Final answer:
The phrase 'GREATLY DESIRED' in the given sentence indicates that Bernard had a strong ambition, or aspired, to become an NBA basketball player. The correct answer is option (a) Aspired.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the sentence 'Bernard GREATLY DESIRED to become an NBA basketball player,' the phrase GREATLY DESIRED means that Bernard had a strong wish or aspiration to achieve something. Therefore, the correct answer is option (a) Aspired.
This implies that Bernard had set his ambitions high and was possibly putting effort and passion into reaching his goal of becoming an NBA basketball player. The other options, (b) Hesitated, (c) Discouraged, and (d) Accepted, do not correctly describe the intensity of Bernard's ambition implied by 'GREATLY DESIRED.'
Aspirations like Bernard's often involve setting goals, dedication to training, and a strong commitment to personal growth and improvement in the sport of basketball.