Package Deal

Dear Reader,

Ten years ago, I practically required people to sign a non-disclosure agreement before letting them read something I'd written, so apprehensive was I that my work might be stolen and I'd end up like Billy Crystal's character in Throw Momma From the Train: sitting at home in my underwear, screaming at the TV as the thief was being interviewed on Oprah or walking the red carpet.

Well, I'm close to 50 years old now, and that apprehension has been replaced by the sober awareness that I might never see my stories "brought to life"--which would perhaps be worse than having them stolen--so I've decided to make Package Deal available here on this website (see below) to anyone interested in reading it. Feel free to share it with others; I'd love for this story to inspire as many people as possible!

Enjoy,
Rob

P.S.
When I wrote this story (January of 2013), Jason Kidd was still playing in the NBA, Craig Robinson was head coach of the Oregon State men's basketball team, and a then-35-year-old would have been starting their freshman year of college in the fall of 1997. That to say, some elements of Package Deal are time-specific (and would have to be rewritten if it were made into a movie), so please read the story with this in mind.

Also, references to real public figures and actual organizations, businesses, and institutions notwithstanding, Package Deal is a work of fiction. The majority of the characters--and their names--have been made up and are not intended to be representative of real persons.

Package Deal

A large department store.

The store is dimly lit, and the gate to the mall is closed.

SCOTT SPINDLER, an assistant store manager in his thirties, and GILES KNIGHT, a sales associate in his early twenties, are rolling a large cart loaded with boxes of product inventory through the hallway that leads from the warehouse to the show floor.

Giles notices the product name on one of the boxes.

GILES:
What’s the “Total Reach 3000”?

SCOTT:
It’s a plastic rod with a grabber on the end that telescopes up to
eight feet to reach stuff.

Giles looks skeptical.

GILES:
How much weight can it hold when it’s fully extended?

SCOTT:
I don’t know...

Scott chuckles.

SCOTT:
Probably half a pound or less.

GILES:
Sounds more like the “Total Crap 3000”.

Scott stops the cart.

SCOTT:
Hey! We sell this crap--which makes it a high-quality product that will enrich people’s lives.

A beat.

SCOTT:
It’s our job to move product, not make judgments about it.

From Giles’ body language, it is plain to see that he’s just lost some respect for Scott.

GILES:
Whatever you say, man.

As Scott and Giles resume rolling the cart out to the show floor, KIRK FLANAGAN, an athletic-looking man in his mid-thirties, pokes his head out of his office at the end of the hallway and calls after them:

KIRK:
Before you guys set out that inventory, Giles, will you please do a quick sweep of the store to make sure all the signage reflects today’s sale?

Giles' body language changes, takes on a more open, energetic posture.

GILES:
Sure!

KIRK:
And Scott, I wanna take a quick look at yesterday’s P&L report with you.

Kirk ducks back into his small, modest office and sits down behind his impeccably organized desk. After a moment, Scott enters.

SCOTT:
We already went over the P&L report.

KIRK:
I know. I couldn’t think of anything else to say to get you to come in here.

Kirk gestures to the only other chair in his office. His demeanor is warm and inviting.

KIRK:
Have a seat.

Scott looks perplexed but sits down across from Kirk.

SCOTT:
What’s up?

KIRK:
I overheard you and Giles talking about that new grabber tool. What’s your honest take on it?

Scott sits with the question a moment before responding.

SCOTT:
It’s crap.

KIRK:
Sounds like it. So why would we wanna put one of our best employees in the position of feeling pressure to sell something he doesn't believe in? Over time--especially if that scenario is repeated--he’ll become disheartened, look for work elsewhere, and leave. And not only will we incur the expense and hassle of hiring and training someone to replace him, but chances are they won’t be nearly as charismatic and hard-working as Giles.

Scott nods.

KIRK:
Instead let’s encourage him to sell the crap out of the things he does believe in.

SCOTT:
Yeah, you’re right. I’ll talk with him and clear the air.

KIRK:
That’d be great.

Kirk opens the top drawer of his desk, reaches in, and takes out a gift card.

KIRK:
Thanks for everything you do to keep this place running so smoothly. I really appreciate it.

He slides it across the desk to Scott.

KIRK:
You should assign M-O-D to Cynthia for an hour this afternoon and take a relaxing lunch at Stanford’s.

Scott reaches out and takes the gift card.

SCOTT:
Thanks, Kirk.

KIRK:
You’re welcome.

A beat.

SCOTT:
Speaking of relaxing, what are you doing here on your day off? You should get outta here.

Kirk smiles.

KIRK:
Thirty minutes. I’ll be outta here in thirty minutes.

Scott stands up...

SCOTT:
Alright. We’ll see ya tomorrow.

...and walks out of Kirk’s office.

Kirk picks up his mug of coffee and take a sip. With his free hand he presses the button next to the flashing red light on his office phone.

COMPUTERIZED PHONE VOICE:
You have two unheard messages. First message, dialed today at eight forty-six a.m. from 5-5-5-1-8-1-9.

VOICE ON THE MESSAGE (female):
Hi, it’s Amanda. I’m just calling to let you know I’m sick and won’t be coming in to work today.

COMPUTERIZED PHONE VOICE:
End of message. Next message, dialed today at eight forty-seven a.m. from 5-5-5-1-8-1-9.

VOICE ON THE MESSAGE (female):
Hi, this is Stephanie. I’m not able to make it into work today because I’m sick.

COMPUTERIZED PHONE VOICE:
End of new messages.

Kirk shakes his head and smirks; as disappointed as he is by their dishonesty, he’s far more amused by their ineptitude.

A public park on a warm, sunny afternoon in Portland, Oregon.

Children are playing on the park's swings, slides, and teeter totters.

A handwritten sign on the path leading to the main pavilion reads:

St. Anthony's 9th Annual
4th of July Potluck
Visitors Welcome

Several dozen people are gathered under the pavilion--lingering over half-eaten plates of seconds--talking and laughing.

