It was something about those winter months that made Christian Travis feel all fuzzy inside. Obviously Christmas was easily one of the Kentucky freshmen's but something that took more priority. His upcoming 18th birthday as well as one of the more iconic basketball rivalries in college sports, the Battle for the Bluegrass against a fellow Top-5 ranked squad in the Louisville Cardinals. Whenever a battle of two of the most recent NCAA Champions were set to meet up, you should already know campuses were buzzing as a sea of red and yellow was beginning to descend upon Lexington, Kentucky. Christian had been en route his next class but not before grabbing a mini breakfast and school newspaper with the major headline reading "Cardiac Cardinals vs Wild Wildcats. Undefeated Kentucky Squad Try Their Hand At In-State Rival"

Christian: Never ends does it?

RING, RING!

Christian: Talk to me.

Madelyn: Is that anyway to greet a childhood friend?

Christian: MADDY! BLRB! Shit, don't do that. I almost choked on my breakfast bagel. Let me be more professional, hello Madelyn. How are you on this fine day, well fine whereever you're at, it's fucking cold here in Lexington.

Madelyn: I'm doing alright Chris, and I'm sorry about the weather. Should've stayed on the West Coast there, champ.

Christian: Haha, laugh at my misery all you want. It's this decision and my play that's going to make me a future top-five pick there Cline! So what, I can take a few more months of brutal Midwestern cold if it means a National Championship and the biggest salary known in rookie history.

Madelyn: Speaking of, I know you're going to be in the market for an agent and I'm actually good friends with.

Christian: Don't get me wrong Maddy, I really appreciate what you're trying to do for me, but right now I just want to pursue this here National Championship we're going after. I mean we're ranked number one, undefeated, indomitable and I'm already slotted as a Top-15 pick consensus mock drafts. I'll probably think about pursuing the agent market before tournament time, but... let's just say some people have been dipping their heads around here, and not just for me.

Madelyn: I know it isn't my place to speak on this but you gotta get ahead of this all Chris... they can help navigate all the boring stuff, the paperwork, schedule all media appearances while you handle the fun part.

Christian: I hear you... I'll give it some thought. I just reached my first class of the day and then I'm pretty booked the rest of day with homework, practice, projects.... you get it, tough opponent in Louisville.

Madelyn: Hang on wasn't that the same school that won the title a few years back after a player broke his leg? It went completely viral.

Christian: Yeah. I don't know how they did it but it's crazy how a gruesome injury like can inspire you push forward and claim the ultimate reward. What's even crazier is that I believe Kevin went to another school and has been going dumb crazy. So everything worked out. Let's just pray it doesn't take some gnarly injury for us to hoist a trophy in Indy later this year.

*BOOP* *BOOP*

The unmistakable beeping of an alarm on a phone goes off on her end.

Madelyn: Shit, I gotta go Chris, potential business meeting. I'll talk to you later dude. Wish me luck!

Christian: Right on, thanks for checking on the kid, Mads. And good luck! Wish me luck on this fuckin' test I gotta take. This the one class that gives me PTSD more than anything.

They hang up on each other, while the basketball legacy stopped short of his History class, the bane of college academic success, the only B in a card full of A's. He takes a deep breath, opening the door another day looming towards the Battle of the Bluegrass beginning. The class had ended about hour later, and everyone dragged out a new assignment in hand just as another basketball player from the women's counterpart and a quickly growing friend of the Carolina native, Linnae Harper came up to the near seven footer.

Linnae: Christian, did you see this?!

Christian: What our new impossible assignment? I swear, Teach is findin' new ways to traumatize us-

Linnae: No, no that! This, your stock is rising dude, look at ESPN!

Christian: Usually, I find the shit as taboo until AFTER I've finished the major stuff but. AH, what the fuck.

He activates his iPhone, going to the ESPN App with the latest draft news posted by Jeff Goodman and scrolls to the very point where he sees his name plastered.

NBA 2015 Mock Draft 3.0 By Jeff Goodman.

#7 Detroit Pistons: Christian Travis/6'10, 225/SF/Fr/Kentucky

Intel: The third generation basketball prodigy, son of the three time NBA Champion Prince Travis and grandson of the ever iconic Big Truck Travis, Christian has completely lived up to his billing as the SEC's Next Big Thing on an already loaded Kentucky squad that was expected to do great things. Leading the charge on a Wildcat team that has not only several projected lottery picks but in addition to major wins over ranked powerhouses in Kansas, Texas and North Carolina have immensely helped the once thought to be outside lottery selection as he continues to reach for the skies for Coach Cal with team leading averages of 25.3 PPG and 6.7 APG along with a respectable 5.2 RPG. A combination of teams in Milwaukee, Sacramento, Denver in addition to big markets like New York or Boston could find themselves striking gold with this consumnate sparkplug but for now, the back to back SEC Freshman of the Month stays pat just inside of the top ten, figuring to land in the Motor City as potential franchise cornerstone for the Pistons, something they haven't been accustomed to since the days of Isiah Thomas and the Bad Boy Pistons or those 2000's Pistons who pulled off one of grandest upsets in Finals history. But imagine a father/son team-up in Houston. One can dream. For now however, Christian can take solace in the mere fact that his along with his squad's scintillating play has him along with teammate and fellow freshman Karl-Anthony Towns as Top 10 Picks as he continues the race towards the tournament and potentially beating fellow Wildcat Willie Cauley-Stein for National Player of the Year.

