Read the passage.  juan dribbled the basketball and looked up at the hoop with determination. he had three days left to practice before tryouts. last year he hadn't tried out, even though he’d thought it would be fun to be on the team. he had wanted to sign up for tryouts, but he knew he’d just blow it. he was a good player when he was by himself. he could hit almost every free-throw he tried, but only when no one was watching. when he had an audience, he got nervous and his hands began to sweat. he would be lucky to sink one free-throw in front of a crowd, he thought. last year he had gone to all the games. he watched the team play. there were good players on the team, but watching them, juan knew he could be just as good if he could conquer his nerves. juan had made up his mind then. he would try out for the team next year. every day after school, he had made himself go to the courts in his neighborhood and play with the other boys there, no matter how many there were or who was watching. after a few days, he discovered that he had so much fun with the other players that he didn't even stop to think about his nerves. this year when the coach posted the list to sign up for tryouts, juan was ready. he got in line with the other boys and proudly signed his name to the list. he had to admit that he was still a little nervous, but after a year of practicing, he also knew he was ready. he couldn't wait to be a member of the team. he already had chosen his uniform number. which statement is an example of direct characterization? juan dribbled the basketball and looked up at the hoop with determination. he would try out for the team next year. he already had chosen his uniform number. he was a good player when he was by himself. description