At one table, ELIZABETH FLANAGAN and a NEW MOM are eating dessert and talking. The New Mom bounces a BABY on her knee.

NEW MOM:
Congratulations! That's so exciting!

Elizabeth beams.

ELIZABETH:
Thank you.

NEW MOM:
When are you due?

ELIZABETH:
January twenty-sixth.

Elizabeth gestures to her friend’s baby.

ELIZABETH:
Mind if I get a little practice?

NEW MOM: Not at all.

She hands her baby to Elizabeth.

Nearby, on one of the park's basketball courts, a group of men are playing a friendly game of five-on-five, among them Kirk. The men's abilities are as wide-ranging as their ages: the youngest player is fifteen, the oldest is in his fifties.

Kirk is far and away the best player on the court, taking it to the rim with confidence, knocking down jumpers with ease, and making laser-sharp passes to his teammates.

One of his teammates is MARCUS LEONARD, a wiry, 6'6" seventeen-year-old with a huge wing span.

During the course of the game, Marcus is on the receiving end of several of Kirk's assists. He also makes a few highlight-reel-worthy blocks.

After the game, as the guys are walking back to the pavilion for dessert, Marcus approaches Kirk and tells him he's thinking about going out for his high school basketball team in the fall, despite the fact that he's never played basketball before.

Marcus compliments Kirk on his game and asks if he'd be willing to train him over the summer. Kirk agrees to meet with Marcus two days a week.

Only a few weeks into the training, it is obvious to Kirk that Marcus has serious potential. He tells Marcus that if he really commits himself, he might be able to attract the attention of some colleges and receive scholarship offers.

Marcus:
You really think so?

KIRK:
If you commit yourself, yeah.

Marcus smiles.

MARCUS:
Alright, just tell me what I have to do.

-------

An excited, animated Kirk talking with Elizabeth about how fun and satisfying it is teaching Marcus how to play basketball, telling her how quickly Marcus is picking up the concepts and techniques he is teaching him, and how he thinks Marcus has a real shot at playing college ball.

Kirk kneels down to get level with Elizabeth's belly.

KIRK:
Someday I'll help you get a scholarship, too, so Mommy and Daddy don't have to mortgage their home to pay for your schooling.

Elizabeth smiles.

ELIZABETH:
You can be whatever you want to be, baby. And we will love you regardless of whether or not you like basketball.

-------

Kirk designs a more intensive training program for Marcus and increases their training sessions from twice a week to five days a week. Marcus responds with gusto.

We see Marcus getting demonstrably better.

-------

In late October, Portland’s Cleveland High School holds varsity basketball tryouts in their gymnasium. Marcus is among the thirty or so boys who are vying for one of the fourteen spots on the varsity roster.

COACH NOLAN and his assistant coach, EDDIE, stand in the bleachers with clipboards in their hands, making notes as they survey the two half-court scrimmages that are going on.

EDDIE:
Who's the kid in the blue tank top?

COACH NOLAN:
That's Kyle Hoffman. He's a junior transfer from Boise. His family relocated when his dad took a job with Freightliner. I've got him slotted to be our backup point guard until Keenan returns from his shoulder injury.

EDDIE:
Who's the bean pole by the water fountain?

COACH NOLAN:
Marcus Leonard. He's a senior.

EDDIE:
Where'd he transfer from?

COACH NOLAN:
Nowhere.

EDDIE:
Why have I never seen or heard of this kid?

COACH NOLAN:
Because he was only six feet tall last year and a member of the chess team.

Eddie raises an eyebrow. Coach Nolan nods in agreement.

COACH NOLAN:
I'm not getting my hopes up.

-------

Once he gets on the floor and starts playing, Marcus blows the coaches away. Not only does he end up making the team, it is readily apparent that he's their best player.

-------

Scenes of Marcus playing well in games, interspersed with:

- Scenes of Marcus in his bedroom late at night reviewing game tape on his laptop.

- Scene of Marcus dribbling a basketball on his walk home from school.

- Scenes of Kirk and Marcus on a Portland city playground (variously at dusk, early in the morning, in the rain, etc.) practicing post moves, crossovers, and shooting off the dribble.

-------

Several local news stations start hyping the most anticipated high school game of the regular season: "Marcus Leonard and the Cleveland High Warriors vs. the Jefferson High Democrats led by consensus All-American forward CHRIS CARR."

-------

Kirk and Marcus practicing again on the same Portland city playground as before. Kirk takes a pass from Marcus on the "elbow" then gives Marcus a bounce pass as he goes "back door" for a two-handed slam dunk.

KIRK:
Nice! I wanna see you do that against Jefferson.

Marcus walks over and reaches into his gym bag for a bottle of Gatorade. Kirk does the same.

Kirk talks with Marcus about what a big game it is tomorrow and how important it is that he plays well because there will almost certainly be college scouts present.

-------

The next night, as the gym is filling with spectators and local news media, Coach Nolan sees Kirk standing in the line for concessions and walks over to him. The two men shake hands.

COACH NOLAN:
Thank you.

KIRK:
For what?

COACH NOLAN:
What you've done with Marcus this past year has been nothing short of
amazing. If it weren't for Marcus, we'd have another losing record and there's a good chance I'd have been out of a job next year.

Kirk smiles a wry smile.

KIRK:
Sounds like you should thank Marcus.

-------

Prior to the game, during warm-ups, Marcus attempts to dunk the ball and gets called for a technical foul. (He didn't know there was a rule prohibiting contact with the rim during non-game time.)

-------

Cleveland High is outmatched and outplayed by the deeper, more experienced, more talented Jefferson team. But Marcus lives up to the hype, turning in his best performance of the year: 32 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists, 1 steal, and 3 blocks.

Several college coaches and scouts are on hand for the game, representing the following schools: Oregon, Oregon State, Gonzaga, UNLV, New Mexico State, Portland State, and Fresno State.

