Chapter 12: Sweet 16, Rising Fame
With Wade and Wang Chong leading the way, Marquette University quickly built a commanding lead and thoroughly dominated Xavier University on the court.
Though Wang Chong struggled defensively against Xavier's star player, David West, who stood out as one of the only three NBA-level players on the court, West had to play cautiously in every attack. Wang Chong's presence was enough to make him second-guess his moves.
The real issue, however, lay in Xavier University's defensive end. Initially, their plan was to focus solely on limiting Wade. They hadn't anticipated Wang Chong's sudden impact, which caused their defensive strategies to crumble. The team was now caught off guard and floundering.
After a few minutes of play, Xavier University called a timeout. The coach used the break to draw up strategies on the tactical board, attempting to counter both Wade and Wang Chong's pick-and-roll plays.
However, expecting an NCAA coach to devise a foolproof strategy against two NBA-caliber players in just a brief timeout was unrealistic. The situation didn't improve; in fact, it worsened for Xavier University.
Wade's performance was overpowering. Although David West was a stellar player, averaging 20 points and 11 rebounds per game in college, the difference between him and Wade was striking. Wade's impact was immediate and overwhelming.
The scouts were fully captivated by Wade's performance. His explosive play was making waves, and there was no pressure on the game for Marquette University.
Marquette defeated Xavier University 85-68, securing a decisive 17-point victory—a significant win.
From the start of the game, Marquette University had taken control and never relinquished their lead. Wade led the team with 28 points, 6 rebounds, and 8 assists, his relentless attacks dismantling Xavier's defense.
David West's performance wasn't lacking; he tallied 19 points and 12 rebounds, showcasing his strength as a power forward. However, Wang Chong's presence posed a significant challenge, limiting West's effectiveness and preventing him from making a more significant impact.
Wang Chong contributed 16 points and 8 rebounds. While not as outstanding as Wade or West, his performance was impressive enough to capture the attention of many scouts, who took note of his name and skills.
"An Asian player with exceptional static talent and a reliable mid-range shot—he seems worth further investigation."
Big men with shooting capabilities often struggle to make a name for themselves in the league, but they are highly sought after. This was especially true during the 2002-03 season, when German player Dirk Nowitzki was at the peak of his career, averaging 25 points, 10 rebounds, and 3 assists per game.
The Dallas Mavericks, boasting a 73% record, were vying with the Spurs for the best league record. The presence of players like Nowitzki added to the league's fascination with big men who could shoot.
Moreover, Wang Chong's Asian heritage made him stand out, especially in a league where Asian players were rare. Yao Ming, the No. 1 pick from the previous summer, had already garnered significant attention. Wang Chong's uniqueness and potential further intrigued scouts and media alike.
Despite the growing interest, a single game wasn't enough for scouts to fully grasp Wang Chong's potential. However, with Marquette advancing to the top 32, Wang Chong would have more opportunities to showcase his skills.
Marquette's victory over Xavier University was like a ripple in a pond, causing only a small stir in the broader tournament landscape. Neither team was a favored seed, so the result was expected.
The NCAA tournament is notorious for its upsets, with dark horses frequently overcoming seeded teams. Marquette's win was just one of many surprises in the early rounds.
Yet, for Marquette's players, the victory felt like a major achievement. In the March Madness tournament, every round of advancement was a significant milestone.
As Marquette University advanced to the round of 32, they faced a team that wasn't particularly strong or favored, and Wang Chong didn't recognize any familiar NBA names on their roster.
This wasn't surprising; not every NCAA player has the potential to reach the NBA. Many teams advance in March Madness thanks to their experience, tactical systems, and a bit of luck.
Marquette's next opponent was a team without standout players but with exceptional teamwork and tactical play. They had made it to the knockout stages through cohesion rather than individual talent.
Such teams often struggle to go far, as sports generally favor individuals with exceptional talent. In basketball, football, track and field, or other sports, only a few extraordinarily gifted athletes stand out.
Even with hard work, ordinary players often remain in supporting roles.
Take Allen Iverson, for instance—standing at 1.83 meters, he dominated the NBA with his unmatched speed, agility, and ball-handling skills.
Or Isaiah Thomas, who, at 1.75 meters tall, could dunk with ease and possessed extraordinary speed and strength.
Marquette's second-round game perfectly illustrated this reality.
Wade scored 31 points, but that wasn't the main highlight. Wang Chong also showcased his talent spectacularly. Standing at 2.08 meters with a wingspan of 2.24 meters and an accurate mid-range shot, Wang Chong proved difficult for opponents to defend against.
Throughout the game, Wang Chong recorded a double-double with 24 points and 11 rebounds, his shooting percentage even surpassing Wade's.
Now, not just the scouts but media reporters were beginning to notice Wang Chong.
The increased attention from the media and the noticeable difference in Wang Chong's appearance—his black hair and yellow skin—made him stand out. With a double-double performance in the 32-to-16 game, Wang Chong's rise to fame was undeniable.
"Marquette University defeats Ohio University and advances to the Sweet 16!"
"The mysterious Asian center demonstrates his power and becomes Wade's most formidable ally. Is he Marquette University's secret weapon?"
Wang Chong's fame was growing.
End of this chapter
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