Randy Ribay

In Randy Ribay's "After the Shot Drops," best friends Bunny and Nassir face a rift when Bunny accepts a scholarship to a prestigious school, leaving Nassir feeling betrayed. As Bunny navigates his new affluent environment, Nassir spends more time with his cousin Wallace, who is struggling with eviction. The neighborhood's support for Bunny over Wallace confuses Nassir, highlighting deeper issues of loyalty and community. Tensions escalate when Wallace and Bunny engage in a dangerous bet, forcing Nassir to choose between family and friendship. This basketball-centered novel explores themes of betrayal, socioeconomic disparity, and the complex dynamics of friendship.