"But is this truly the best way forward? How many Major League scouts are looking directly at High School students? Even if Ken has such a great potential, would the big teams really choose him over someone who has played College ball for 3 years?" Chris made his worries known.
In a perfect world, Chris would love to take Ken under his wing at University of Texas and make sure that he developed properly for a long career. However, Ken had always forged his own path, so much so that Chris was worried he might even impede his son's growth if he forced him to attend UT.
Such was the dilemma of parents. For their child properly grow, they needed to take a step back and let them make their own mistakes and triumphs, outside of their protection.
Rob sat back in his chair, his intelligent eyes surveying Chris intently. "I can see that you care for your son Chris, there's no doubt about that. But as someone who has seen Ken play both in the Tournament and in the showcase, I can confidently say he is special."
"I think you would be doing him a disservice by not at least talking to him about his options. Even though he is 18 and can make his own decisions, there is no harm in guidance from someone he respects." Rob said softly, tapping on the arm of his chair.
Chris's eyes widened slightly. He had just been thinking that he needed to let Ken make his own decisions alone since it was his own future, but the word's of the man in front of him gave him some food for thought.
While Ken might not need the same level of care as he would when he was a child, that didn't mean that as his father, Chris couldn't still help him make an informed decision.
"I…" Chris paused, his thoughts in disarray. "Thank you for your words, they've truly given me a new perspective." He said sincerely.
"Mmm, it's no problem. I'm sorry for intruding on something that isn't any of my business. I just don't want such a great talent to suffer in College for 3 years for no reason." Rob stated, getting to his feet.
"Well, I did what I came to do, so I'll leave you to it. I'm sure you're a busy man even though it's the off season." He said, smiling.
"Yeah, always busy around here." Chris chuckled, holding out his hand. "Thanks again, I'll talk to Ken when he gets back and we'll set up the interview."
Rob smirked, grabbing the outstretched hand and shaking it firmly. "Until then, I'll see you around."
As Rob left, Chris sat back down into his chair and let out a deep sigh. He wasn't sure what was best for Ken moving forward, and his wife would defer to him in these situations, so there was only one person he could turn to.
Without a word, Chris retrieved his phone from his drawer and dialed a number.
RING RING
RING RING
"Hey Dad, have you got some time to chat?"
"Eh? You're in Texas!?"
"…"
"Alright, I'll meet you there."
Chris hung up the phone, his face filled with confusion. After packing up his laptop and other belongings, he headed out of the office, "I'm heading home early today, if you need me just call."
"No problem Coach T." The receptionist replied with a smile.
Around 20 or so minutes later, Chris arrived home and walked through the door, only to see his father seated at his dining room table.
"Dad, what are you doing here?" he asked.
Mark turned his head, letting out a grin, "Is that a way you greet your father after so long?" He said jokingly.
Chris felt a little embarrassed, but he walked forward and gave the man a hug. "I didn't mean it that way, I was just surprised."
"Hehe, don't worry." He replied dismissively, patting his son on the back.
"I bet you weren't as surprised as me when I learned that my dear grandson is halfway across the world right now." Mark said, his disappointment evident.
"Ah… Yeah, we would have told you if we knew you'd be coming to Texas." Chris said wryly.
"Pft, that would have ruined the surprise."
"Ahem." Yuki made an annoyed sound from the Kitchen, prompting Chris to suddenly look guilty.
"I'm home… sorry honey." He said, coming over to her and giving her a peck on the cheek. Despite living in a different country, Yuki had insisted on keeping the Japanese tradition of announcing when people came and went in the house.
"Welcome home." She said, before ignoring him promptly.
Chris shook his head, a small smile pulling at the corner of his lips. He put his things down and went over to the table, sitting across from his father.
"So, what did you call me for?" Mark said, taking a sip of the freshly brewed tea Yuki had prepared for him earlier.
"Right, I almost forgot." Chris replied, scratching his head. He slowly recounted the discussion that he'd had with Rob, the chairman of the WWBA, sparing no details.
"Oho? Bob came to see you directly? How very unusual." Mark said, his hand scratching his chin in thought.
"Ah, no it's Rob. R-O-B."
"I call him Bob, or Bobbert if I want to piss him off." Mark said with a wide grin.
Chris blinked a few times, unsure of how to respond to such a thing. Thankfully his father moved the conversation along.
"Well, if Bob is going so far as to visit you in person and say these things, I believe he truly thinks that Ken is special." He stated confidently.
"So then what are your thoughts? What's the best move forward for Ken?"
Mark was thoughtful for a few moments, "Well, if you want him to get noticed by Major League scouts, but also not have to compete for 3 years in College, you could always go the JUCO route."
"JUCO? You mean Junior College?"
"Mmm. If he enrolls in a Junior College, Ken will only need to play for 1 year before he's eligible for the draft." Mark replied succinctly.