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![Uncover - [Furballer Interview]](http://d.furaffinity.net/art/harlow/1469555801/1469555801.harlow_sterling_layoutfinal_copy.png "Click to change the View")
It all boils down to this…
First and foremost I want to thank everyone who has followed this story and that helped me on this journey. Wouldn't had been even half as good without you fellas, and now I hope you enjoy this kind of a closure.
WyldElyn , you crazyass fur. There are no words for what you have done with this, and I still feel I haven’t done anything to deserve your efforts with me. You pretty much made my 2016 and I hope we stay pals for the longest time. Keep being the best! 8Tbb
Special thanks to Herr Wozzeck and qovapryi , a dream team of writers who helped me lift this up from the ground. Not only this project, but pretty much since day 1, serving not only as great pals to team up, but as very big inspirations for this to actually be a thing. (With Will’s various interviews and Q’s Body piece http://www.furaffinity.net/view/15413026/ to serve as huge inspirations for this)
MORE DETAILED PICTURE HERE - http://www.furaffinity.net/full/20675895/
Sterling and Ferdinand Bengtzing belong to Harlow
Geoffrey Whitewater (whose Twitter handle doesn't actually exist) belong to qovapryi
Will Steinberg belongs to Herr Wozzeck
Characters mentioned belong to their respective owners.
Art by WyldElyn with text inserted by Harlow
________________________________________________________
New York, May 8th
“We got it?” The polecat asked, to the cervine photographer’s nodding. “Woo! it’s a wrap!”
“Been a couple of good shots! Mr. Whitewater’ll receive you shortly for the interview. Then it’s good to go. No worries, your request in confidentiality is still intact.”
The marbled polecat snatched the pair of basketball shorts he had, alongside with a robe which was provided for him due to the nature of the photoshoot. “Mind if I go the the interview like this?”
“Uhh… sure, I guess. But why so?”
“You’ll see later...” the mustelid already exiting the premises. “Dad?” he asked around in a improv waiting room made up for the event.
“Over here, kid…” Ferdinand replied, sitting nearby, bottle of water clasped in his paws. “How did it go?”
“Pretty sweet! I mean, no big deal in nudity, to be honest… I saw some shots they wanted and they looked kickass. This’ll turn out great...” Sterling replied. He noticed his father’s growing anxiety as the time passed. “All good?”
“I still have… reservations. And well… preparing to explain all of this is not easy, Sterling...”
“Beats trying to control it all in hope it doesn’t explode, hm?”
“You know… at least it is not as hard as I thought. And well, maybe your agent was right… We will be ok...” the elder polecat shrugged.
“Mr. Bengtzing?” an assistant interrupted.
“Ja?” both polecats answered in coincidental unison, startled at the cacophony. “I mean… yes?” Sterling corrected.
“They are ready to receive you now...”
The mustelid stood up, acknowledging his father.
“You know how it is, Sterling. If you feel harassed, then do NOT cede and stand your ground, ja?”
“Dad, no worries. Whitewater is an expert at this, wouldn’t have it with no other. And if he DOES fuck up with me, I can trust Will to control it all. I asked for them for a reason. It’ll be fine!” the young mustelid grinned.
Ferdinand sighed. “Very well… Just… watch yourself out there. It can be… dicey...”
Sterling only nodded to his father, patting his shoulder in reassurance as he went away for the interview.
=======================================
“Wait, aren’t you the guy who did that body issue deal with Scoonie Barrett?” Will set his cane down as he took his seat at the chair, turning to Geoffrey as he pointed right at him.
“I am,” the Newfoundland dog stated in his gruff-yet-warm voice tone, shaking paws with the house cat. “That was a nice one. Let’s try to make this one half as successful, aight?” he said, sitting down next to the feline.
Will shrugged, pulling a paper out of his breast pocket as he sat down. “Yeah,” he said. He paused, before looking over to him. “You know, my boss did mention I’d be working with someone else this time again. And that meant none of my photographers, but I didn’t think it’d mean your crew would come in.”
The dog already had his oPad out, scrolling with a finger the few notes he’d taken before the meeting. “Well that makes sense, Mr Steinberg. Considering we’ll have to go for some particular shots of Mr. Bengtzing - I guess it’d be easier for my guys to deal with those, given their experience in this peculiar field of work.”
“True,” said Will. He cracked a mischievous smile. “Plus, I’d be distracting him with all the Frenchie jokes. My usual photographer’s a bichon, you know?”
“Uh-uh,” Geoffrey nodded absentmindedly, still sorting out his notes. “They should have the set ready for when he comes over. They do their thing, then he dresses up and we start with the interview. All clear?”
“Just about,” said Will. He chuckled nervously. “I must admit, I’ve never done this before. Makes me all giddy inside.”
“Why for?” the burly dog asked. “Didn’t you get face time with Wildfyre and Redfield earlier in the season?”
“And Griega,” Will pointed out. “Don’t forget Griega.” He shook his head. “No, that’s not what I meant. I meant this body-issue type of things.”
“Oh,” Geoffrey shrugged. “Really, Mr Steinberg, it’s not that big of a deal. It’s the photographers mostly having to deal with...that, you know. We just ask the questions.”
“True.” He nodded. “Well, let’s bring him in, yeah?”
“All right, let’s get to work.” The dog motioned to the young meerkat assistant. “Clare, please go call Mr Bengtzing - tell him we’re ready to begin.”
======
The door creaked open, calling the attention of both reporters, in came the rookie bigfur, donning a black bathrobe, the usual and routine for these kind of photoshoots; minimal makeup and prepping my ass, he thought. “Sup guys?” the polecat approached the reporters. He was… oddly stoic and serious. Maybe his dad had a point over all the secrecy, but it was the point of no return right now.
Geoffrey motioned to the polecat with a wave of his paw. “Good morning, Mr. Bengtzing.”
Will nodded. “Well, if it isn’t the stinkmeister himself!” he said, smirking and extending his hand to Sterling. “It seems you might have some deodorant on, though; I don’t really get the infamous smell I hear you’re supposed to have.” the comment prompting Geoffrey to take a short huff through his nose by reflex.
“Body issue, you might say...” the polecat replied with a pun. He returned the handshake to Will and Geoffrey, not bothering to be snarky this time around. The room was pretty secluded and guaranteed to not have any kind of cameras or the sort. The reporters were asked to leave their phones and keep secrecy, a measure they thought was rather excessive and maybe diva-like, but his reasons were strong in this one.
“Guess you know why are we here, huh?” Sterling asked.
“Mostly,” said Will. “All my boss told me was this was a body issue deal and interview. No real specifics…” He did note Sterling’s expression was more serious than the usual boisterous self.
