Coach Alvarez didn't say it, but everyone knew.
The first scrimmage changed things.
By Tuesday, clips from the game were circulating beyond campus. Someone had uploaded a highlight reel titled "Is This the Next Jordan?" It showed Michael's footwork, his poise, the way he punished doubles like a pro.
Some thought it was overhype. Others weren't so sure.
Michael didn't care either way.
He was already back in the gym before school, working on his footwork with a chair and two cones.
[Progress: 3.04%][New Move Efficiency Unlocked: Up-and-Under Pivot +1]
By Thursday, Coach pulled him aside.
"You heard of the Fall Circuit?"
Michael wiped sweat from his chin. "AAU off-season showcase?"
"Yup. Invite-only. They saw your clips."
Michael raised an eyebrow. "Who's 'they'?"
"Couple of scouts. Old coaches. One of my former guys is running a regional in two weeks. Asked if you wanted in."
Michael didn't hesitate. "Yeah."
Coach folded his arms. "You sure? You'll be playing against four-stars. Some of these kids already got offers."
Michael gave him a look that said everything.
Coach smirked. "Alright then."
That night, Michael found a rundown AAU gym near the city.
Dusty floor. Flickering lights. A half-deflated ball rack in the corner.
Perfect.
He went to war against himself.
Post-up drills. Ball-handling in tight spaces. Shadow defense routines.
Every move followed by that golden ding.
[Progress: 3.33%][Skill Sync: Triple Threat Recognition +1]
His body was moving faster. Not like it was getting stronger, but like it was remembering who it was always meant to be.
At 6'9" with Jordan's instincts... he was becoming unfair.
But it still wasn't enough.
He studied his game film from the scrimmage. Not just the highlights—the misses. The late passes. The open shooters he didn't hit.
He took notes. He punished himself for every mistake.
Because he wasn't trying to be better than Jamal.
He was trying to become inevitable.
When the weekend hit, Coach Alvarez texted him:
"You're registered for Fall Circuit: Eastern Regional. Be ready."
Michael stared at the message, then back at the court in front of him.
Empty gym. Dim lights. No crowd.
Just one kid grinding like his life depended on it.
Because in a way, it did.
[Progress: 3.61%]
The system didn't lie.
And neither did the work.