NBA
Jace is a force to be reckoned with and as we follow him through his career, we see how hard he works and the dedication he has to maintain his place at the top. He’s a determined young man who is willing to do whatever it takes to be successful. We follow him through his ups and downs, watching him work hard in the gym, on the court and in life.
Jace’s hard work appears to be paying off, as a big media star called Overtime wants to watch him play. This could mean national exposure and being named Rising Phenom. For now, Jace settles in at school, including a trip to the National Museum of African American History & Culture.
Jenna goes hunting for a new coach. This falls to former professional player called Ike Kennedy. He used to be hot stuff at school but now he’s working as a salesman. He refuses to coach Jace, at least to begin with, until he learns what Jace is capable of.
Jace shows up to training and immediately realizes that Ike is a very good defender. The training session quickly turns into a one-on-one battle, with Jace constantly being on the defensive and refusing to shake Ike’s hand after he is knocked down. ..
Ike’s conversation with his pregnant partner shows that he is not the only one who has had their share of issues with Jace. Jace is arrogant and dismissive of his sister, who is trying to cook dinner for the family. Ike, on the other hand, admits that Jace is something special and that he needs to be careful about how he treats him.
Jack and Jace are trying to find their father in secret. They’re part of a team that’s trying to prove his father wrong. There are some racist elements in the mix, as Jack throws the trash out and they return to school.
Isaac heads to the DMV to get his driver’s license. He is tense when he learns that the topic of Jace is being brought up. Specifically, one of the other coaches believes that Ike has been poaching Jace from him.
Jace arrives late to training, but at least he’s there. Because of his tardiness, everyone has to run. This team, SP Grind, is a big risk, especially when we learn that the program has financial issues. Ike is adamant that he wants to fund this, especially with the possibility of the championships on the horizon. These championships are being held in Florida. When Jenna shows up at the gym, she points out that Jace needs to get this right. ..
The next day, SP Grind prepare for their big game, with Overtime in attendance ready to watch them. Their opponents are Team All-Day, who go down 40-31 by the half-time whistle.
Jace is called overrated by the other team and it throws him off his game. Ike encourages him not to get distracted but it doesn’t work. Jace misses a free shot on the first try and the second too. SP Grind lose.
Jace is distraught but Isaac gives him some solid advice and encourages the kid to bounce back quickly and not let it affect him too much. Isaac eventually confronts Ike about his “overrated” chant and tells him not to let it get personal. However, as he berates Jace and his family, Ike smacks him in the mouth… and finds himself arrested.
The Episode Review
Jace is a hot-stuff teenager who finally meets a real match. However, it’s still early days and this rags-to-riches story is just starting to get going. Jace has a plan until he’s punched in the mouth - that quote could not resonate more with him.
The American racist cop story is a necessary part of the story, but it doesn’t affect the overall plot.
Jace is a bit of an arrogant young man, but he seems to be starting to warm up on the team. He needs to work together and rely on the team’s strengths in order to win.
Swagger is starting off well, leaving a lot of potential for the future.
