Part 1
Paul and I were on① our school basketball team, The Lions.We loved basketball and were both huge② fans of the NBA.When we weren't playing on the court which was next to③ our building, we were watching a game on TV.My favourite player was LeBron James.Paul's favourite player was Tyrone Bogues, a guy④ who played for the Charlotte Hornets, although we actually agree that they are both champions⑤.[1]
Bogues was only 1.6 metres tall, which made him the shortest player ever in the NBA[2]．Guess what? Paul was only 1.6 metres tall, too! Paul knew that being shorter than other players meant that he had to practise more.[3] During all those hours of doing jump shots⑥ on his own, he used Bogues as⑦ his inspiration⑧.Paul once said，“If Bogues could make it⑨， why not me？”
Our coach was not so sure⑩.Paul had to try out many times just for? making the team.He was still usually on the bench?，being just a replacement?， which was really tough? on him.[4] Everyone knew Paul had real skills, and was someone who worked really hard and had a strong desire? to play for the team.[5] However, Paul didn't get a chance?.
This week, The Lions were playing our main competitors?，The Bears, a team whose record this season had been perfect[6]．They hadn't lost a single game.It would be a tough one.Paul didn't know he'd soon get the chance that he'd been waiting for?.
[1]句中who引导定语从句，修饰先行词a guy，在从句中作主语；although引导让步状语从句，从句中又包含that引导的宾语从句。
[2]which引导非限制性定语从句，指代整个主句。
[3]句中两个that均引导宾语从句；being shorter than other players为动名词短语作主语。
[4]句中being just a replacement为动词的ing形式作状语；which引导非限制性定语从句，代指前面整个主句的内容。
[5]who引导定语从句，在从句中作主语。
[6]whose引导定语从句，在从句中作定语。
①on(作为介词时)(某团体或组织)的一员
be on the committee为委员会的成员
②huge adj.程度高的
③next to 紧挨着；几乎，差不多
④guy n．(非正式)男人，家伙
⑤champion n．冠军，第一名
⑥shot n．投球，击球
⑦use ...as ... 把……当作/用作……
⑧inspiration n．激励，鼓舞；给人以灵感的人/物；灵感
⑨make it 成功
⑩be sure 确信；确知；肯定；有把握
?try out for参加……选拔
?bench n．替补队员席
?replacement n．替换的人(物)
?tough adj.不幸的，倒霉的；困难的，艰难的；坚硬的
?desire n．渴望
have a desire to do sth有做某事的渴望
?chance n．机会
get a chance to do sth获得做某事的机会
?competitor n．竞争对手
?wait for等待
