4:30PM, june 22, 2023, Ritz-Carlton Hotel, Manhattan 

Jared steps out of the bathroom in his draft outfit. A black suede tuxedo with a silky pink bowtie and most importantly a calm confident and collected demeanor. Jared’s mom tears up a little bit realizing the amazing man he has turned into. And she tears up even more and smiles when she notices the bowtie. It’s to show respect to his mom and all the other women who have breast cancer, that was Jared's way of saying thank you  “You look like a million dollar contract.” 

“I couldn't have done it without you, mom.” 

“See what I did there” Jared’s mom added while winking. 

“Yes mom I did” Jared chuckled. “For the record though, that was pretty corny.” 

“Oh shut up, it was not”. They both giggled like teenage girls.  

5:30, June 22, 2o23, Barclays center, Brooklyn

“Jared, where in the draft do you think you’re going to be selected?” 

“Uhh you know that's a tough question and no one really can be 100% sure where but I guess we'll find out tonight”, Jared was sure to answer carefully, he knew how reporters could twist his words or use his own words against him. 

“Hey Jared, how do you think your accolades at the collegiate level help you tonight in terms of being drafted”

“Hmmm you know I’m not gonna sit here and boast about my accolades, but I think you know whatever happens tonight is a result of the work and performance, and we're just gonna have to wait and see.” Jared scanned the room, there were still plenty of reporter’s hands in front of him, but he said “Alright that’ll be all the questions, thank you” and he got up adjusted his tuxedo and stepped down the stairs and to the backroom where the guys who were potentially getting drafted where along with their guests. 

“How was it?” asked Jared’s mom

“Not too bad, was a little weird though”

“Better get used to it, there's gonna be a lot of it from here on out” 

“ If you say so,” Jared understood what his mom was implying but didn’t mention it because he didn’t want to jinx it.  

It was almost time for the draft to start, so they had to get everyone to their tables. A lady with a headset that covered one ear and had a microphone sticking out of it and a clipboard and hand approached them with a smile. “Hello, Jared and Mom” she said in a very giddy manner. “Welcome to the 2023 NBA draft, if you follow me I’ll take you guys to your table. And so they followed her out from the lounge in the back to the stadium. 

7:30 PM, June 22 2023, Barclays center, Brooklyn

As Jared was following the lady he was sure to be aware and live in the moment, he looked around and let it really sink in. The stage was set elevated above the tables all the way in the front of the stadium with a huge tv screen backdrop and a podium with the NBA logo and microphone. The tables were circular and had matte black table covers over them and were surrounded by matte black metal chairs. They finally got to their table, which was located to the right of the stage and near to the back row. “How are you holding up?” Asked Jared’s Mom as they took their seat,

Jared replied with “I’m doing alright, I’m nervous but chilling and waiting i guess” 

“Hey hey that's what I like to hear, except the nervous part but good to the chilling part!” Said Jared’s mom affirmingly. Jared looked up and noticed all the other guys who were coming in to get drafted take their place at their tables.. I would be lying if I said seeing that didn’t shake my confidence. And you can’t blame, I mean you see all these “one and done” players walk in and they’re projected to be a lottery pick, that has to mess with your head especially if you aren’t a one and done player.  

7:59 pm , June 22, 2o23, Barclays center, Brooklyn

The draft is seconds away from starting. The stage is all lit up now, the crowd in the stands, the tables full of Jared’s competition. The spotlights shining down bordering the tables. “Hey, it’s time you ready?” Jared tried his hardest to even utter the word yes but that was too much, so instead he just put his two thumbs up and tried to give a smile to cover up the nerves. DING DING DING-DING the reputable bells of the draft had been rung.

“ WITH THE FIRST PICK IN THE NBA 2023 DRAFT. THE HOUSTON ROCKETS SELECT…” Adam Silver (the commissioner of the NBA) opens the envelope… “ VICTOR WEMBAMYAMA” AND THE CROWD GOES CRAZY. He stands up and walks to the stage to shake Adams hand and The 7 footer that can dribble, shoot, play defense, and dunk virtually everything of course he’s the number 1 pick. Jared’s thoughts were interrupted by the bells again. “ AND WITH SECOND PICK IN THE 2023 NBA DRAFT THE SAN ANTONIO SPURS SELECT…  SCOOT HENDERSON” Of course bro.  

8:30 pm , June 22, 2o23, Barclays center, Brooklyn 

Adam Silver had just announced the second last pick of the nba draft, if Jared goes undrafted here, the only option is to go play in the g-league and even then he has to compete against veterans for a spot in the NBA. 

The bells rang again… 

All the work leads up to this moment, what if I don’t make it, what happens next, the only thing that gives my life purpose is basketball, I’ve dedicated everything to it. A million negative thoughts racing in Jareds head. Sweat began to form on his forehead and upper lip, and his breathing pattern started to change. One can only imagine the anxiety he is going through right now. The ringing in his ears slowly faded as he heard his name being called, “Jared… Jared… Jared?... Jared??” 

“HUH, oh yeah what's up mom” 

“What's going on? You seem out of it” 

“Yeah ummm yeah I’m fine” 

“Out of all people you think your mother’s gonna believe that lie?”  Jared keeps to himself, not saying anything but giving a smile to his mom trying to brush off the current topic. His mom can tell he’s uncomfortable and anxious. And why wouldn’t he be? I mean ever since he had been a kid he has worked up to this moment. He’s sacrificed his social life, he’s stayed locked in during hard times, he was out working while others were partying, and most remarkably; he has stayed disciplined. “Look Jared, you’re only 24, no matter what happens you have time. And I know you’re in your head right now. But Just be present and be in the moment. Breathe, look around, feel where you are, and know that whatever happens… I'm proud of you and everything will turn out okay in the end.” Jared picks his head up and smiles again, but this time you can tell it was genuine. So Jared listens to his moms advice, he slows his breathing down. 

“AND WITH THE LAST PICK IN THE 2023 NBA DRAFT… THE GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS SELECT… JARED MCCAIN”. A weight the size of a pregnant cow was lifted off him, he stood up with the most genuine smile and embraced his mom as his mom teared up being so tremendously proud of her son. Jared walked up to the stage with a wholesome demeanor and shook Adam Silver's hand. As the photos were being taken of Jared and Adam shaking hands, there was only one thought going through his head. Thanks mom, you were right, everything did end up okay. 

THE END