“I did my fair bit of research, and well...it’s your first Body Issue, as well as reportedly being the first time your figure gets exposed to the public?” Geoffrey added, having sensed the same deal of uncomfortableness from the mustelid. “Are you having performance anxiety, Mr. Bengtzing?” he asked, earning an irritated glare from the Montana bigfur, who growled slightly at the response as he got into position.
And so, with a small gesture, he undid his robe, revealing his body to the pair. Not only he was missing his sleeve but, outside basketball shorts, he had nothing on, effectively exposing his secret, his scars to the media for the first time. His stance was still stoic, trying to play as brave as someone exposing twenty-year old secret could.
“I’d say take a picture, but it’d be a breach of your contract...”
Geoffrey’s paws came to cover his muzzle for a second, as his eyes couldn’t quite believe what they were seeing. The polecat’s strong, athletic body was finally uncovered to foreign eyes, but there was something tremendously wrong with how it looked - namely the left side of his midsection and left arm being marred by extensive burn scars, the polecat’s thick fur not having quite regrown on the affected part and leaving a good chunk of his skin exposed.
He immediately understood why Sterling was such a prig on keeping himself covered at all times, when a good number of his colleagues weren’t the least bit shy about showing off to their audience. Why the polecat always wore a shooting sleeve on his left arm despite being a right shooter. “Whoa,” the Newfoundland dog gasped. “I’ve done this stuff for a straight decade now, but it’s safe to say I’ve never come across anything like that,” he added, quickly regaining his composure after the initial shock.
Will simply didn’t say anything. He stared at the scars, his eyes trailing down his torso as he blinked a few times to make sure he was seeing things correctly. His jaw dropped, before he closed it back up and swallowed a lump in his throat.
He glanced down at his notes once, before promptly holding them up and ripping them apart, the pieces of paper fluttering down to the floor.
“Well, I won’t be needing that anymore,” he said with a nervous chuckle. He then turned to Geoffrey. “I hope you or one of your assistants has some spare paper, I’m going to need to write new questions!”
After the initial shock subsided, and Will got new material, the pair got started in this unprecedented interview.
UNCOVER
Saying that Sterling Bengtzing has been one of the most eventful rookies this year would be quite an understatement.
Nevertheless, with his first season wrapped up, he’s determined to keep forging the successful path of the Bengtzing family.
Now, the “Beastzing” presents himself in a way no one has ever seen before.
Written by Geoffrey Whitewater (@Furballer_Newf) & Will Steinberg (@JournalCat305)
The name “Bengtzing” might not carry as much of a weight in the league as Malone or Hopper, yet you will find some sport-savvy furs and league fanatics that read up the exotic surname and recall “the most famous Swede in New Jersey”, living and playing during the height of the Davis era, when the cheetah ruled supreme through the league. Bought out during his rookie year on circumstances still unclear, Ferdinand Bengtzing was given another chance by the former New Jerseyite team, where he rose through the ranks to get an End of Season award and closing his career with a championship ring as soon as Davis retired. And, on a VIP seat through the whole picture was none other than his only cub, Sterling.
Twenty years later, the family gave us a reason to talk about again, as they were back in the business when one day, the league discovered the apple didn't fall far from the tree and the polecat grew out to take interest in the “family business” and took part in the FBA draft. Quickly gaining fame (or infamy) for being crass, overconfident and hard to work with, that didn’t stop the league of ranking the mustelid in the Top 24 where, while his diminutive frame for his position was noted as a risk, he made the most of any other bigfur in the pool. Notably passed over by his father’s team, the Newark Pride, in the draft, the young mustelid still figured in the Top 8, by being picked right after by the Montana Howlers, famed for an aggressive, hard-on style that many predicted would be a good fit for the young marbled polecat.
While having to work on a number of rising issues, alleged teammate drama and media troubles, GM Art Sadowski managed to keep Sterling in check and out of enough trouble for the polecat to proof himself. While not lighting up any alarms at first or as early as his fellow draftees; many predicting the short bigfur would be all bark and no bite, he managed to turn heads around on the last stretch of the season, having the most blocks out of any rookie, as well as having reached team seasonal records of 29 points and 15 rebounds after a very strong pair of games against Queens and Las Vegas respectively.
Sterling has managed to make himself at home on the Howler roster, and has turned many of his odds and predictions about him upside down, with many of them now curious to see him forge his path into the future and what does he have in store.
To our surprise, no one expected what would be of that latter statement.
-REVEAL: We met with Bengtzing two days after the regular season ended, on the week break between it and the playoffs, in New York City. Meeting the polecat face to face, one would see why it’s easy to overblow his social media persona. Sure he does transmit a constant aura of cockiness and a Big Apple urbanity that can pass as brashness, but this is why his fanbase is devoted to him. He doesn’t shy away from giving answers very parallel to those of John Stoat and giving his point of view of various deals. In short, what we see with Sterling Bengtzing, is what we get in Sterling Bengtzing.
What we didn’t count with was that the polecat’s body, never exposed to the media in anyway possible, would sport a deep and extensive range of burn scars over his midsection and thighs, disfiguring an otherwise very athletic body. In here and for the first time, we’ll uncover Sterling’s story as he just had his first season wrapped up and he was gearing to face up some very stressful set of playoff games.
Will Steinberg: So I’ve got one question to ask to start this whole thing off: what in the world is up with those scars? How did you get them?
Sterling Bengtzing: I know is an incredulous thing for me to say, but truth be told, I have only knew the story in April this year… I had them since I was around three, dad said. But I only came to know the whole story a month ago in April. As far as I understood it, car accident mom got that I took the brunt of. 50-60 percent? About right. All of my torso, abdomen, thighs, behind and my left arm, which was burnt so bad it actually stuck to my side like this. [he puts his arm on his most scarred site on his abdomen, creating somewhat of a fit]
[shifts] I was told it was much worse when I was a kid, but some of it healed up for easy hiding or non scarring. Around… here [he points at his neck], and most of my legs too. But most of it… well… stayed as bad as it is, even if I can cover it in basketball gear
WS: Wow. And you’ve never spoken about these burns until now.
SB: Cuz I didn’t know. I only knew I had to hide them… My dad just told me as much, and if it went out, bad things would happen to us as a whole. All of my life I was instructed to keep it a secret or my future would be f****d, OUR future would be fucked. And I… obliged. What else could I have done? What if he was right? I went on with this life of hiding the best as I could, only getting hard this year.
WS: Did the Howlers’ staff know about this? Mr. Sadowski? Mr. O’Neill?
SB: No.
WS: Did anyone else in the league know about this?
SB: Some fellow players and friends in my draft class, but otherwise, no.
Geoffrey Whitewater: But you sure have undergone a number of physical tests in order to get into the world’s most competitive basketball league. Guess it’s safe to say that even after the healing process, your body hasn’t suffered any kind of permanent damage?
