Chapter 82: He Longs to Be a Hero
Sorry the university kept me very busy as the 22nd is the last day, I have to do all the exams and activities since finals.
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When it comes to understanding Westbrook, perhaps no one in the world knows him better than Liam.
The current Westbrook is not yet the fully realized player he would become. As a sophomore, he plays a defensive role for the powerful UCLA team, contributing somewhat on offense, but he's not yet the explosive force he will be in the future.
In everyone's mind, he's an excellent point guard with incredible athleticism, top-tier defense, and great driving and playmaking ability.
Even Westbrook himself probably doesn't fully grasp what kind of player he will grow into.
By the time he won the MVP in 2017, his usage rate hit 40.8%—the highest in history!
No matter which team he's on—the Thunder, Rockets, or Wizards—even with elite scorers like Durant, Harden, or Beal, Westbrook always dominates the ball.
The real Westbrook is not a pass-first point guard, but a ball-dominant player.
He's a player who longs to be a hero.
That's why in crucial moments, whether playing for the Thunder or the Rockets, he always wants to be the one to save the team.
This hero complex, however, has often led to crucial mistakes—key moments where the game was lost due to poor decisions.
Many fans were baffled watching him take the final shots in pivotal games, like against the Warriors in the 2016 playoffs or the Lakers in 2020, wondering why he was holding the ball when Durant or Harden were better options.
But in Westbrook's eyes, it was only natural. He sees himself as the hero, the one meant to turn the tide and save the day.
This game against the Bulldogs was crucial for UCLA, and Westbrook was desperate to lead them to victory.
Liam had orchestrated a plan where Curry and Butler would provoke him, knowing it would tap into Westbrook's deepest desire—to be the hero.
But unfortunately for Westbrook, he wasn't yet the fully-formed player he would become. He couldn't be the hero today, nor could he outshine Love's offensive power.
UCLA's coach, Holland, saw Westbrook losing control, but there was little he could do. He tried to calm Westbrook's growing hunger for offense, but to no avail.
Not even teammates like Durant, Harden, or Beal could wrest control from Westbrook once he decided to go for it—how could Love?
Holland could only watch as Westbrook drove into the paint time and time again, missing shot after shot, while the Bulldogs grabbed rebounds and launched fast breaks. The momentum steadily shifted in Butler's favor.
With Westbrook's "help," the Bulldogs' lead grew, and they eventually defeated UCLA 78-62, advancing to the March Madness Finals!
The UCLA fans were left bewildered. It looked like an intense game, and Westbrook's drives were impressive—so how did they end up losing?
Holland was visibly upset, but in the end, he refrained from blaming Westbrook.
Westbrook had tried his best, but success eluded him.
This is why Westbrook is both loved and criticized.
He's a loyal friend and teammate, but not always a good fit for team dynamics.
Durant, Paul George, Harden, Beal—these stars all eventually parted ways with Westbrook because of his ball-dominant style of play.
He can energize a team, but often struggles to deliver victories.
After the game, Westbrook stood at midcourt, hands on his knees, watching the Bulldogs celebrate. He was exhausted, physically and emotionally, but despite giving it his all, victory had slipped through his fingers.
Westbrook had already spoken to his family about entering the NBA draft that year, making this his final March Madness. His college career would end in disappointment.
As he watched Curry being embraced by his teammates, a flicker of envy and jealousy stirred within him.
He wanted to be like Curry—commanding the ball, scoring at will, and basking in the crowd's cheers.
But Holland had only asked him to focus on defense and playmaking. Last year, it was Darren Collison's turn to shine at UCLA; this year, it was Kevin Love's. Westbrook was still waiting for his moment.
"When I get to the NBA, I'll be a superstar. A superstar everyone notices!"
Westbrook silently vowed to improve his skills during the offseason.
Having been overlooked for so long, he knew that only raw strength could win him the respect he craved.
After the game, Holland, Westbrook, and Love were interviewed by reporters.
Westbrook had 23 points, 6 assists, and 5 rebounds, but his efficiency was poor, shooting under 40%. Love, on the other hand, scored 17 points on 7-for-12 shooting, showing much more efficiency.
After answering some generic questions, the reporter asked:
"Russell, Kevin, are you both entering this year's draft?"
The two exchanged glances before Westbrook answered:
"Yes, we'll both be in this year's draft. It's a shame we couldn't bring a championship to UCLA, but I'm confident UCLA will win again in the future."
And with that, the interview ended. Westbrook and Love followed Holland out of the room.
Next up was the victorious Butler University. Liam Gonzalez and Stephen Curry took their place at the press conference.
In this game, the Bulldogs' offense had relied heavily on fast breaks, with Curry playing a pivotal role. He had a double-double with 22 points and 10 assists, orchestrating the team's offense.
Had UCLA not focused so heavily on defending him beyond the arc, leaving Butler and others open on their fast breaks, Curry could have scored even more.
The reporter asked Curry:
"Stephen, Westbrook and Kevin Love are entering the draft this year. Do you have any plans?"
Curry hesitated, glancing at Liam. Liam gave him a knowing wink, and Curry replied:
"Our journey isn't over yet. There's still one last game to play. I'll make my decision after the finals."
March Madness wasn't over, and the Bulldogs maintained a strict media silence under Liam's orders. Liam had instructed his players to avoid giving reporters too much to run with, keeping the team focused. Curry knew better than to go against his coach's wishes.
After more formalities, the interview ended.
On the way back to the locker room, Curry asked Liam:
"Coach, my dad thinks I should enter the draft this year. He says it's my best chance. What do you think?"
Liam replied:
"After the finals, I'll give you my advice. I want you to think it over carefully before making a decision. Sound good?"
Curry thought for a moment, then smiled:
"No problem, Coach. Your advice is always spot on!"
Liam smiled back:
"Right now, let's focus on the finals. Our goal is to win the championship!"
End of this chapter
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