-------

The next day, Kirk and Marcus are out for a late-morning run. Kirk asks if Marcus has given any thought to where he'd like to play his college ball. Marcus' face lights up.

MARCUS:
Did you see Coach Altman and Coach Robinson were there last night?

KIRK:
I did.

MARCUS:
My dad said he saw scouts from Gonzaga there, too, and some guy named Stacey Augmon from UNLV.

KIRK:
You don't know who Stacey Augmon is?

MARCUS:
No. Who is he?

KIRK:
He's the guy you should model your game after.

The Leonards' house.

Elizabeth is in the kitchen with MARCUS' PARENTS and MARCUS' SISTER helping to prepare dinner.

Kirk and Marcus are in the basement family room, watching highlights from the 1990 NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Championship. Kirk is fast forwarding to plays involving Stacey Augmon...then playing them in slow motion to explain some of the specific areas in which Marcus should emulate Augmon.

Marcus' mom hollers down the stairs:

MARCUS' MOM:
Guys! Dinner's ready!

-------

Over dinner, the conversation quickly turns to Marcus' recruitment.

It comes up that Kirk himself was recruited by several colleges as a high school senior, prompting Marcus' dad to ask:

MARCUS' DAD:
With all those choices, where did you end up playing your college
ball, Kirk?

Kirk wipes his mouth with his napkin then takes a drink of water.

KIRK:
I didn't.

Elizabeth looks at Kirk, her face full of knowing compassion. Everyone else at the table looks confused.

KIRK:
A week before the start of my freshman year at the University of Arizona, my mom got sick with a pretty advanced form of throat cancer. My family lived in Montana, so it was too far for me to make it home on weekends and some of the shorter breaks. She told me I should stay, but...I couldn't do it. Her treatment made it impossible for her to work, which meant my dad had to pick up extra hours to make ends meet, so I took a year off to spend time with her, take her to doctors' appointments, and help out with meals and chores around the house.

Marcus' sister apprehensively asks what the rest of the Leonard family is thinking:

MARCUS' SISTER:
How did she respond to the treatment?

KIRK:
She did great. She was back to work in nine months and is still with us today. It was a good two years before any of us said a cross word to each other, (Kirk smiles) but we've long since returned to being the family we've always been.

Relieved laughter.

MARCUS' MOM:
Did you end up going back to Arizona after that?

KIRK:
No. I didn't want to be away from home again in case the cancer came
back, so I thought about enrolling at a nearby community college. They had a basketball team, and I had an offer to play for them, but it wasn't Arizona--wasn't Coach Olson--and my heart just wasn't in it. Instead I went to work for my uncle. He owned a record store in Billings and needed somebody to run it for him. Sounded to me like a
good way to meet girls--(Kirk flashes his wedding ring) which it was.

Elizabeth shakes her head and smiles.

KIRK:
Three Dido concerts later and here we are!

More laughter.

MARCUS:
Wait. So you never went to college?

KIRK:
You sound disappointed in me.

MARCUS:
Not at all! You still have your college eligibility! We could be
teammates next year!

MARCUS' DAD
Oh, now wouldn't that be something!

-------

Later that night at Kirk and Elizabeth's house.

ELIZABETH:
You're thinking about it, aren't you?

KIRK:
Do you know how much fun that would be? And how irresponsible it would
be to quit my job to become a full-time college basketball player? We're about to have a baby for cryin' out loud!

Elizabeth walks over to Kirk. She takes his face in her hands and looks him squarely in the eye.

ELIZABETH:
I love you, Kirk Flanagan. If you decide this is something you need
to do, if this is something you want to go for, you should do it.

KIRK:
What about the baby? How could we pay for day care on just one income? And how would you get any sleep without me around to help out with diaper changes and whatever other exhausting and disgusting things I have no idea about that are part of parenting?

ELIZABETH:
We'll figure it out.

Kirk wants to believe her. He looks at her with deep love and admiration.

ELIZABETH:
I mean it.

She kisses him.

KIRK:
Fortunately these are not challenges we're going to have to confront because no college is going to give a uniform to a thirty-five-year-old who hasn't played competitive basketball in over seventeen years.

-------

Scholarship offers start coming in for Marcus--who won't let go of the idea of being college teammates with Kirk.

Marcus narrows his choices to the University of Northern Colorado, Fresno State, and Portland State University.

During his recruitment interview with Portland State, Marcus says he'll commit to them if they throw in a scholarship for his friend Kirk--whom neither Portland State’s COACH STEVENS nor his assistant, COACH MILLER, have heard of.

Marcus earnestly tells them about Kirk's full ride to Arizona, his mom's illness, how he was lights out at last year's church picnic, and how his coaching and training took [Marcus] from being a clueless chess player to a college basketball recruit in less than a year.

Coach Stevens and Coach Miller can't believe what they're hearing.

COACH MILLER:
I just want to clarify something, Marcus. Are you saying that if we don't offer your friend a scholarship, you're going to decline our scholarship offer to you?

MARCUS:
That's right. We're a package deal.

COACH MILLER:
Clear enough.

Coach Stevens takes a moment to consider what Marcus has just said--and how best to respond to him.

COACH STEVENS:
Well, I can tell you this, Marcus: we want to see you in a Vikings uniform next year, and I'm open to considering every reasonable action we can take to make that happen. That said, I've gotta be honest with you: turning away an energetic eighteen-year-old with a body that's only going to get stronger to give a spot to a tired thirty-five-year-old whose body is probably alerady breaking down... That's a hard sell.

MARCUS:
I understand.

Marcus leans forward and hands Coach Stevens a piece of paper with a phone number on it.

MARCUS:
You should at least invite him in for a workout before you make your final decision. He might surprise you.

-------

After his recruitment interview, Marcus calls Kirk and tells him what he said.

KIRK:
You said what!? Are you crazy!?