Christian: Sounds like a whole lot of ass kissing is going on and bein' done. These guys quite literally had me as an outside lottery selection when their second mock draft came out. Now they see the promise the kid has? Yeah no fuck that shit, Linnae. I'm just focused on beating Louisville this week, celebrating my birthday and getting to the big dance, undefeated. Then I'll worry about agents, the combine and draft all together.

Linnae: Such a mature man you are there, kiddo!

Christian: Hah. You could say that. I'll see ya, practice and more classes call.

He waves her off as he runs off for his next class for the day, the biggest game arguably at the forefront of his mind eager to try his hand at the mighty in-state rival Louisville Cardinals led by another legendary coach.

December 27th, 2014. KFC YUM! Center. Louisville, Kentucky.

Both teams had graced their ways onto the courts for the pre-game shoot around, the boos becoming more defeaning with each player wearing the blue and white trim UK uniform stepping onto the hostile confines of the University of Louisville. Christian tailed Devin and Karl-Anthony Towns while being in front of Willie Cauley-Stein and both Harrison twins. He waves over to his parents and older sister wearing his jersey which makes the freshman forward/center swell with pride.

Dan Shulman: And we set the stage between two teams with heavy aspirations to claim their respective conferences but right now it's simply about bragging rights when it comes to a state rivalry! It's the battle of undefeated schools, the Big East's Louisville Cardinals, ranked number four in the nation taking on the Kentucky Wildcats, holding notice as the best team bar none in the country. It's continuing coverage of Journey to the Tourney presented to Sonic. All games have a little more extra more and more motivation to these players as conference tournaments and tournament seeding become the primary objective as the Big Dance is mere months away. And the key matchup is between two players averaging over twenty points per game but happen to be on opposites on the experience spectrum. Over 20,000 strong in a sea of red but there lays a splash of blue everywhere you look. And time for the Sonic Showdown and Jay speaking on the stark contrast of experience let's talk about Christian Travis the true freshman hailing from the Golden and Palmetto States and Montrezl Harrell, it's only fitting they've been playing like the two best players in the country.

Jay Bilas: And rightfully two young men Dan, that have been utterly lights out and discussed often as National Player of the Year thus far and their teams respective undefeated seasons. Christian Travis, a third generation basketball talent soon to be headlining this year's NBA Draft we wondered how quickly the son of two former college athletes, one of which a three time NBA Champion would acclimate to the college game and he's smashed all expectations. I can only count maybe one or three games where he didn't look comfortable but since our last game in Lexington when they beat Texas, I can tell this young man has slotted in comfortably as THE attraction around Big Blue. Meanwhile Harrell he has been a constant double-double threat and without a doubt in my mind will draw most of the assignment of Travis here tonight. And I talked about the double doubles earlier glass position will be the key for both squads if they wish to preserve their undefeated streaks.

Dan Shulman: Harrell missing the last game due to suspension, which was a win versus the Hilltoppers of Western Kentucky but that was a mere one game ban and he made sure to not miss this massive game that could go a long way towards the tournament. Shannon Spake has more on this electrifying matchup.

Shannon Spake, the sideline reporter upped the microphone as the cameraman counts her down.

Shannon Spake: Christian Travis was absolutely bred for these types of games. We're talking about third generation SEC basketball talent and legacy, son and grandson of three time NBA Champions, in father Prince Travis and grandfather Big Truck Travis and it shows. When asked about the pressure of living up to what essentially is basketball royalty, Christian said "I'm just taking it one game a time, I'm a team player first and foremost. It's nice but we're undefeated because of everyone's talents not just mine, so while I don't mind the spotlight and awards please focus it on my coaches, teammates and fans that support Big Blue Basketball. Come back to me when we win it all" Dan, Jay back to you.

Dan: Humble and mature for his age, thank you so much Shannon, can't wait to hear more from you as the game progresses.

Coach Calipari: We come aggressive defensively, but please, PLEASE be smart in how and where you foul boys, ALWAYS GET TO YOUR SPOTS! PUT A DEATH HOLD AND THE REST OF THE NATION ON NOTICE! CATS ON THREE, ONE, TWO, THREE-

CATS!

