Rebound: A 2nd Chance

The marketing agent was stunned at first after hearing Jason refuse his proposition so quickly. After it had finally registered with him what had just happened he approached Jason.

He took a step forward and put his hand on Jason's shoulder. He then smiled "Whoa whoa whoa, let's not be so quick to jump to a decision.

You should really call your parents and ask what they think. You should really discuss this with them. 

Since this new marketing plan is something outside of the training camp you and your parents would receive compensation.

If you're worried about getting in trouble then you have nothing to worry about. The times have changed from where we we're a decade ago.

Student athlete's are just not allowed to be paid by their school until they reach the college level. But any money made using the athlete's image and likeness are all fair game.

Acting as our brand ambassador is completely within the guidelines. It wouldn't negatively affect your draft eligibility.

In fact I would say that it would have the opposite affect. By taking part in this upcoming marketing campaign you could really get your name out there.

You could become a household name in basketball before you even start your freshmen year of high school."

Jason moved his shoulder shaking off the marketing agents hand. He then coldly glared at him as he scoffed "Do you think I need Nike's help with that?"

The marketing agent froze on the spot after Jason's gaze landed on him 'What the hell is wrong with this kid?

Most kids would get nervous or excited after hearing that Nike wants to use them for marketing purposes. He didn't even call his parents. 

This kid is acting like we're equals. Does he know that he's just a kid and I'm a full grown adult that works for a multi billion dollar company?'

Jason continued to glare at the man "I've only been playing basketball for a year and I'm already on a TV show, attending a Nike training camp, and I'm one of the most popular players on your docu-series.

And if you don't believe me feel free to fact check everything that I've said. I don't need Nike's help to blow my name up.

My basketball skills and my play on the court has been doing that for me just fine. Now if that is all I believe you know where the door is and how to use it."

Jason then turned around as he started to walk back to Nate and Kyle who had been watching silently from the side.

Hank began to sweat. He pulled out a handkerchief from the back pocket of his black slacks and wiped his forehead.

"Don't be so hasty Jason. We can discuss your terms. You didn't even hear what we're offering to pay you and your family."

Jason was already standing close by Nate and Kyle. He turned around to face the marketing agent "Okay. We can discuss it I guess.

I want a million dollars as a signing bonus and I want a percentage of the sales from the countries where my image is used. I also won't be saying any lines in Korean."

The shock that the marketing agent received was even greater than when he had heard Jason refuse his offer the first time.

His knees almost gave out on him as he struggled to remain composed. Hank awkwardly chuckled "You're asking for a lot Jason.

Let's be reasonable now. We've done our research and this would be your very first time being a brand ambassador and spokesperson.

Your asking price for a signing bonus is a little too high but we can still discuss that with the finance guys at Nike.

But asking for a percentage of the sales is unprecedented for an athlete of your.... standing. Normally Nike only offers a percentage of their sales to professional players.

And not just any professional players. Usually those players need to have created their own brand and players like that are usually all star caliber players."

Jason nodded his head "I see." The marketing agent got excited after hearing Jason say that 'Finally, did the kid realize just how crazy the conditions he was asking for are?'

Just as he was imagining Jason signing the papers that he had brought and how he would spend his bonus Jason's next words would shatter his dreams.

"Since that's the case I guess we don't have anything left to talk about. Like I said, you know where the door is and how to use it."

This time Hank had to grab at the wall and hold on to it to keep him propped up. After a few seconds he tried his last option.

"I am sorry that we couldn't come to an agreement tonight. But I hope you keep our offer in consideration. If you ever change your mind Nike's offer still be there for you."

Jason responded "I won't change my mind. But if Nike ever decides that they want to change their minds and accept my offer then you know where to find me."

Hank sighed before making his way to the door. Just as he was about to leave he turned back around to face Jason.

"I really hope that you find a change of heart Jason. You still have a week of training camp left and Nike doesn't like it when other's don't reciprocate their kindness."