MARCUS:
They said they'd consider it.

KIRK:
That's polite-speak for you just shot yourself in the foot.

-------

That afternoon, Coach Stevens and Coach Miller are standing in line downtown at a busy food cart.

COACH STEVENS:
I've had recruits ask me for money and cars before, but this is a first.

COACH MILLER:
Sure is a likable kid, though.

COACH STEVENS:
He is.

COACH MILLER:
And he's one heckuva basketball player, with incredible upside.

COACH STEVENS:
Is this your way of telling me I should work out his buddy? He's thirty-five-years old!

COACH MILLER:
So? Jason Kidd is thirty-nine and he's still having an impact in the NBA.

COACH STEVENS:
He's not asking me to give a scholarship to Jason Kidd, Rick.

COACH MILLER:
The guy had a full ride to Arizona. That's saying something.

COACH STEVENS:
You would seriously consider giving this guy a spot?

COACH MILLER:
I'd at least meet with him. What would be the harm in that? Who knows: that gesture alone might be enough to keep Leonard.

Kirk and Elizabeth are home watching TV. Kirk keeps glancing at his phone.

ELIZABETH:
Are you expecting a call from someone?

KIRK:
No.

ELIZABETH:
Then why do you keep looking at your phone?

KIRK:
That's a good question.

ELIZABETH:
Since you don't have a good answer and you're not paying attention to this show, would you mind refilling my water and bringing me the Kit Kat I hid in the fridge behind the salad dressings?

KIRK:
You're hiding Kit Kats in the fridge?

ELIZABETH:
Don't judge me: I'm pregnant.

While Kirk is in the kitchen looking for the Kit Kat, Elizabeth's water breaks.

ELIZABETH:
Honey!!! Either I just peed myself or we're about to have a baby!

A proud, joyful Kirk walks into the hospital waiting room to give an update to the handful of family and friends who are gathered there:

KIRK:
It's a girl!

Hugs all around.

-------

Kirk and Elizabeth lying in her hospital bed, staring in wonder at their daughter, NORA.

-------

Elizabeth's hospital room, the next morning. Nora is nursing.

KIRK:
Alright, who haven't we called yet?

Kirk and Elizabeth review their list of family and friends.

ELIZABETH:
What about your work?

KIRK:
I'll call them right now.

As Kirk reaches for his phone, it starts ringing.

KIRK:
Hello. ... This is. ... Uh-huh. ... Uh-huh. ... Yes! ... Absolutely! ... Nine o'clock sounds great! ... Okay, I'll see you then!

ELIZABETH:
Who was that?

KIRK:
Portland State. They want me to come in for a workout next week.

Kirk meets with Coach Stevens and Coach Miller at the Portland State gym. They put him through some drills.

Several current players, including team captain TONY JOHNSON, are on hand to watch.

DAVE BISBEE, the school's athletic director, walks in.

DAVE:
(to Tony) What's going on?

TONY:
Apparently the recruit from Cleveland High School won't come here unless his personal coach gets a scholarship, too. That's just crazy.

Dave looks confused.

DAVE:
A coaching scholarship?

TONY:
No, a spot on the team.

-------

A meeting in Dave Bisbee's office. Dave, Coach Stevens, and Coach Miller are present.

DAVE:
Are we trying to win games or sell circus tickets? 'Cause I guarantee you nobody else in our conference is auditioning thirty-five-year-old Sears managers to run point for them.

Coach Stevens shoots Coach Miller an annoyed 'I told you so' look.

COACH STEVENS:
Dave, all we've done is call a guy in for a workout. That's it.

DAVE:
That better be it.

The intercom on Dave's phone buzzes. He pushes the "Speaker" button.

DAVE:
What is it, Mary?

MARY:
There's an Elizabeth Flanagan here to see Coach Stevens.

Coach Stevens can't believe it. He rubs his forehead.

COACH STEVENS:
Ugh…

Dave hits the "Mute" button.

DAVE:
(to Coach Stevens) You know this lady?

COACH STEVENS:
It's his wife.

Dave is in shocked disbelief.

DAVE:
This is seriously starting to feel like a circus.

He un-mutes his phone.

DAVE:
Send her in.

Elizabeth walks into the room and all three men stand. Coach Miller offers her his chair.

ELIZABETH:
Thank you, but this will only take a minute. Which one of you
gentlemen is Coach Stevens?

Coach Stevens steps toward her and extends his hand.

COACH STEVENS:
I am, ma'am.

They shake hands.

ELIZABETH:
I realize that me barging in here like this is probably breaking some unwritten rules of decorum and may be uncomfortable for you. I assure you it's uncomfortable for me, too. I considered writing to you, but I decided this was something I needed to do in person.

All three men are aware that they are in the presence of a strong and thoughtful woman. Already their demeanors have softened.

ELIZABETH:
My husband is a humble man. He's also trying hard not to get his hopes up, so you're not going to get from him how badly he wants this. I'm not here to beg, and I'm not here to appeal to your sentimentality. I realize this is a business and that you all have jobs where your continued employment is connected to the product you put on the court each night. All I'm asking is for you to evaluate my husband based on his abilities, his experience, and his leadership qualities--not on any preconceptions you may have on account of his age.

She reaches into her purse and takes out a thumb drive.

ELIZABETH:
I know he's lost a step, but he's still got some great basketball in him.

She hands the thumb drive to Coach Stevens.

ELIZABETH:
Whatever decision you make, we're grateful for your consideration.

COACH STEVENS:
Thank you, ma'am.

-------

Exterior shot of one of the buildings at Portland State at night. All the windows are dark except for Coach Stevens' office. Inside we see him watching the videos on the thumb drive that Elizabeth gave him.

It contains impressive highlights from Kirk's high school days, as well as a 1997 sportscast form a news station in Tucson previewing the upcoming 1997-98 Arizona team, in which Kirk's name is mentioned in the same breath as MIKE BIBBY's and JASON TERRY's (both of whom went on to play in the NBA).