SB: As far as I know it all evolved in being an enormous flesh wound. I could have lost a limb or my sight or even worse… manhood... but it just looks jarring. Of course I went through dermatological care undercover when I was a cub to minimize weird side effects and all that s**t. In short I took the best care I could have taken given the luck that was thrown at me.
WS: And now, here you are, right?
SB: Ja. Dad and I know this is a dicey thing if it gets revealed. if I just went out on the court exposing all of this. [he pointed at himself] We knew we could have gotten issues. Instead, we preferred to give the cleanest, honest way out we could have thought, dealing with the rest as it comes.
WS: And did he ever consider that some wouldn’t think of those burns as an issue? It seems really messed up to me that he felt he was protecting you by making you hide something that most might not make a huge issue out of.
SB: [sighs]
WS: Well?
SB: [he puts his elbows on his knees] “He first and foremost he did it to protect me… Regardless how I came to feel about it in these last days… I… I can’t fault him. And I’m going to ask you all to NOT do so either...”
WS: Alright. I’m going to guess he’s fine with you being here now?
SB: He’s waiting on the photo studio as we speak! We agreed to do so after talking over it. Whatever the feels, we agreed this was a hurdle we’d all go through together.
WS: And would you say your relationship with your father has gotten stronger for it?
SB: It was… complicated. I didn't see it as a big deal, he still does, given it’ll be a tough couple of weeks for us. It was… difficult to reach a point, given it will throw us in a really ugly twist, many trash reporters asking why, the deals he made to protect me in the league will be out in the open, that kind of stuff. But we will stay strong no matter what, cuz we know the truth.
WS: And those that care to know will talk to you first.
SB: Ja. But that won't stop the snooping. Once they see how dad dealt with it, they'll get finicky and question our integrity. I assure you we are 100% clean.
GW: At 6’9”, you’re one of the league’s shortest bigfurs, if not the shortest - coming in as a rookie into a league that as we all know still tends to favor the biggest and bulkiest at the 5 spot, which you’ve always said you prefer over the 4. After spending an entire season battling it out with the FBA’s best, do you still think you can survive in the league as a center?
SB: Absolutely. I know it’s an odd deal with me, but I am not a fluke at my position. Obviously you might say you got my own body against me, but in two years’ time, this “short Center” deal will be history, instead you’ll see “Defensive Player of the Year”. I believe I can, and I know I will master the 5 just as good as I did with my friends and at college. It’s not the height, is the skill and the will.
GW: Those are bold words coming out from the muzzle of someone who’s still pretty much unproven talent. Where does your path lead in terms of training regimen as you strive to reach the ambitious target you gave yourself?
SB: I’m working with Mr Rainer as well as some old contacts in Sweden and New York to create a program that would be hellish, yet incredibly effective. In the EFBL, many times they don't make them as big, they learn to play big almost overnight. I will learn to play big. Thing is, it’s an off season project since I don’t want to exhaust myself in the coming playoff race and f**k up for my own sake. It’s a program I’ll fully devote to get to my 260 goal at the beginning of next season. Alike to Barrett you might say, but instead of a circumstance like he was thrown in, that growth would be my goal. And I’m 21, I’m young. If I get at least an inch up, that’ll shut some people up, am I right?
GW: It’s fitting that you mention Kahunas’ Scoonie Barrett since I had the opportunity to talk with him about the same topic, a few times over the last few months. Now as you very well know, Scoonie took up about 20 pounds of solid muscle over a year in order to fulfill his team’s needs at Center. At the same time, though, I got to see for myself how does he train back home in Hawaii, and I can safely say not every player has the mental tools to keep up that level of intensity and focus both in and out the gym for several months, and years, at a time. More than the physical skills, do you think you have the determination and mental toughness you need to master your body the same way that got him to be an MVP contender?
SB: [he threw his hands in the air slightly] As my dad said, I escaped death when I was a baby, so everything’s up for grabs for me now. And it will be tough sure, but I am one of the rookies that at least can claim to know the business a bit. I think I know what I will be staring at, and will welcome it with open arms. The GMs will likely throw away skill for an extra inch or two, so I am setting myself for that to never happen again, cuz I want it. And I will get it. Sterling in 2017 will be a whole new polecat.
WS: You just mentioned you know the business ‘a bit’, and yet some would call you a public relations nightmare. We all know you’re exceptionally vocal about certain things, particularly on Twitter, and some would say you go overboard on that. What’s your take on that?
SB: [he kneels over, elbows on his legs] I was always taught to not keep myself quiet. To raise my voice at anything it goes. What you see is what you get kind of deal. Sure stupid stuff, but who doesn’t do that from time to time? Players, Coaches, General Managers, I am sure I’m someone’s dream after the shit that people smile and nod at. And well… if you can't say you can take it, even if you get bent over… why bother? You have to present yourself the strongest for your team and your fans. So instead of focusing on relations, I rather focus on my game. If people want to know me, come over and know me.
GW: How’s Montana treating you? Has it been difficult to adapt to a professional team, and how’s your relationship with your fellow Howlers?
SB: At first, it was worrying to move coasts, but all in end. I got the perfect team. In contrast to other rookies, I can discern and won’t be afraid to say what is right and what is wrong. And the Howlers have proven perfect. Grandon and Hiro are top notch serious teammates who are not afraid to dish it out and keep it real, Kresta’s been a pro through and through and the other guys are pretty swell. The management also doesn’t lose time in image nurturing or babying, they are not f****g insane like some others, they know what they’re doing, and let their players just do what they’re hired to do without needing them to be “media darlings” but rather, themselves. That is what the FBA is all about, baby.
GW: You’ve mentioned him several times now and it’s safe to say most of our readers know about him, but we can’t go through this without talking about your father. How big an impact had on your career the fact you grew up the son of FBA veteran Ferdinand Bengtzing, and would you consider it positive or negative?
SB: The best. I wouldn’t be where I am if it wasn’t for my pappa, and I am going to embrace it instead of being forced away for it for my sake and ‘my legacy’. Why for? That’s f****g dumb. That being said, I’m not gonna coast off by surname alone. He taught me to work for my own merits, he taught me about the league, and what to expect and how to be the best polecat I can be. In short Sterling would have been nothing without Ferdinand.
WS: Well, you’ve certainly got quite the head start on forging your own legacy with playing for the Howlers instead of the Pride. I’ve heard rumors that you did want to play on the Pride, though. Are those true, and if they are, how did you feel at first?
