บท 29: Winning the Meeting
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~~~(Date: September 25th, 2025)~~~
~~~(Location: New York City NBA Headquarters)~~~
~~~(Time: 11:45 AM)~~~
~~~(POV: Ulysses Kennedy)~~~
Howard finishes his opening statement, and as he does, everyone at the conference table is looking through the papers. "As you can see, the rules made in 2005 regarding the college one-and-done rule are a little iffy. I did a lot of digging, and in the creation of the new act, I found a loophole." Damn, I didn't know Howard worked so hard for this. I wonder what the loophole is. I know nothing about law or the languages used in them. All of it is just ways beating around the bush to me. That's why it's smart always to have a lawyer.
The man at the head of the table sets the pages down. "I know what you are going to try, Howard. I'll admit, you actually have a really good chance too. I don't want the NBA to lose a talent like Ulysses." I raise my eyebrow slightly and look at Howard. I should've found out what angles he was playing so I could at least help. "So, make the best case you can at the moment." Howard takes that as a serious challenge. He starts to walk around the room, explaining certain things regarding a rule. One I didn't even know about.
As he begins explaining, I realize what the man at the head of the table meant. "In the final section of the rule change, it states that if a potentially NBA superstar-bound player that will bring huge market to the NBA threatens to play for another country if he isn't allowed to skip college, a special circumstance should be made to allow him to jump straight to the NBA. So this player won't play in other markets around the world." I had no idea such a thing was a rule. Now it makes sense. Why Howard reached out to me, why we are doing all this, we are here to threaten that if I'm not allowed to skip college, I'll play in another country.
Everyone looks at me as the statement is made, and I quickly adapt to the situation. "It's as Howard is alluding to. If I'm not allowed to skip college and go straight to the NBA, I'll play in a different country. Just to make it hurt more, I'll play in one that America can't broadcast in." Throwing some salt on the growing wound sounds interesting. Many people whisper between themselves, and the man at the head of the table raises his hand and silences the room. He sighs as he leans back in his chair and pinches the bridge of his nose.
He rubs his eyes and rolls his neck. He looks at me and gives a serious look. "I want to know one thing, Mr. Kennedy." He is waiting for a response, and I nod my head for him to continue. "Why should we, The NBA, give special consideration to you? Despite how gifted you are, this rule exists for a reason. Why shouldn't it apply to you?" He is trying to look for weaknesses, doubts that I want this. I have none. There are many reasons this rule should apply to me, and all of them are worthy of being mentioned.
However, I need to say that one reason that will convince them. "I'm The Singularity. I'm something that has never been seen and will never be seen again. I'll bring more interest to the NBA my rookie year than the last 20. I'm going to be the most valuable asset to the NBA. That is if you let me skip college." My words hit the room hard. No one was expecting such confident words from a 17-year-old high schooler. I look at Howard, and he has a victorious smile on his face. I haven't paid him a dime yet, but I'll strongly consider making him my lawyer after today.
The man at the head of the table slouches and sighs. He looks down at the papers one more time. "The colleges aren't going to like this, but you leave us no choice, Mr. Kennedy. While there has to be an official meeting with all the shareholders of the NBA. It's pretty much guaranteed at this point. You will skip college and declare for the 2026 NBA draft." I can't help the huge smile from appearing on my face. Ellie grabs my arm and begins to bounce up and down in happiness. We did it! I'm going straight to the NBA. I wonder how social media will react when it's announced by the NBA? I'll have to wait for them to release the news before I can declare for the draft though.
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