St. Anthony's Church.

All of KIRK'S FAMILY and ELIZABETH'S FAMILY are present for Nora's baptism.

Elizabeth’s sister, ANGELA, and Marcus are the godparents.

-------

A post-baptism lunch at Kirk and Elizabeth's house. Both of their families are present, as well as the Leonard family.

At one point during the gathering, after everyone has finished their lunch, Elizabeth shoots Marcus a mischievous look. He smiles and disappears...and returns with a cake decorated in a basketball theme that reads: "Congratulations, Kirk!"

Elizabeth, Marcus, and Marcus' family lead everyone in a round of "For He's a Jolly Good Point Guard".

ELIZABETH:
Kirk has something he'd like to announce.

KIRK:
(to Elizabeth and Marcus) For real?

Elizabeth's face is full of love and admiration. Marcus' face is full of excitement.

ELIZABETH:
For real.

MARCUS:
Package deal, baby!

Kirk's eyes well up with tears and he smiles a big, joyful smile.

Kirk’s and Elizabeth's families look confused...

KIRK:
I guess I'm playing basketball at Portland State next year!

...then surprised. And happy.

The end of August. Nora is now seven months old and crawling. Kirk is home playing with her on the living room rug when the doorbell rings.

He opens the door and is shocked to find his mom standing on the front steps with a large suitcase.

KIRK:
Mom! What are you doing here!?

KIRK’S MOM:
I’ve come to live with you.

Kirk's jaw drops.

KIRK’S MOM:
I’ll be taking care of Nora on the days Elizabeth is working and you’re at school or playing basketball.

She reaches out and gently pushes up on his jaw, closing his mouth.

KIRK’S MOM:
You’ve got three weeks to show me the ropes.

-------

Kirk, Elizabeth, Nora, and Kirk’s Mom are seated at the dining room table eating a hearty breakfast: pancakes, eggs, bacon, orange juice, coffee. As they're finishing breakfast, Marcus pulls up outside and honks his horn.

KIRK:
That’s my ride. Gotta go.

Kirk gets up from the table and gives Elizabeth a hug and kiss, gives Nora a kiss on the top of her head, and gives his mom a hug.

KIRK:
Thanks for breakfast, Mom.

KIRK’S MOM:
You’re very welcome.

As Kirk is putting his shoes on at the front door, Elizabeth calls out in a little kid’s voice, as though it is coming from Nora:

ELIZABETH:
Have a good first day at school, Dada.

At that, Kirk’s Mom perks up unexpectedly.

KIRK’S MOM:
Oh! Honey, wait!

She hurriedly gets up from the table and grabs a small camera from her purse.

KIRK’S MOM:
Before you go, I want to get a picture of you standing in front of the house with your backpack.

Kirk is visibly cool to her request. He offers up a weak argument for why he doesn’t want his picture taken:

KIRK:
No one needs a picture. We’ll remember.

KIRK’S MOM:
No, no, no. They’ll be no mere remembering. I want a picture.

Kirk realizes she will not be denied.

KIRK:
Okay. How ‘bout a quick one right here next to the fireplace?

KIRK’S MOM:
No. Outside in front of the house.

KIRK:
(pleadingly) Mom.

KIRK’S MOM:
Honey, it’s a tradition.

-------

Kirk hops into the passenger seat of Marcus' car and pulls the door closed. After a moment of awkward silence, Marcus turns to face Kirk.

MARCUS:
That was sweet.

KIRK:
Shut up.

-------

Scenes of Kirk integrating into college life.

-------

The first day of basketball practice.

Kirk is dubbed "old man" by the starting point guard, ANDREW SADLER, one of the more vocal players on the team.

-------

More basketball practice scenes. More razzing.

At one point, during a five-on-five scrimmage, the team captain and star shooting guard Tony Johnson makes an inappropriate comment about Kirk's wife. Kirk whispers to Marcus (whom Tony is guarding) to bring the ball up the sideline in a full-on sprint, which he does.

Kirk sets a monster pick at half court that stops Tony dead in his tracks. He crumples to the floor. Coach Stevens is angry about this unnecessary show of force and hollers out some choice words for Kirk and Marcus as he hurriedly walks over to check on Tony.

Kirk leans over Tony:

KIRK:
Don't ever talk about my wife like that again.

-------

After the practice, Coach Stevens approaches Kirk at his locker and lets him know--in no uncertain terms--that if he EVER puts a teammate's health in jeopardy like that again he'll be off the team.

Coach Stevens walks out of the locker room.

An angry Kirk throws his shoe against the wall. Marcus watches all of this with wide eyes and a somber look on his face.

Tense silence fills the room.

The silence is broken by Tony who walks over to Kirk and apologizes:

TONY:
What I said was disrespectful and uncalled-for. I'm sorry.

Tony offers Kirk his hand.

TONY:
We cool?

Kirk and Tony shake hands.

KIRK:
We're cool.

Kirk and Marcus are walking across campus one morning. Kirk is carrying Nora strapped to his chest in a front-facing baby carrier.

Every FEMALE STUDENT they walk past is completely drawn to Nora, stopping to ask Kirk:

FEMALE STUDENT:
Oh, what a cutie. How old is she?

KIRK:
She just turned nine months.

FEMALE STUDENT:
What's her name?

KIRK:
Nora.

FEMALE STUDENT:
Hi, Nora! How are you, sweet girl?

Marcus sees this scene play out again and again on their walk. He gets an idea.

MARCUS:
Hey, do you think I could borrow Nora sometime?

-------

Moments later. A men's room at Portland State.

Kirk is helping Marcus put on the baby carrier and Nora. Once all the straps have been adjusted and Nora is securely fastened, Kirk slaps Marcus on the back.

KIRK:
Good luck!

-------

Scene of Elizabeth stuck in traffic during the afternoon rush hour.