SB: Well which rookie doesn’t have an ideal team to get drafted on? “Any team is a good team for me”, fuck that noise! [laughs] But ja… I wanted in the Pride. I am a damn fanboy yanno. But tides change, pappa told me they have different concepts and ideals, they drafted someone else, moved away from the best place there was and that’s life. When dad entered the league, any team would have been a blessing for an immigrant like him who only wanted to play. I was taught to see it the same way. Hoping my first step was the best first step.
WS: Mm… [pauses] Well, I will say this: it’s been one heck of a first step this season. I guess this counts as a standardized question, but… if there was one thing you could change about how this season unfolded, what would you change?
SB: The media. [the reporters expect a punchline or a joke, only for the quote to hang in the air]
I feel that it’s frighteningly turning into an image industry. Who can give more to charity and jack off my ego, who is the most friendly guy, who is the best suck up, whatever whatever. And it’s really hurting the people who just want to ball, putting them in a standard that makes them impossible to just come and enjoy the sport, focusing too much on my do’s and don't's, highlighting my fails instead of my successes just cuz I make my choices. We all face some crossroads along the way, and is up to me to say “fuck that, you do you”.
GW: Getting back to the topic of your body, there’s two questions I always tend to ask players in this type of interviews. What do you consider your best physical skill, and what’s the biggest challenge you face with your body?
SB: Obviously at first glance, height. It’s something I won’t speak out alway, but I know it can be a hurdle. I’m trying to boost my jump for it to be not as much of an obstacle, and so far it has worked I’d say. But in exchange, this makes me durable, I can bruise any player and turn out unscathed. Not to mention that it keeps the rivals guessing and underestimating because they don’t know how to deal with me… and then I’ll go to the jugular.
GW: How do you keep yourself in prime shape when off the court? Have you implemented a nutrition plan to go along with your “offseason project”, as you called it?
SB: Lucky for me, I already have a liking for all things fit. My protein intake is through the roof, Swedes go through milk like insane already. Since this plan is “nigh bodybuilder”; a “get big quick” scheme, it will include me eating like a madman and sacrificing booze completely. But it’s a compromise I can deal with.
GW: We’ll see. In the meanwhile - what do you think Montana is still lacking in order to have a successful championship run?
SB: Way better injury management and depth for starters. Sure we were unluckily injured, but I feel we are one of the most complete teams out there. Decent GM, Decent coaching, good fellas to play, great training grounds, and possibly the best philosophy to base ourselves on. The big team, the scary team. That is f*****g invigorating and we should embrace it 100%. For all teams it’s all about trimming the fat. And in my opinion? Montana is one of the leanest teams.
WS: That can’t be denied, but you also can’t deny the point guard issues that plagued the team earlier in the season. What’s your take on how that situation unfolded?
SB:That was an issue to be resolved that luckily we patched up with Ren just in time for the playoffs. I’m just not gonna go and say “our team faced this issue and that issue and we aren’t doing well, but we’ll keep trying” no f**k that. Why would I telegraph what is wrong with my team on the media like some rookies do? No, that screws up the morale, and counters how I unfold with my team. They are great, now let’s make it perfect.
GW: Does your European heritage affect your FBA experience in some way?
SB: Ja, det gör det. [laughs] It brought me a new perspective to base my playstyle in. Pappa said his playstyle was always based in having your fiery and determined self play alongside the cold and calculated standards you might have. In his case it’s Turkish and Swedish heritage, but in mine I parallel it to the EFBL and streetball. Sure an odd combo, but they have more in common than you think. That whatever the case, they live and breathe the sport regardless of any circumstance and hardly take no for an answer.
GW: Have you got any particular habits or rituals before a game that people don’t really know about?
SB: When it’s a particularly big game. oPod. My playlist. Don’t worry if I go deaf, I’m just getting in the moment. Basically, you need to remind yourself you are great, even if you’re going against a team full of Davises (Healey, not his kid). Whatever the case, you can’t go without a shred of doubt even if you know you're a dead fur walking.
GW: At first glance, heavy metal and basketball don’t seem to go together much, but pretty much everyone knows how big of a metalhead you actually are. Tell us more about it.
SB: Yo, it’s been my life. Pappa used to listen to all these 80’s bands and when I grew up and well… Sverige, the door to amazing music and the best metal there is. He told me it was almost a match made in heaven and mom was like “well, at least is not drugs”. It’s my style, and one I am proud to carry on.
WS: You’ve even dragged a friend into it, from what I understand.
SB:If they can soldier through, they’re worthy to keep as pals! [laughs] Many get snooty about it, but if people want to try, metal is an open world.
GW: So to conclude this, and with the Playoffs looming - it’s prediction time. Who, in your opinion, will be the Western and Eastern Conference champions?
SB: Montana first and foremost [laughs]. But Hawaii and Santa Ana are in great position. East, I’ll say Albany and Tennessee, they have been surprising and pretty capable of upsetting.
GW: I can’t help but notice you didn’t include Pittsburgh in that list.
SB: Moving on… Sure they might win, but story prevails titles. If they do, c’est la vie, can’t cry about it, but never forget.
WS: That’s quite a shift from earlier in the season!
SB: And one I rather not talk about, as far as I know.
GW: But if I had to ask you a single prediction about who will win the Finals?
SB: Santa Ana. I love the growth of Hawaii and Montana… but the coaching and training there is the best in the league, maybe even better with Schlachter and Onca taking full helm.
WS: And how far do you see yourself going in this year’s Playoffs?
SB: Realistically, conf finals. Ideally, a ring here. [he shows his ring finger] Always set your goals high and just take it. Take it even if it annoys others.
WS: The sky’s the limit and all that, right?
SB: Ya bet. That’s my message to the world. Forget the rest, do you and keep it real, ja?
GW: Ok, that’s enough for me. Good luck, Mr. Bengtzing.
WS: Same here. You go kick some tail in the Playoffs, you hear me?
Bengtzing managed to be a key player in the playoffs, stepping up on the unorthodox strategy of putting him at the 5, with his teammate and starting Center, future hall of famer, Hiroyuki Matsuura, taking the Power Forward position. The Howlers managed to live up to their hype, reaching the Conference finals, losing to the Seattle Summit at six games, after the bad luck struck again and the shrike went down on the last stretch. Nevertheless, it was quite the satisfactory first run for the rookie who managed to fulfill his expectations.
As the furs stood up to wrap it up prior to working on the material, the polecat called for their attention as he was adjusting his robe on again.
“Guys… just wanna say...”
The polecat’s voice made the reporter’s turn.
“This has been a tough step for all of my family. And I wouldn’t want to do it without yer help. Geoffrey, you’re world class. Will, I brought you in here for a reason. And now… the rest is up to me. But for your time in this step of my life… thank you.” the polecat extended his hand.
Geoffrey replied the handshake. “I am certain this one I won’t be able to forget for years to come. Thank you for your time, M.r Bengtzing...”