Both sets of teams took to the court, Louisville ever so passionate and raining down the school's chant while pouring down the boos on the players sporting the blue and white. All the way back in South Carolina in her family's home given it was winter break, Madelyn had a break from her rather busy life to catch her long time friend on TV, as the display featured him stretching his legs, welcoming the occasional dap from the opposing Louisville players. It was then her mother, Pam entered the family to find her daughter eyes glued to the flat screen.

Pam: Honey, why do you have-

Madelyn: Sorry, Mom! Christian's playing!

Pam: I was wondering why the TV was up to maximum volume, your father and I could barely hold a conversation with the thumping of the sound system. Now I know why. So Christian's playing, is he?

Madelyn: Against Louisville. A win would go a long way to bolstering his team's chance come March.

Pam gives her daughter a look of confusion, Madelyn while she did play a variety of sports growing up as a semi-tomboy was never really invested into them. They were more or less a hobby to curb her energy as a child.

Pam: I never took you for a sporty girl, sweetie. Does this have to do with reuniting with him?

Madelyn: NO! I mean, not really. It was good seeing him and everything but he's gotta focus on him, I should be the last thing on his mind. Especially not with his tournaments and the draft coming as fast as they are.

Pam: Wait a minute....

She inspects her daughter flawless face and features to find her... blushing....

Pam: Is my daughter in.... IN LOVE WITH HER CHILDHOOD FRIEND?! OHHHHH MADDY!

Madelyn: MOM! NO I AM NOT IN LOVE WITH CHRISTIAN!

Pam: Your voice says no but your face tells a different story, my child!

Madelyn: I'm soooo not doing this! LALALALALALALA, I'M NOT LISTENING!

Jay Bilas: And we are underway LIVE from the KFC YUM! Center. Kentucky gains the opening tip and as usual Travis will hand it off to Aaron Harrison. And a screen immediately is set up by the freshman who will cut, hand off to Travis and he will... THROW IT DOWN! Kentucky has drawn first blood with the Wildcats leading scorer on the board in the Battle for the Bluegrass State.

Madelyn watched as he hung on the rim for another second, letting go so that he didn't catch a technical foul before he got back on the defensive side, as a mini thump hit her heart. Was her mother.... Actually right? Did seeing Christian all grown up spark something reserved feelings in her heart?

Madelyn: He actually looks like he was made for TV..... no, no..... OHHHHHHH SHIIIIITTTT, my mother was right! No, that cannot be! He's my childhood friend-

Jay Bilas: AND KENTUCKY IS OUT IN FRONT 13-4! TIMEOUT LOUISVILLE, TOWNS AND TRAVIS ARE ON A TEAR OFFENSIVELY

She then watches on the TV as Christian is assisted off the court grabbing a Gatorade and towel.... the sweat dripping from his immaculate mane of hair onto his face and then his broad shoulders, arms, which then glistens onto his lone tattoo.....

Madelyn: He..... He's.... He's SOOOOOO FINNNNNEEEEEE!

While Madelyn tried to her best to cope and seethe with her newfound revelation, unbeknownst to her the game had soon ended, with many twists and turns at that but behind Christian contributing a 27 point and 13 rebound outing along with 5 assists as Kentucky managed to perserve their ongoing undefeated season, winning the game against Montrezl and his Cardinals 73-57, moving onto 13-0 on the season. As he sat on a stool in the visiting team locker, hyping up the Kentucky basketball fans via a story he was putting together on the social media channel.

Christian: Huuuuu.. what a game and what a time to be alive. Oh, hey mom! Yeah? Yeah, I'm coming out in like ten minutes, I just got out of the shower. Of course I didn't and wouldn't forget my own birthday dinner. Can't wait to see what you three planned! Yeah, yeah. Head back to Lexington, we'll be back before night. All right, love you guys too.

He hung up his smartphone, just as Coach Cal and the staff entered.

John Calipari: *FWEET* All right, listen up boys! I loved the way we battled back in the second half, that's how you attack the paint at all times! Outside of one stretch run where they couldn't miss down the last few three minutes, you never cowered from the challenge and secured another win, keeping us, this squad undefeated for the next week. Now this week, no more games, enjoy the break with your families, but come back ready to hit the next slate hard and again. Stay on top of your classes! All right, on the bus in twenty!

Yes, Coach!

Christian looked in the mirror as he adjusted his tie, smiling to show he was satisified with his final product.

Christian: It's crazy honestly.... not even a few months ago, I committed to play for Kentucky. I've made a name for myself just as quickly and we're established national champion favorites. It's just about building up my draft stock, winning the chip and getting myself onto a great situation in the league. Let's keep working and proving why I am the supernova! But now, I become selfish and enjoy my 18th birthday!

End of Chapter Four! Yeah, I don't know how to explain the long absence. Chalk it up to MASSIVE writer's block. I wanted to get it out several times before, but I was too ingested with the NBA playoffs and life events so I do apologize, I do plan on giving Winning Time and Hearts more updates since I've got more ideas than I once had. Until then, I ask you exercise patience with me. Thank you and I'll see you down the road.