Scene of Kirk at home at the kitchen table reading a large text book while Kirk's Mom plays with Nora in the living room.

-------

Another practice. Another five-on-five scrimmage.

Kirk is guarding Andrew, who is his usual trash-talking self. Most of it is directed at Kirk. Kirk is getting sick of it and responds by getting more physical with his defense.

After a handful of possessions--with Kirk effectively getting Andrew "off" his game--Coach Stevens exhorts Andrew to pick up the tempo on offense.

ANDREW:
I'm trying to but he's cheating!

KIRK:
(to Andrew) Just 'cause you can't go left doesn't mean I'm cheating.

ANDREW:
I can't go left, huh?

KIRK:
That's what Mills said. I'm just going off his scouting report. He also said you'd be the easiest player to take in a game of one-on-one, which, after seeing how slow you are, I'm inclined to believe.

That last comment got Andrew hot.

ANDREW:
Man, I would whoop you in a game of one-on-one.

KIRK:
On your best day and my worst day you wouldn't whoop me.

ANDREW:
There must be some part of your brain that misarranges information: you're old and slow--and I'm not. I could spot you five points and it still wouldn't be close!

KIRK:
You wanna back that up with a friendly wager?

ANDREW:
Yeah, I win and you do my laundry for a month.

KIRK:
Alright. And if I win--

ANDREW:
Ain't gonna happen.

KIRK:
Just as a formality, though, we should designate what I get if I win.

ANDREW:
(supremely confident) Name it.

-------

Andrew is standing in front of an easel and blank canvas smack dab in the middle of the Portland State campus. He is wearing a painter's smock and a beret.

In front of him is a handmade sign that reads: Get Your Portait Painted by THE Andrew Sadler for FREE--In 5 Minutes or Less!

ANDREW:
Dude, I can't paint.

KIRK:
I was hoping that was the case.

-------

Montage of Andrew painting--and butchering--dozens of students' portraits.

Lots of gut-busting laughter all around.

-------

After awhile, Kirk returns and checks his watch.

KIRK:
Alright, bet's over, man. Lemme buy you lunch.

ANDREW:
I feel like I should buy you lunch; that was actually pretty fun.

-------

Scene of Kirk and Andrew at lunch, getting to know one another better.

Out of that conversation, Kirk decides to invite the whole team over for dinner.

-------

Team dinner at Kirk and Elizabeth's house, resulting in some really great team bonding.

Nora is wearing a onesie that reads: I Only Cry When Ugly People Hold Me

-------

Marcus' car. Daytime. Marcus is driving and Kirk is in the passenger seat.

Marcus is excited.

MARCUS:
Did Coach tell you?

KIRK:
Tell me what? He's gonna play me if there's one minute left in the game and we're up or down by thirty?

MARCUS:
Look!

Marcus points up.

Kirk looks up...at a huge billboard of him and Marcus wearing their Portland State home uniforms with the words "Package Deal" written next to them in big letters.

MARCUS:
The marketing department heard about us and thought we had 'story appeal'!

Kirk looks horrified.

KIRK:
You know how much crap I'm going to get for this? When did this go up?

MARCUS:
These. When did these go up? There are six of them.

-------

That afternoon, while Kirk is in chemistry lab, his phone is vibrating nonstop in his pocket.

At one point, he reaches in his pocket and takes out his phone, revealing that he has 14 voicemails and 59 text messages waiting for him.

He shakes his head.

Scenes of the first few basketball games.

There are some definite highlights, but there are also many lowlights. Too many lowlights.

After four games, the team is 1-3.

Marcus has played well in spurts, but overall he has been inconsistent. His inexperience shows.

As expected, Kirk has received very little playing time.

In their fifth game, at home, the team gets down by fifteen points early. Then, midway through the first half, DEMETRIUS STEELE, the backup point guard, goes down with a bad ankle injury.

At halftime, Coach Stevens announces to the team that Demetrius has been taken to the hospital for x-rays and won't be back for at least the remainder of the game. Since Andrew already has four fouls, Coach Stevens tells Kirk he will start the second half at point.

On their way out of the locker room, Andrew pats Kirk on the back and offers him some encouragement.

Kirk plays well on offense, directing plays with confidence and knocking down some big threes on post kickouts, but he gets chewed up on defense by Oregon State's speedy and crafty JERMAINE THOMPSON (whose speed and craftiness is partly the reason for Andrew's four fouls by halftime).

Portland State ends up losing by twenty-five points.

After the game, Kirk is the first player to leave the locker room. As he is making his way through the gym lobby to meet up with Elizabeth, he overhears TWO FANS complaining about what a liability Kirk is on defense:

FAN #1:
It was like watching a turtle trying to guard a roadrunner tonight.

FAN #2:
It was pathetic.

Kirk is sobered by their criticism.

Kirk begins an intense training regimen to improve his strength, mobility, and quickness--eschewing the high-tech equipment at the university's gym for things he can do at home or in nature (a la the training montage in Rocky IV).

For example...

- Kirk fastens old-school weight bands around his ankles and goes out for a run. When he gets back to the house, he straps Nora to his back in the baby carrier and does pushups.

- Kirk goes to a park with Elizabeth (in rain gear), Nora (in a baby stroller with a rain cover), and their dog, a seven-year-old golden retriver. Kirk takes off his running shoes and puts on his old baseball cleats. Elizabeth uses a jai alai-esque scoop to throw tennis balls, which Kirk and the dog chase after at full speed. In between throws, while the dog is returning the ball to Elizabeth (because he always wins), Kirk does burpees.

- Kirk is out for a hilly run in heavily-wooded Forest Park. At the end of his run, he takes off the backpack he is wearing and takes out a 50-foot bungee cord. He fastens one end of the cord around a big tree and the other end around himself. Then he takes off running away from the tree as fast as he can. As the bungee cord is stretching to full tension, he really has to dig in and fight to keep from being pulled back. Out for a training run, DARLINGTON NAGBE of the Portland Timbers (Major League Soccer) passes by with a quizzical looks on his face.