Will was more informal, lightly punching the polecat’s arm, smiling. “Go out and kick tail there. You got this.”
First and foremost I want to thank everyone who has followed this story and that helped me on this journey. Wouldn't had been even half as good without you fellas, and now I hope you enjoy this kind of a closure.
WyldElyn , you crazyass fur. There are no words for what you have done with this, and I still feel I haven’t done anything to deserve your efforts with me. You pretty much made my 2016 and I hope we stay pals for the longest time. Keep being the best! 8Tbb
Special thanks to Herr Wozzeck and qovapryi , a dream team of writers who helped me lift this up from the ground. Not only this project, but pretty much since day 1, serving not only as great pals to team up, but as very big inspirations for this to actually be a thing. (With Will’s various interviews and Q’s Body piece http://www.furaffinity.net/view/15413026/ to serve as huge inspirations for this)
MORE DETAILED PICTURE HERE - http://www.furaffinity.net/full/20675895/
Sterling and Ferdinand Bengtzing belong to Harlow
Geoffrey Whitewater (whose Twitter handle doesn't actually exist) belong to qovapryi
Will Steinberg belongs to Herr Wozzeck
Characters mentioned belong to their respective owners.
Art by WyldElyn with text inserted by Harlow
________________________________________________________
New York, May 8th
“We got it?” The polecat asked, to the cervine photographer’s nodding. “Woo! it’s a wrap!”
“Been a couple of good shots! Mr. Whitewater’ll receive you shortly for the interview. Then it’s good to go. No worries, your request in confidentiality is still intact.”
The marbled polecat snatched the pair of basketball shorts he had, alongside with a robe which was provided for him due to the nature of the photoshoot. “Mind if I go the the interview like this?”
“Uhh… sure, I guess. But why so?”
“You’ll see later...” the mustelid already exiting the premises. “Dad?” he asked around in a improv waiting room made up for the event.
“Over here, kid…” Ferdinand replied, sitting nearby, bottle of water clasped in his paws. “How did it go?”
“Pretty sweet! I mean, no big deal in nudity, to be honest… I saw some shots they wanted and they looked kickass. This’ll turn out great...” Sterling replied. He noticed his father’s growing anxiety as the time passed. “All good?”
“I still have… reservations. And well… preparing to explain all of this is not easy, Sterling...”
“Beats trying to control it all in hope it doesn’t explode, hm?”
“You know… at least it is not as hard as I thought. And well, maybe your agent was right… We will be ok...” the elder polecat shrugged.
“Mr. Bengtzing?” an assistant interrupted.
“Ja?” both polecats answered in coincidental unison, startled at the cacophony. “I mean… yes?” Sterling corrected.
“They are ready to receive you now...”
The mustelid stood up, acknowledging his father.
“You know how it is, Sterling. If you feel harassed, then do NOT cede and stand your ground, ja?”
“Dad, no worries. Whitewater is an expert at this, wouldn’t have it with no other. And if he DOES fuck up with me, I can trust Will to control it all. I asked for them for a reason. It’ll be fine!” the young mustelid grinned.
Ferdinand sighed. “Very well… Just… watch yourself out there. It can be… dicey...”
Sterling only nodded to his father, patting his shoulder in reassurance as he went away for the interview.
=======================================
“Wait, aren’t you the guy who did that body issue deal with Scoonie Barrett?” Will set his cane down as he took his seat at the chair, turning to Geoffrey as he pointed right at him.
“I am,” the Newfoundland dog stated in his gruff-yet-warm voice tone, shaking paws with the house cat. “That was a nice one. Let’s try to make this one half as successful, aight?” he said, sitting down next to the feline.
Will shrugged, pulling a paper out of his breast pocket as he sat down. “Yeah,” he said. He paused, before looking over to him. “You know, my boss did mention I’d be working with someone else this time again. And that meant none of my photographers, but I didn’t think it’d mean your crew would come in.”
The dog already had his oPad out, scrolling with a finger the few notes he’d taken before the meeting. “Well that makes sense, Mr Steinberg. Considering we’ll have to go for some particular shots of Mr. Bengtzing - I guess it’d be easier for my guys to deal with those, given their experience in this peculiar field of work.”
“True,” said Will. He cracked a mischievous smile. “Plus, I’d be distracting him with all the Frenchie jokes. My usual photographer’s a bichon, you know?”
“Uh-uh,” Geoffrey nodded absentmindedly, still sorting out his notes. “They should have the set ready for when he comes over. They do their thing, then he dresses up and we start with the interview. All clear?”
“Just about,” said Will. He chuckled nervously. “I must admit, I’ve never done this before. Makes me all giddy inside.”
“Why for?” the burly dog asked. “Didn’t you get face time with Wildfyre and Redfield earlier in the season?”
“And Griega,” Will pointed out. “Don’t forget Griega.” He shook his head. “No, that’s not what I meant. I meant this body-issue type of things.”
“Oh,” Geoffrey shrugged. “Really, Mr Steinberg, it’s not that big of a deal. It’s the photographers mostly having to deal with...that, you know. We just ask the questions.”
“True.” He nodded. “Well, let’s bring him in, yeah?”
“All right, let’s get to work.” The dog motioned to the young meerkat assistant. “Clare, please go call Mr Bengtzing - tell him we’re ready to begin.”
======
The door creaked open, calling the attention of both reporters, in came the rookie bigfur, donning a black bathrobe, the usual and routine for these kind of photoshoots; minimal makeup and prepping my ass, he thought. “Sup guys?” the polecat approached the reporters. He was… oddly stoic and serious. Maybe his dad had a point over all the secrecy, but it was the point of no return right now.
Geoffrey motioned to the polecat with a wave of his paw. “Good morning, Mr. Bengtzing.”
Will nodded. “Well, if it isn’t the stinkmeister himself!” he said, smirking and extending his hand to Sterling. “It seems you might have some deodorant on, though; I don’t really get the infamous smell I hear you’re supposed to have.” the comment prompting Geoffrey to take a short huff through his nose by reflex.
“Body issue, you might say...” the polecat replied with a pun. He returned the handshake to Will and Geoffrey, not bothering to be snarky this time around. The room was pretty secluded and guaranteed to not have any kind of cameras or the sort. The reporters were asked to leave their phones and keep secrecy, a measure they thought was rather excessive and maybe diva-like, but his reasons were strong in this one.
“Guess you know why are we here, huh?” Sterling asked.
“Mostly,” said Will. “All my boss told me was this was a body issue deal and interview. No real specifics…” He did note Sterling’s expression was more serious than the usual boisterous self.
