Fast Break (Brooklyn Monarchs 1)

DeMarcus glanced at the series of tattoos climbing up the point guard’s bare arms. Maybe Jaclyn had a point. DeMarcus now understood the team captain’s self-absorbed attitude during practice and on the court. “Basketball is a team sport.”

“So?”

“There are times when, for whatever reason, a teammate is going to be off his rhythm and you’re going to have to pick up his slack. I’m sure there have been times when someone’s had to pick up your slack.”

“Yeah. Rick. We’re in sync on the court.” Barron scratched his scalp where it was exposed between his thick, black cornrows. “We don’t hang out much outside of basketball since he’s married and I enjoy the single life. But we’re brothers on the court.”

DeMarcus shook his head. “I benched Rick because he’s not aggressive enough.”

Barron looked disgruntled. “You gave Jamal the ball and put him on the court, but he doesn’t know the plays. That’s another reason he’s an—”

“I’ve given him extra practice time. The assistant coaches have worked with him, too. We need another strategy.” DeMarcus hesitated, then mentally shrugged. “Do you have any ideas?”

Barron shook his head. “Why are you giving him so many chances? Bench him. Give Rick his spot back with the starters.”

“Jamal has a lot of promise.”

Barron’s eyes stretched in amazement. “How can you tell? He doesn’t even give fifty percent in practice.”

“That’s not true, Barron. If he were that lazy in practice, I’d have fined him.”

“Maybe you should fine him for not knowing the plays.”

DeMarcus paused. That was a good idea. “I will. Nothing else seems to be working.”

Some of the aggression drained from Barron’s eyes. DeMarcus thought he detected a spark of cautious optimism.

Barron nodded and made to rise from the table. “Good. Are we done here?”

DeMarcus tried to channel his more sensitive side. “No. I have one final question.”

“What?”

DeMarcus tried not to wince. “What do you need to be more successful on the court?”

Barron gave him an odd look. “What do you mean?”

DeMarcus wasn’t sure. “What can I or the coaching staff do to help you be more productive on the court?”

“I need to shine. I need to be a superstar. I can’t do that if there’s a circus act playing on the court with me. Bench. Jamal. Now.”

DeMarcus sighed. This wasn’t working. “In basketball, we play as a team. A team doesn’t succeed with only one superstar. We need five or six or seven. If you can’t get that concept, then you need to take up tennis. Are we clear?”

Seconds ticked by as the point guard glowered at him in silence. Finally, Barron gave in. “Yeah. We’re clear.”

DeMarcus nodded. “And get some of your teammates together to help Jamal learn to execute the plays. The coaching staff isn’t getting through to him.”

Impatience stirred again in Barron’s expression. “Haven’t you heard Rick out there on the sidelines feeding Jamal the plays?”

“Yes, I have.” DeMarcus hadn’t given much thought to it, though. But now that Barron had brought it up, why was the veteran helping the rookie who’d taken his starting spot? What kind of competitor did that? He should be trying to get his spot back.

Barron shook his head. “The rookie won’t listen. That’s why he’s an—”

“The rookie won’t listen to the player whose spot he took. Maybe he’ll listen to you.”

Barron leaned into the chair again. “Then do what you said you’ll do and fine him if he doesn’t learn the plays. And, if he still won’t learn them, bench him.”

“Deal. Get your teammates together to help Jamal.”