December 20, 2013
Five days after dismantling Syracuse, Michael Schmidt's name wasn't just on ESPN.
It was everywhere.
Howard University's admissions page crashed. Michael signed his first NIL deal with Nike—reportedly worth $250,000 upfront, plus a 10% cut of all merchandise bearing his name or nickname. Their limited edition 'Shadow King' hoodie sold out in eight minutes, making him the first HBCU athlete to headline a national merchandise release.
Barstool, Bleacher Report, SLAM—every platform was calling him the future.
But Michael? He was already back in the gym.
"Again."
He caught the pass. One-dribble fadeaway. Swish.
"Again."
Another. Same result.
The assistant coach wiped his brow. "You know we've got practice later, right?"
Michael didn't even glance. "This is practice."
[System Notification: Legacy Momentum Detected][Template Progress: 73.32% → 73.39%]
[Note: Each new percent requires exponentially more impact.][Warning: 80% Threshold will initiate Advanced Legacy Tier. Expect extreme difficulty.]
Michael narrowed his eyes.
Good.
December 22 – Howard vs. Michigan
Another ranked team. Another road game. Another chance.
Michael wasn't perfect this night.
He missed early shots. Took hits at the rim. Turned it over three times in the first quarter.
The crowd jeered. "Overhyped!" "Freshman wall!"
He just smiled.
And turned it up.
Stepback. Pick-pocket steal. Alley-oop dish in transition.
By the second half, Michigan had no answers.
Michael finished with:
26 points
11 assists
5 rebounds
3 steals
Howard won by 11.
[System Notification: Collegiate Dominance Maintained][Template Progress: 73.39% → 74.10%][Next Trait Unlock: 75.00%]
Coach Beasley found him icing his knees postgame.
"You're rewriting the playbook on how to lead a team."
Michael didn't flinch. "I'm not done writing yet."
Beasley nodded. "Then turn the page, kid. Because the nation's watching now."