Tuesday, 8/12/08 (a)

As was usually the case, the routine cleared his mind.

Start with a left-handed layup, then move to the right corner. Swish the 20 footer from just off the driveway. Get the rebound before the second bounce. Head to the left corner, take the pass off the side of the house. Set, jump, release, ... good. Corral the ball and dribble to the top of the key. Face the basket, quick scissor-step dribble between the legs, and drill a slight fadeaway jumper. And only after the previous four steps had been completed to perfection, was the drill ended w/ left-handed layup.

With a wipe of shirt bottom to prevent any dripping sweat from hitting the floor, Matt swept through the back door and hollered out, "Mom, I've made my decision."