“I did my fair bit of research, and well...it’s your first Body Issue, as well as reportedly being the first time your figure gets exposed to the public?” Geoffrey added, having sensed the same deal of uncomfortableness from the mustelid. “Are you having performance anxiety, Mr. Bengtzing?” he asked, earning an irritated glare from the Montana bigfur, who growled slightly at the response as he got into position.
And so, with a small gesture, he undid his robe, revealing his body to the pair. Not only he was missing his sleeve but, outside basketball shorts, he had nothing on, effectively exposing his secret, his scars to the media for the first time. His stance was still stoic, trying to play as brave as someone exposing twenty-year old secret could.
“I’d say take a picture, but it’d be a breach of your contract...”
Geoffrey’s paws came to cover his muzzle for a second, as his eyes couldn’t quite believe what they were seeing. The polecat’s strong, athletic body was finally uncovered to foreign eyes, but there was something tremendously wrong with how it looked - namely the left side of his midsection and left arm being marred by extensive burn scars, the polecat’s thick fur not having quite regrown on the affected part and leaving a good chunk of his skin exposed.
He immediately understood why Sterling was such a prig on keeping himself covered at all times, when a good number of his colleagues weren’t the least bit shy about showing off to their audience. Why the polecat always wore a shooting sleeve on his left arm despite being a right shooter. “Whoa,” the Newfoundland dog gasped. “I’ve done this stuff for a straight decade now, but it’s safe to say I’ve never come across anything like that,” he added, quickly regaining his composure after the initial shock.
Will simply didn’t say anything. He stared at the scars, his eyes trailing down his torso as he blinked a few times to make sure he was seeing things correctly. His jaw dropped, before he closed it back up and swallowed a lump in his throat.
He glanced down at his notes once, before promptly holding them up and ripping them apart, the pieces of paper fluttering down to the floor.
“Well, I won’t be needing that anymore,” he said with a nervous chuckle. He then turned to Geoffrey. “I hope you or one of your assistants has some spare paper, I’m going to need to write new questions!”
After the initial shock subsided, and Will got new material, the pair got started in this unprecedented interview.
UNCOVER
Saying that Sterling Bengtzing has been one of the most eventful rookies this year would be quite an understatement.
Nevertheless, with his first season wrapped up, he’s determined to keep forging the successful path of the Bengtzing family.
Now, the “Beastzing” presents himself in a way no one has ever seen before.
Written by Geoffrey Whitewater (@Furballer_Newf) & Will Steinberg (@JournalCat305)
The name “Bengtzing” might not carry as much of a weight in the league as Malone or Hopper, yet you will find some sport-savvy furs and league fanatics that read up the exotic surname and recall “the most famous Swede in New Jersey”, living and playing during the height of the Davis era, when the cheetah ruled supreme through the league. Bought out during his rookie year on circumstances still unclear, Ferdinand Bengtzing was given another chance by the former New Jerseyite team, where he rose through the ranks to get an End of Season award and closing his career with a championship ring as soon as Davis retired. And, on a VIP seat through the whole picture was none other than his only cub, Sterling.
Twenty years later, the family gave us a reason to talk about again, as they were back in the business when one day, the league discovered the apple didn't fall far from the tree and the polecat grew out to take interest in the “family business” and took part in the FBA draft. Quickly gaining fame (or infamy) for being crass, overconfident and hard to work with, that didn’t stop the league of ranking the mustelid in the Top 24 where, while his diminutive frame for his position was noted as a risk, he made the most of any other bigfur in the pool. Notably passed over by his father’s team, the Newark Pride, in the draft, the young mustelid still figured in the Top 8, by being picked right after by the Montana Howlers, famed for an aggressive, hard-on style that many predicted would be a good fit for the young marbled polecat.
While having to work on a number of rising issues, alleged teammate drama and media troubles, GM Art Sadowski managed to keep Sterling in check and out of enough trouble for the polecat to proof himself. While not lighting up any alarms at first or as early as his fellow draftees; many predicting the short bigfur would be all bark and no bite, he managed to turn heads around on the last stretch of the season, having the most blocks out of any rookie, as well as having reached team seasonal records of 29 points and 15 rebounds after a very strong pair of games against Queens and Las Vegas respectively.
Sterling has managed to make himself at home on the Howler roster, and has turned many of his odds and predictions about him upside down, with many of them now curious to see him forge his path into the future and what does he have in store.
To our surprise, no one expected what would be of that latter statement.
-REVEAL: We met with Bengtzing two days after the regular season ended, on the week break between it and the playoffs, in New York City. Meeting the polecat face to face, one would see why it’s easy to overblow his social media persona. Sure he does transmit a constant aura of cockiness and a Big Apple urbanity that can pass as brashness, but this is why his fanbase is devoted to him. He doesn’t shy away from giving answers very parallel to those of John Stoat and giving his point of view of various deals. In short, what we see with Sterling Bengtzing, is what we get in Sterling Bengtzing.
What we didn’t count with was that the polecat’s body, never exposed to the media in anyway possible, would sport a deep and extensive range of burn scars over his midsection and thighs, disfiguring an otherwise very athletic body. In here and for the first time, we’ll uncover Sterling’s story as he just had his first season wrapped up and he was gearing to face up some very stressful set of playoff games.
Will Steinberg: So I’ve got one question to ask to start this whole thing off: what in the world is up with those scars? How did you get them?
Sterling Bengtzing: I know is an incredulous thing for me to say, but truth be told, I have only knew the story in April this year… I had them since I was around three, dad said. But I only came to know the whole story a month ago in April. As far as I understood it, car accident mom got that I took the brunt of. 50-60 percent? About right. All of my torso, abdomen, thighs, behind and my left arm, which was burnt so bad it actually stuck to my side like this. [he puts his arm on his most scarred site on his abdomen, creating somewhat of a fit]
[shifts] I was told it was much worse when I was a kid, but some of it healed up for easy hiding or non scarring. Around… here [he points at his neck], and most of my legs too. But most of it… well… stayed as bad as it is, even if I can cover it in basketball gear
WS: Wow. And you’ve never spoken about these burns until now.
SB: Cuz I didn’t know. I only knew I had to hide them… My dad just told me as much, and if it went out, bad things would happen to us as a whole. All of my life I was instructed to keep it a secret or my future would be f****d, OUR future would be fucked. And I… obliged. What else could I have done? What if he was right? I went on with this life of hiding the best as I could, only getting hard this year.
WS: Did the Howlers’ staff know about this? Mr. Sadowski? Mr. O’Neill?
SB: No.
WS: Did anyone else in the league know about this?
SB: Some fellow players and friends in my draft class, but otherwise, no.
Geoffrey Whitewater: But you sure have undergone a number of physical tests in order to get into the world’s most competitive basketball league. Guess it’s safe to say that even after the healing process, your body hasn’t suffered any kind of permanent damage?
SB: As far as I know it all evolved in being an enormous flesh wound. I could have lost a limb or my sight or even worse… manhood... but it just looks jarring. Of course I went through dermatological care undercover when I was a cub to minimize weird side effects and all that s**t. In short I took the best care I could have taken given the luck that was thrown at me.
WS: And now, here you are, right?
SB: Ja. Dad and I know this is a dicey thing if it gets revealed. if I just went out on the court exposing all of this. [he pointed at himself] We knew we could have gotten issues. Instead, we preferred to give the cleanest, honest way out we could have thought, dealing with the rest as it comes.
WS: And did he ever consider that some wouldn’t think of those burns as an issue? It seems really messed up to me that he felt he was protecting you by making you hide something that most might not make a huge issue out of.
SB: [sighs]
WS: Well?
SB: [he puts his elbows on his knees] “He first and foremost he did it to protect me… Regardless how I came to feel about it in these last days… I… I can’t fault him. And I’m going to ask you all to NOT do so either...”
WS: Alright. I’m going to guess he’s fine with you being here now?
SB: He’s waiting on the photo studio as we speak! We agreed to do so after talking over it. Whatever the feels, we agreed this was a hurdle we’d all go through together.
WS: And would you say your relationship with your father has gotten stronger for it?
SB: It was… complicated. I didn't see it as a big deal, he still does, given it’ll be a tough couple of weeks for us. It was… difficult to reach a point, given it will throw us in a really ugly twist, many trash reporters asking why, the deals he made to protect me in the league will be out in the open, that kind of stuff. But we will stay strong no matter what, cuz we know the truth.
WS: And those that care to know will talk to you first.
SB: Ja. But that won't stop the snooping. Once they see how dad dealt with it, they'll get finicky and question our integrity. I assure you we are 100% clean.
GW: At 6’9”, you’re one of the league’s shortest bigfurs, if not the shortest - coming in as a rookie into a league that as we all know still tends to favor the biggest and bulkiest at the 5 spot, which you’ve always said you prefer over the 4. After spending an entire season battling it out with the FBA’s best, do you still think you can survive in the league as a center?
SB: Absolutely. I know it’s an odd deal with me, but I am not a fluke at my position. Obviously you might say you got my own body against me, but in two years’ time, this “short Center” deal will be history, instead you’ll see “Defensive Player of the Year”. I believe I can, and I know I will master the 5 just as good as I did with my friends and at college. It’s not the height, is the skill and the will.
GW: Those are bold words coming out from the muzzle of someone who’s still pretty much unproven talent. Where does your path lead in terms of training regimen as you strive to reach the ambitious target you gave yourself?
SB: I’m working with Mr Rainer as well as some old contacts in Sweden and New York to create a program that would be hellish, yet incredibly effective. In the EFBL, many times they don't make them as big, they learn to play big almost overnight. I will learn to play big. Thing is, it’s an off season project since I don’t want to exhaust myself in the coming playoff race and f**k up for my own sake. It’s a program I’ll fully devote to get to my 260 goal at the beginning of next season. Alike to Barrett you might say, but instead of a circumstance like he was thrown in, that growth would be my goal. And I’m 21, I’m young. If I get at least an inch up, that’ll shut some people up, am I right?
GW: It’s fitting that you mention Kahunas’ Scoonie Barrett since I had the opportunity to talk with him about the same topic, a few times over the last few months. Now as you very well know, Scoonie took up about 20 pounds of solid muscle over a year in order to fulfill his team’s needs at Center. At the same time, though, I got to see for myself how does he train back home in Hawaii, and I can safely say not every player has the mental tools to keep up that level of intensity and focus both in and out the gym for several months, and years, at a time. More than the physical skills, do you think you have the determination and mental toughness you need to master your body the same way that got him to be an MVP contender?
SB: [he threw his hands in the air slightly] As my dad said, I escaped death when I was a baby, so everything’s up for grabs for me now. And it will be tough sure, but I am one of the rookies that at least can claim to know the business a bit. I think I know what I will be staring at, and will welcome it with open arms. The GMs will likely throw away skill for an extra inch or two, so I am setting myself for that to never happen again, cuz I want it. And I will get it. Sterling in 2017 will be a whole new polecat.
WS: You just mentioned you know the business ‘a bit’, and yet some would call you a public relations nightmare. We all know you’re exceptionally vocal about certain things, particularly on Twitter, and some would say you go overboard on that. What’s your take on that?
SB: [he kneels over, elbows on his legs] I was always taught to not keep myself quiet. To raise my voice at anything it goes. What you see is what you get kind of deal. Sure stupid stuff, but who doesn’t do that from time to time? Players, Coaches, General Managers, I am sure I’m someone’s dream after the shit that people smile and nod at. And well… if you can't say you can take it, even if you get bent over… why bother? You have to present yourself the strongest for your team and your fans. So instead of focusing on relations, I rather focus on my game. If people want to know me, come over and know me.
GW: How’s Montana treating you? Has it been difficult to adapt to a professional team, and how’s your relationship with your fellow Howlers?
SB: At first, it was worrying to move coasts, but all in end. I got the perfect team. In contrast to other rookies, I can discern and won’t be afraid to say what is right and what is wrong. And the Howlers have proven perfect. Grandon and Hiro are top notch serious teammates who are not afraid to dish it out and keep it real, Kresta’s been a pro through and through and the other guys are pretty swell. The management also doesn’t lose time in image nurturing or babying, they are not f****g insane like some others, they know what they’re doing, and let their players just do what they’re hired to do without needing them to be “media darlings” but rather, themselves. That is what the FBA is all about, baby.
GW: You’ve mentioned him several times now and it’s safe to say most of our readers know about him, but we can’t go through this without talking about your father. How big an impact had on your career the fact you grew up the son of FBA veteran Ferdinand Bengtzing, and would you consider it positive or negative?
SB: The best. I wouldn’t be where I am if it wasn’t for my pappa, and I am going to embrace it instead of being forced away for it for my sake and ‘my legacy’. Why for? That’s f****g dumb. That being said, I’m not gonna coast off by surname alone. He taught me to work for my own merits, he taught me about the league, and what to expect and how to be the best polecat I can be. In short Sterling would have been nothing without Ferdinand.
WS: Well, you’ve certainly got quite the head start on forging your own legacy with playing for the Howlers instead of the Pride. I’ve heard rumors that you did want to play on the Pride, though. Are those true, and if they are, how did you feel at first?
SB: Well which rookie doesn’t have an ideal team to get drafted on? “Any team is a good team for me”, fuck that noise! [laughs] But ja… I wanted in the Pride. I am a damn fanboy yanno. But tides change, pappa told me they have different concepts and ideals, they drafted someone else, moved away from the best place there was and that’s life. When dad entered the league, any team would have been a blessing for an immigrant like him who only wanted to play. I was taught to see it the same way. Hoping my first step was the best first step.