Jason's gaze became intense as he coldly glared at the marketing agent. He then spoke with the bone chilling voice that he had first used when he had talked with Nate.

"Is that a threat? I didn't think that a huge company like Nike would resort to bullying a little kid just because they didn't get what they wanted."

Hank waved his hand frantically as he put up a awkward smile "No no no. You must have misunderstood.

That was in no way shape or form a threat. Just a little food for thought. Just some friendly advice. Enjoy the rest of your night. Sorry to bother you." And with that he closed the door as he left.

Nate looked at Jason with a bit of admiration 'Damn. Jason is something else. I've been reading about him online ever since I found out about him.

I've heard people talk about his fierce personality but I thought that was just because of his resting bitch face.

Turns out that he really does have a bit of a hot head. I thought that he was just acting like that towards me because of our family history. Good to know that I wasn't getting any special treatment.'

Nate then asked "Not to get in your business Jaya but why didn't you accept the guys offer? I'm sure that Nike would have paid you pretty well even if it wasn't a million dollars.

And plus, the guy said that it could help you with boosting your popularity and spreading your name."

Jason shook his head "Some things are worth more than money Nate. Didn't you hear when he said that he wants me to say some lines in Korean?"

Nate nodded his head but he didn't think much of it. Jason added "Why do you think they wanted me to do that?

It's obviously to market me as 'The exotic Asian basketball player.' I won't let them use my ethnicity as some gimmicky marketing tool.

I have to much pride in myself and in the blood that runs through my veins to let them do that."

Nate nodded his head as he felt happy that he was getting to see more and more of who Jason was as a person 'I feel like I'm starting to understand more of who he is.'

Kyle had a bit of a worried look on his face "But that last part did sound like a threat Jaya. No matter what he says."

Jason casually nodded his head "Probably. But if they want to try and strong arm me then let them try. You know how I am Kyle.

The more you try and force me into a corner the more I'll fight back. Let's see what they have behind in their little bag of tricks.

They might think that they're just messing with a kid. But I have my own connections and ways of dealing with things."

- - -

The next day at practice. All of the boys split up as they went to go with their own personal trainers and researchers just like usual.

Jason stood alone in the room as he waited for Dr. Patricia to show up so that he could begin his training.

After waiting for over thirty minutes Jason felt that something was off 'Doc ain't never been this late for training before. What the hell is going on?'

After waiting for thirty more minutes Jason got up and left the room. As soon as he stepped outside he saw a researcher pass by.

Jason stopped him to ask where Dr. Patricia was. The researcher became nervous as soon as he saw Jason.

He stuttered as he told Jason that Dr. Patricia was currently preoccupied as she had some other work that she had to finish.

Jason nodded his head and thanked him before making his way back to the room. Sitting alone in the room Jason smiled coldly.

"So this is the game you want to play Nike? I hope you don't start crying when another player hops in." Jason pulled out his phone and dialed a number.

- - -

In a house somewhere in San Diego. A man with cornrows was sitting in his office as the fireplace kept the room warm.

He was looking through some papers and writing things down as he felt his phone vibrating in his pocket.

After pulling out his phone he cracked a small and somewhat disturbing smile "Huh heh HAEHH heh, how you doing Jaya? Been a while kid."

As he listened the smile slowly disappeared from his face. He then sighed "Alright. Let me make a call and see what I can do."

The man sighed again as he hesitated to dial a number "I hate this. I already had to call him once to ask for his jersey now I have to call him again for another favor.

Too late to say no I guess. I already told the kid that I would try to get things sorted out." He then proceeded to look through his contacts as he called a number.

After a few seconds of ringing a deep voice could be heard from the other side "Hey look who it is. I already sent you the jersey Kawhi. Did you get it?"

Kawhi flatly answered "Yeah I did. Thanks for that. I hate to bother you, trust me I do, but I have another favor to ask."

The voice was somewhat surprised "Another favor? Don't you know what today is?" Kawhi hurriedly tried to answer "I know what today i-"

Before he could finish the voice yelled out "It's Tacoooo Tuesday!"

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