阅读下面短文，在空白处填入1个适当的单词或括号内单词的正确形式。

Paul and I were on our school basketball team, The Lions. We 【小题1】 (love) basketball and were both huge fans of the NBA. My favorite player was LeBron James. Paul’s favorite player was Tyrone Bogues, a guy 【小题2】 played for the Charlottee Hornets, although we 【小题3】 (actual) agree that they are both champions.

Bogues was only 1.6 metres tall, which made him the 【小题4】 (short) player ever in the NBA. Paul was only 1.6 metres tall, too! During all those hours of doing jump shots 【小题5】 his own, he used Bogues as his 【小题6】 (inspire). Paul once said. “If Bogues could make 【小题7】, why not me?”

Our coach was not so sure. Paul had to try out many times just for 【小题8】 (make) the team. He was still usually on the bench, 【小题9】 was really tough on him. Everyone knew Paul had real skills, and was someone who worked really hard and had a strong desire to play for 【小题10】 team. However. Paul didn’t get a chance.