. However, I want to play this smart. So, a smart answer is required. I don't want to sacrifice hype, and I haven't with my answer.
Everyone in the room that isn't holding a camera is typing on their phones and tablets. Ellie and Hannah are the only ones that aren't looking down at the moment.
I take a sip of water, and soon everyone lifts their heads along with their arms. I point at a girl in the back, and she smiles.
"How do you feel about going to a failure of a franchise like The Knicks?"
A strong and heavy silence fills the room at such a question, and I admit that I wasn't expecting something like that. But I do like questions I'm not ready for. And the people of New York will love the answer I'm about to give.
"The Knicks are a failure of a franchise. No one denies that. But it's been the perfect storm for failure. They haven't had the first pick in the draft since 1985, when they drafted Patrick Ewing. For the first time in 41 years, they've got hope. I look forward to being that hope."
Most players would be unable to answer a question like that as interestingly as I have. But only a fool would claim The Knicks aren't a failure of a franchise.
Everyone is furiously typing away as I prepare for the next question, and soon, everyone's hands go up. A man from the front is the next I pick.
"Do you see yourself winning Rookie of The Year, MVP, or making a deep playoff run this year?"
Talk about reporters coming out swinging. But I suppose it's natural since I'm not like any other rookie they've seen before.
"Anyone with a pair of eyes and some basketball knowledge can see I'm the best thing that's ever come out of high school or college. I understand having those expectations of me, and I do plan to accomplish a lot in my rookie season."
That's the best answer I can give. I don't want to say I'll get all three of those, but I also want to show that I'm more than confident in my abilities as a basketball player.
Ellie and Hannah both smile and give thumbs up as the reporters type on their tablets.
Soon, hands go up and another reporter is asking a question.
"Ulysses, you shot perfectly from the Field, Freethrow, and 3-point tonight. Is it safe to assume you see the competition on the NBA level the same as in high school?"
Now that's interesting. I knew it was only a matter of time until someone asked about my shooting percentages and performance in that. But he's thrown a curveball with that attachment about the NBA and high school levels.
But I see this as a perfect chance to troll the NBA. It's going to be pretty funny.
"I was fouled harder and more frequently in high school than I was tonight. One thing that stood out to me is how often the refs called fouls. I know I'll be getting a lot more free throws."
The joke causes a good amount of laughter from everyone.
"But in all seriousness. It's unfair to compare. Both the NBA and high school. As well as me playing in those areas. I know how good I am, and an NBA player is just as useless as a high schooler against me. That's what I think."
More furious typing is heard. It's my first interview, and I don't want to give generic answers. I'm not some vanilla player. If the media wants to ask me hard questions, I'll give them brutally honest answers.
That's who I am. And I think it's one of the reasons people like me as a basketball player.
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone