Bamboozled

I stood there in total shock with the whistle in my mouth. This dude talked himself up to the point that I  thought he was as good as, or better than, our outgoing superstar. In a matter of seconds I went from being amped up to feeling completely lost. I couldn't understand why Nova would lie about being recruited by a major Division I school since I was going to see him play. He had a nice looking jump shot, but everything else was terrible. I was puzzled watching him try to make a left handed lay-up and continually fail miserably because his footwork was so off.  

Immediately after the workout, he asked me what I thought of his game. There have been few moments in my life where I've had trouble conveying my thoughts to somebody. I really wanted to say, are you fuckin serious?? Did you just waste my time for this nonsense? The humanitarian in me wanted to give him a hug and talk about the "Villanova recruiters who visited him." At that point in my career I was aware enough of psychological issues to know that the "recruiters" could have been very real to Nova. My approach needed to be tactful.

Nova: (spits on the ground) So, watchu think, Coach? I'm just outta shape, yah mean. Other than that, watchu think?
Me: (staring at him intently) Which Villanova was recruiting you?
Nova: The one down there in Philly.
Me: And they came into your apartment? People actually spoke to you like we're doing now?
Nova: Yeh. They was like my grades was bad but other than that, they were feelin the kid.
Me: What kid?
Nova: Me!
Me: I don't know how to say this without coming off the wrong way but how was Villanova recruiting you when you don't know which foot to jump off on your lay-ups?
Nova: (silence)...
Me:  I don't even know what position I'd play you at here. You have no post moves and you can't make a lay-up off the dribble.
Nova: (getting annoyed)That's cuz I'm outta shape. I told you!
Me: Seriously, man. I'm not buyin' the Villanova story.
Nova: They did! I just need to get my grades up!

It was clear to me that Nova believed this story he had made up about phony recruiters visiting him. Nova came up to the gym regularly to play and couldn't defend either. He had trouble moving laterally. The oddest thing about Nova in all of this was something really subtle.

His sneaker laces were always untied, even when he played ball.