- While it is still very early in the morning--and very dark--Kirk gets in his car and drives to the Oregon coast. His is the only car in the small parking lot at Arcadia Beach State Park. He gets out, puts on a wet suit, and walks down to the ocean. He wades into the water until he is waist deep then starts doing defensive slide exercises.

-------

More basketball game scenes. Lots of highlights this time.

The team is really starting to come together and play some great team basketball. They win twelve of their next fourteen games, improving their record to 13-6.

Marcus is steadily improving. As backup small forward he is averaging 6 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 block per game.

Even with Demetrius back from his ankle injury, Kirk continues to get solid minutes, alternating between point guard and shooting guard. He leads the team in three-point field goal percentage, assists-per minute-of-playing-time, and charges taken. His work ethic, his toughness, his knowledge of the game, and his encouraging spirit have endeared him to his teammates and the Portland State fans. And to Coach Stevens.

-------

During an away game against Northern Arizona University, a TRASH-TALKING OPPONENT makes a crude comment about Kirk's wife--within earshot of Tony.

TONY:
(to Kirk) I got this.

On the very next play, Tony brings the ball up the sideline in a full-on sprint. Kirk sets a monster pick at half court that stops the Trash-Talking Opponent dead in his tracks, sending him crumpling to the floor.

Tony leans over him:

TONY:
He doesn't like it when people talk about his wife like that.

-------

On the plane flight home, Andrew walks over to where Kirk is seated.

ANDREW:
You got a minute?

KIRK:
Yeah, have a seat.

Andrew sits down.

KIRK:
What's up?

ANDREW:
Marcus was tellin' me he babysits Nora on campus sometimes to help
with--

KIRK:
You want to borrow my daughter to help you meet girls!? You're one of the most recognizable guys on campus. And you're good looking. And you're a sharp dresser.

ANDREW:
And I get nervous around girls I'm interested in. I need an ice breaker.

Elizabeth is in a planning meeting at Wieden + Kennedy (the Portland ad agency best known for its ground-breaking work for Nike).

The meeting lets out and she returns to her desk. She sees a post-it note stuck to her computer that reads: "You are wanted in the nest!"

"The Nest" is a meeting place sculpture designed to look like a bird nest. When she gets there, she is surprised to find Kirk waiting for her.

ELIZABETH:
What a treat!

She sits down next to him and gives him a kiss.

ELIZABETH:
Where's Nora? I thought your mom had a dentist appointment this afternoon.

KIRK:
She does. Andrew is watching her.

ELIZABETH:
Did he lose another bet with you?

KIRK:
No, he asked if he could walk around campus with her to help him
meet girls...

Elizabeth looks disapproving.

KIRK:
...which I heard as, "Hey, why don't you take your wife to lunch?"

-------

Kirk and Elizabeth at Henry's 12th Street Tavern.

ELIZABETH:
How nice to be out on a date with you.

KIRK:
It's been awhile, hasn't it?

They gaze into each other's eyes and reach across the table to hold each other's hands.

After a moment, Kirk takes on a more serious tone:

KIRK:
I've been crunching the numbers: I don’t think we can afford for me to continue not working. Not with some of the big repairs we need to make around the house and the need to replace the car soon. That and we're gonna have to figure out some sort of day care arrangement for Nora, 'cause my mom can't live with us forever.

Much as Elizabeth loves her mother-in-law, having her live with them for six months now has been a long time.

ELIZABETH:
No she can't.

KIRK:
You've been a real trooper.

ELIZABETH:
Thanks.

KIRK:
Thank you.

ELIZABETH:
So what are your thoughts about work? Are you thinking about getting something part-time and staying in school? Are you thinking just for the next six months until basketball starts up again? Seeing if you can get your old job back? What are you thinking?

KIRK:
I'm thinking next week needs to be my last game. All the rest I'm still a little fuzzy on.

ELIZABETH:
Are you okay with that?

KIRK:
I am. And I'm really glad I did this.

ELIZABETH:
Me, too.

A Portland TV news station leads the sports portion of their broadcast with a preview of Portland State's final game of the season, a home game against conference rival Weber State.

With a record of 23 wins and 10 losses, Portland State has an outside shot of making the NCAA Tournament--mostly owing to impressive late season upset wins over San Diego State and Gonzaga, both ranked teams.

-------

The team's final week of practice.

At the start of practice, Coach Stevens calls everyone over to the bleachers to have a seat. He talks to the team about the increased media at the team's games and practices recently, and all the hype surrounding their possible NCAA Tournament bid.

COACH STEVENS:
Guess what? That's all it is: hype. If you take a look at our schedule, there's only one game left on it: Weber State. This Thursday. Right here. In this gym. That's it.

He has their full attention.

COACH STEVENS:
Now don't get me wrong; it's good to set goals. I love setting goals. You know that. And the best kind of goals are what?

STARTING CENTER:
They're smart.

That wasn't enough participation or conviction for Coach Stevens.

COACH STEVENS:
(hollering) They're what?

ALL THE PLAYERS:
They’re smart!

COACH STEVENS:
That's right. They're smart: they're specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and timely. Right now there's only one goal that meets that criteria: beating Weber State. This Thursday. Right here. In this gym.

He looks every one of them in the eye.

COACH STEVENS:
That's it.

He goes on to talk about what a tough opponent Weber State is and how it's going to require a complete team effort to slow down their star, LUCAS EDMONDS, one of the nation's leading scorers.

Coach Stevens concludes his talk by announcing that Thursday night will be the final home game of Kirk's college career, as [Kirk] has decided that the right decision for his family is to get a job and start bringing in a paycheck again. He humorously concludes his announcement with:

COACH STEVENS:
Baby girl needs new shoes.

Some laughs from the guys.

