The Crossover

Jordan, who goes by “JB,” is Josh’s twin brother. He is an inch shorter than Josh and bald, although they mostly look and sound alike.

JB differs from his brother in several ways. He’s not as good at vocabulary homework, but he is much better at dating. JB meets Alexis and not much else matters after that. He wants to spend every moment with her, often leaving his twin brother alone. JB values his family and basketball just as Josh does but seems to be more emotionally mature than his twin as he can balance it all with a more layered social life. Furthermore, JB is openly emotive when their father falls ill whereas Josh struggles to identify what he’s feeling exactly and why.

Chuck “Da Man” Bell is a 39-year-old retired basketball player who led the European league to a championship title. In his basketball career, Chuck was set to transfer to the NBA, but patella tendonitis, or jumper’s knee, sidelines his career. Even though the condition was something that surgery could correct, Chuck opted to retire instead. His father died at 45, leaving Chuck with a hefty distaste for hospitals and an unshakeable distrust of doctors. He focuses on his twin boys instead, cultivating their love and skill at basketball as they grow up. When Chuck’s health is in jeopardy, his long-standing fear of doctors causes him to not seek the medical attention he needs in time, and he, unfortunately, succumbs to a massive heart attack, much like his father before him.

Crystal works hard for her family and is the assistant principal at her boys’ school. She makes sure that the boys read and study diligently, and she keeps a close eye on Chuck’s diet. She continually urges Chuck to see a doctor and becomes increasingly more frightened for his health when he refuses. She is strict and loving as well as structured and adaptable. Crystal models for her boys what it is to be a loving and lasting partner to someone while remaining her own person.

Alexis, or “Miss Sweet Tea,” is the new girl in school who wears pink Reeboks and shoots hoops at the rec center. She immediately catches the attention of the boys’ basketball team, particularly that of JB. She brings JB sweet tea after his games, earning her nickname according to Josh. Her parents are divorced, she lives with her dad, her mom does not approve of her playing basketball, and her older sister goes to Duke, Josh’s favorite college. Alexis and JB quickly become boyfriend and girlfriend, but she does not abandon her empathy for Josh in his time of need. After Chuck dies, Alexis offers her condolences to Josh and asks if he’d like to join her family and JB when they go to see a game at Duke. This invitation illustrates the deep understanding Alexis maintains about tough life situations.