The days following the Generation Adidas Cup were a blur of excitement. The brothers had returned home, their minds still racing from the intense competition. The scouts' interest in them was palpable, and they'd been inundated with messages, emails, and offers from agents. Yet, for all the praise and recognition, the brothers knew that the real work was only beginning. As much as they loved the game, they were about to face a side of the sport they had barely thought about: the business side.
It wasn't long before the first meeting with an agent was scheduled. KJ, Kareem, and Kyle had been used to training every day, pushing their limits on the field, but this new world felt different. They weren't preparing for games or tournaments now—they were preparing for a new kind of challenge.
The brothers sat in their living room, all dressed in casual yet sharp attire. Their mother, always a steady presence, was there too, offering advice and keeping them grounded.
"This is important," she said, looking at them. "But remember, it's not just about what people tell you you're worth. You're in charge of your destiny. Don't let anyone tell you who you're supposed to be."
KJ nodded, his usual confidence now mixed with a hint of uncertainty. He was still processing everything that had happened—how fast things had moved from playing in Metro Academy to being sought after by top teams. It was overwhelming.
"I'm just trying to focus on my game right now," KJ said, his voice steady but full of intensity. "But… it's hard not to wonder where this is all headed."
"You've got the right mentality," Kareem added, his voice quieter but filled with an assuredness beyond his years. "Focus on playing, and everything else will fall into place."
As they spoke, the doorbell rang. The agent was here.