WS: Mm… [pauses] Well, I will say this: it’s been one heck of a first step this season. I guess this counts as a standardized question, but… if there was one thing you could change about how this season unfolded, what would you change?
SB: The media. [the reporters expect a punchline or a joke, only for the quote to hang in the air]
I feel that it’s frighteningly turning into an image industry. Who can give more to charity and jack off my ego, who is the most friendly guy, who is the best suck up, whatever whatever. And it’s really hurting the people who just want to ball, putting them in a standard that makes them impossible to just come and enjoy the sport, focusing too much on my do’s and don't's, highlighting my fails instead of my successes just cuz I make my choices. We all face some crossroads along the way, and is up to me to say “fuck that, you do you”.
GW: Getting back to the topic of your body, there’s two questions I always tend to ask players in this type of interviews. What do you consider your best physical skill, and what’s the biggest challenge you face with your body?
SB: Obviously at first glance, height. It’s something I won’t speak out alway, but I know it can be a hurdle. I’m trying to boost my jump for it to be not as much of an obstacle, and so far it has worked I’d say. But in exchange, this makes me durable, I can bruise any player and turn out unscathed. Not to mention that it keeps the rivals guessing and underestimating because they don’t know how to deal with me… and then I’ll go to the jugular.
GW: How do you keep yourself in prime shape when off the court? Have you implemented a nutrition plan to go along with your “offseason project”, as you called it?
SB: Lucky for me, I already have a liking for all things fit. My protein intake is through the roof, Swedes go through milk like insane already. Since this plan is “nigh bodybuilder”; a “get big quick” scheme, it will include me eating like a madman and sacrificing booze completely. But it’s a compromise I can deal with.
GW: We’ll see. In the meanwhile - what do you think Montana is still lacking in order to have a successful championship run?
SB: Way better injury management and depth for starters. Sure we were unluckily injured, but I feel we are one of the most complete teams out there. Decent GM, Decent coaching, good fellas to play, great training grounds, and possibly the best philosophy to base ourselves on. The big team, the scary team. That is f*****g invigorating and we should embrace it 100%. For all teams it’s all about trimming the fat. And in my opinion? Montana is one of the leanest teams.
WS: That can’t be denied, but you also can’t deny the point guard issues that plagued the team earlier in the season. What’s your take on how that situation unfolded?
SB:That was an issue to be resolved that luckily we patched up with Ren just in time for the playoffs. I’m just not gonna go and say “our team faced this issue and that issue and we aren’t doing well, but we’ll keep trying” no f**k that. Why would I telegraph what is wrong with my team on the media like some rookies do? No, that screws up the morale, and counters how I unfold with my team. They are great, now let’s make it perfect.
GW: Does your European heritage affect your FBA experience in some way?
SB: Ja, det gör det. [laughs] It brought me a new perspective to base my playstyle in. Pappa said his playstyle was always based in having your fiery and determined self play alongside the cold and calculated standards you might have. In his case it’s Turkish and Swedish heritage, but in mine I parallel it to the EFBL and streetball. Sure an odd combo, but they have more in common than you think. That whatever the case, they live and breathe the sport regardless of any circumstance and hardly take no for an answer.
GW: Have you got any particular habits or rituals before a game that people don’t really know about?
SB: When it’s a particularly big game. oPod. My playlist. Don’t worry if I go deaf, I’m just getting in the moment. Basically, you need to remind yourself you are great, even if you’re going against a team full of Davises (Healey, not his kid). Whatever the case, you can’t go without a shred of doubt even if you know you're a dead fur walking.
GW: At first glance, heavy metal and basketball don’t seem to go together much, but pretty much everyone knows how big of a metalhead you actually are. Tell us more about it.
SB: Yo, it’s been my life. Pappa used to listen to all these 80’s bands and when I grew up and well… Sverige, the door to amazing music and the best metal there is. He told me it was almost a match made in heaven and mom was like “well, at least is not drugs”. It’s my style, and one I am proud to carry on.
WS: You’ve even dragged a friend into it, from what I understand.
SB:If they can soldier through, they’re worthy to keep as pals! [laughs] Many get snooty about it, but if people want to try, metal is an open world.
GW: So to conclude this, and with the Playoffs looming - it’s prediction time. Who, in your opinion, will be the Western and Eastern Conference champions?
SB: Montana first and foremost [laughs]. But Hawaii and Santa Ana are in great position. East, I’ll say Albany and Tennessee, they have been surprising and pretty capable of upsetting.
GW: I can’t help but notice you didn’t include Pittsburgh in that list.
SB: Moving on… Sure they might win, but story prevails titles. If they do, c’est la vie, can’t cry about it, but never forget.
WS: That’s quite a shift from earlier in the season!
SB: And one I rather not talk about, as far as I know.
GW: But if I had to ask you a single prediction about who will win the Finals?
SB: Santa Ana. I love the growth of Hawaii and Montana… but the coaching and training there is the best in the league, maybe even better with Schlachter and Onca taking full helm.
WS: And how far do you see yourself going in this year’s Playoffs?
SB: Realistically, conf finals. Ideally, a ring here. [he shows his ring finger] Always set your goals high and just take it. Take it even if it annoys others.
WS: The sky’s the limit and all that, right?
SB: Ya bet. That’s my message to the world. Forget the rest, do you and keep it real, ja?
GW: Ok, that’s enough for me. Good luck, Mr. Bengtzing.
WS: Same here. You go kick some tail in the Playoffs, you hear me?
Bengtzing managed to be a key player in the playoffs, stepping up on the unorthodox strategy of putting him at the 5, with his teammate and starting Center, future hall of famer, Hiroyuki Matsuura, taking the Power Forward position. The Howlers managed to live up to their hype, reaching the Conference finals, losing to the Seattle Summit at six games, after the bad luck struck again and the shrike went down on the last stretch. Nevertheless, it was quite the satisfactory first run for the rookie who managed to fulfill his expectations.
As the furs stood up to wrap it up prior to working on the material, the polecat called for their attention as he was adjusting his robe on again.
“Guys… just wanna say...”
The polecat’s voice made the reporter’s turn.
“This has been a tough step for all of my family. And I wouldn’t want to do it without yer help. Geoffrey, you’re world class. Will, I brought you in here for a reason. And now… the rest is up to me. But for your time in this step of my life… thank you.” the polecat extended his hand.
Geoffrey replied the handshake. “I am certain this one I won’t be able to forget for years to come. Thank you for your time, M.r Bengtzing...”
Will was more informal, lightly punching the polecat’s arm, smiling. “Go out and kick tail there. You got this.”
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