TONY:
Man, you're dropping out of school? What kind of example are you setting for all us impressionable young men?

More laughs from the guys.

MARCUS:
(sarcastically) I am so disappointed in you.

COACH STEVENS:
If it's alright with all of you, I'd like to make Kirk an honorary
captain for Thursday night's game. Anyone care to second that motion?

All hands enthusiastically go up, including Coach Miller's.

-------

After practice, Coach Stevens calls Kirk and Marcus into his office.

COACH STEVENS:
I just want to thank both of you for what you've done for this team. You brought a chemistry--a camaraderie, really--that was missing, and it's been contagious. I can honestly say this is the most enjoyable and rewarding season I've ever had as a coach.

In his youthful naiveté, Marcus blurts out:

MARCUS:
That's just 'cause we're winning.

COACH STEVENS:
That's part of it. But mostly it's why and how we're winning.

Kirk is touched by Coach Stevens' kind words.

KIRK:
Thanks, Coach.

COACH STEVENS:
(to Kirk) We're gonna miss you next year.

The final home game of the season. The Portland State gym is at capacity.

During pre-game warm-ups, all the Portland State players are wearing long-sleeved, mustard-yellow Star Trek shirts in honor of ‘Captain’ Kirk.

In the stands, Nora is wearing a Star Trek onesie. With her are Elizabeth, Kirk's mom, Kirk's dad and sister, and Marcus' family.

Kirk's mom's eyes well up with tears of gratitude and joy as she turns to face Elizabeth.

KIRK'S MOM:
I don't pretend to know how much of a sacrifice this has been for you.

ELIZABETH:
This has been a really good thing--for everyone in our family.

KIRK'S MOM:
You are an amazing woman, Elizabeth.

-------

Scenes from the final home game.

It's a close one, with the lead changing hands several times down the stretch. Near the end of the game, Kirk plants his feet to take a charge as Lucas Edmonds drives the lane on a fast break. Edmonds' head collides hard with Kirk's jaw, knocking him out cold. Kirk lay motionless on the court as Coach Miller and the TEAM TRAINER hurry out to check on him.

Looks of concern on the faces of the Portland State players and on the faces of Kirk's and Marcus' family in the stands.

Kirk slowly comes to. Dazed and in great pain, he gets up with the help of the Team Trainer, who escorts him off the court and to the locker room.

-------

Kirk in a hospital bed at Oregon Health Science University (OHSU) Hospital, surrounded by his family.

In the collision with Edmonds, Kirk suffered a concussion and broke his jaw.

Marcus, Andrew, Tony, and a few other teammates arrive at the hospital to pay Kirk a visit.

Kirk is in too much pain to talk, so to communicate he has a marker and a small whiteboard. As soon as he sees Marcus, Kirk scribbles on his board: "You fouled a guy on a last-second three-pointer!?"

MARCUS:
No, I blocked a guy on a last-second three-pointer. The out-of-position ref said I fouled a guy.

TONY:
It's true, man. It was a beautiful block, terrible call.

Kirk erases and scribbles: "I sit corrected."

The guys ask how Kirk is doing and what the prognosis is for recovery. Kirk defers to Elizabeth who updates the guys on what the doctors have told them. By all accounts, the prognosis is good.

ANDREW:
(to Kirk) At least it was Edmonds who ran into you and not some dude nobody's ever heard of.

KIRK'S MOM:
Why is that?

ANDREW:
(in awe, to Kirk's Mom) He's the third-leading scorer in the nation!

Marcus chimes in:

MARCUS:
Dude's a lock for the NBA!

TONY:
(to Kirk) Yeah, man! That's gonna make for a good story to tell your grandkids someday!

ELIZABETH:
Guys are weird.

Kirk erases and scribbles: "So I should never wash my chin again?"

ANDREW:
I wouldn't.

Elizabeth shakes her head, partly amused by and partly miffed by the guys’ starstruckness.

ELIZABETH:
Seriously.

Kirk at home with Nora, feeding her breakfast.

Once he has her all squared away with Cheerios and a sippy cup of milk, he sits down with his cup of coffee and opens the morning paper.

He quickly flips to the sports section. The headline reads:
VIKINGS HONORED, EXCITED TO RECEIVE NIT SELECTION

(NIT stands for National Invitation Tournament, a post-season college basketball tournament operated by the NCAA. For big, high-profile schools that don't make the prestigious NCAA Tournament, the NIT is seen as a bittersweet consolation. For smaller schools, however, the NIT can be seen as an opportunity to gain more national exposure and help with recruiting--especially if they do well in the tournament.)

-------

Another basketball practice.

At the start of practice, Coach Stevens calls the team over to the bleachers to have a seat:

COACH STEVENS:
Bring it in, guys!

Everyone gathers 'round. Noticeably absent are Kirk and Coach Miller.

COACH STEVENS:
As you all know, Coach Miller interviewed last week with several schools with coaching vacancies. He called me Saturday evening to let me know that he has accepted the head coaching position at San Jose State. That's great news for Coach Miller and San Jose, but doubly bad news for us: they want him to start right away, so we will be without his services for our upcoming tournament, in additon to next season.

The guys look bummed.

COACH STEVENS:
The other bad news, of course, is we will be without Kirk's services at point.

If he's trying to depress his team, it's working.

COACH STEVENS:
There is some silver lining to all this, though. One of the finest leaders to ever put on a Vikings uniform has been offered and accepted our vacant coaching position.

Kirk appears from around the corner, dressed in a suit and tie, carrying his marker and whiteboard.

COACH STEVENS:
Meet your new assistant coach, gentlemen.

The guys stand and give Kirk a hearty round of applause, exuberant smiles on all their faces. No one's smile is bigger than Marcus'.

Kirk scribbles on his board: "Let's go win the N-I-T!"

The guys all start chanting:

ALL THE PLAYERS:
N-I-T! N-I-T! N-I-T! N-I-T!

***THE END***