Capítulo 17: Team Assembly
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In early September, the summer heat in Indianapolis had quietly dissipated, replaced by a cool autumn breeze sweeping through this city on the eastern Great Plains. It was now the most pleasant season of the year.
Liam Gonzalez, dressed in formal attire, stepped out of his apartment and headed toward Hinkle Fieldhouse.
Three days ago, Butler University officially opened for the semester, and today marked the beginning of the Bulldogs' training sessions.
For more than two months, Liam had not returned to Colombia. He stayed in his apartment, poring over basketball tactics books, reviewing notes left by the previous coach, and analyzing classic game footage every three days. Gradually, he integrated all the memories and knowledge that came with his new role.
Three months ago, Liam was just a sideline mascot who could only clap and cheer. Now, he felt fully capable of coaching an NCAA team.
When Liam arrived at the gym, he found that the players were already there, warming up on the court.
Liam walked to the sidelines and smiled, saying, "You all got here pretty early."
"Good morning, Coach!"
"I couldn't wait to start training."
"Coach, I feel like I'm ready to go..."
The Bulldogs' players eagerly greeted Liam as they noticed him. Other members of the coaching staff also started arriving at the gym, smiling as they watched the players' enthusiasm.
Liam scanned the group and noticed Curry standing at the back. He waved him over and said, "Let me introduce you to your new teammate, Stephen Curry. He's from Charlotte and will be the starting point guard for the team this season. Stephen, why don't you say hello to everyone?"
"Hello, everyone. I'm Stephen Curry from Charlotte Christian School. I hope we can work well together," Curry introduced himself confidently.
However, the smile on the team's current starting point guard, Ben Slaton, quickly faded, and his expression turned sour.
Was he really going to lose his starting position on the first day of training camp? And to this baby-faced kid?
The rest of the team exchanged glances. Though they didn't dare speak out in front of Liam, their eyes were filled with doubt.
Could this guy really be the team's starting point guard? Why? Because he looks cute?
"Wait, you're Dell Curry's son, right?" Drew Streicher suddenly exclaimed.
Drew was the team's starting center, a senior, and also from Charlotte, just like Curry.
Curry nodded, surprised that someone had recognized him.
Dell Curry wasn't a superstar. He had retired four years ago and had faded from the limelight. Except for locals in Charlotte, not many people would connect Curry to Dell.
"I'm from Charlotte, too. I used to attend a lot of Hornets games when I was younger. I've seen you there, but I doubt you remember," Drew said with a smile.
The other players couldn't help but start whispering among themselves:
"Dell Curry... wasn't he the best sixth man?"
"I think so. He's also the leading scorer in Bobcats history!"
"No wonder he got the starting point guard spot right away. Just look at his physique..."
"Shut up! Do you want the coach to hear?"
Standing nearby, Curry heard every word. Though his expression remained calm, his hands behind his back were clenched into fists, veins bulging.
Liam paced in front of the players without saying a word, his eyes sweeping across the faces of those whispering. They quickly shut up, and the gym fell silent.
"We're starting with physical tests, as well as shooting and dribbling tests," Liam announced coldly. "I hope you've all been training hard over the break, or you can expect some extra drills!"
"Follow me!" shouted Stevens, one of the assistant coaches, as the staff began organizing the players for their physical tests.
Liam walked over to the other side of the court, where Micah Shrewsbury was standing. As the Bulldogs' Director of Basketball Operations, Micah had arrived at Hinkle Fieldhouse early for the first practice.
"Liam, is that the 'genius' you recruited back in May?" Micah asked, nodding toward Curry.
"That's right," Liam replied.
"He doesn't seem very popular," Micah remarked with a chuckle.
"He's new. Give it some time," Liam said calmly.
"How much time?"
"Today will be enough."
Micah raised his eyebrows, not expecting Liam to be so confident.
"Well, I'll be watching closely, Liam. The regular season doesn't start until November, but two months isn't a lot of time to get the team in shape. I have no issue with you making Stephen Curry the core, but I heard he was rejected by a lot of schools. Even Coach K didn't think he was fit for the NCAA. If he doesn't perform well..."
"I understand. Don't worry, Micah. I wouldn't gamble with the team's performance. Stephen won't let you down," Liam replied steadily.
"I hope so. After all, we can't take back a full scholarship," Micah said, smiling. "I've got other things to handle. The team's in your hands, Liam."
After Micah left, several players completed their physical exams, including Curry.
When Liam returned to the gym, Curry was undergoing his shooting and dribbling tests. In addition to the physical tests, players in different positions also needed to undergo skill-specific evaluations.
These players weren't famous NBA stars. Their vacations weren't for lounging around. In the United States, college tuition is expensive and a heavy burden for most families, even those in the middle class. College athletes often don't have stellar academic records, but they can gain admission with reduced requirements and receive scholarships. In return, they must train hard.
As a guard, Curry's main tests focused on shooting and dribbling.
Under the watchful eyes of the others, Curry's hands were steady. He made 20 out of 20 mid-range shots and 19 out of 20 three-pointers. He navigated the dribbling obstacles smoothly and with speed.
Julian Beko, a player on the team, whispered to Mike Green beside him, "This kid's good. His shooting speed is so fast and so accurate."
"His shooting form looks different from ours... He uses a one-motion shot! Isn't the release point lower than a two-motion shot? Isn't he afraid of getting blocked?" Mike Green asked, puzzled.
"Blocked? You think you can block his shot?" Julian sneered.
Recalling Curry's shooting motion, Mike Green shook his head. "I can't do it. He shoots too fast."
"Look at the coach's eyes," Julian signaled with his eyes. Mike followed his gaze to see Liam. "Coach has been watching that baby-faced guy. He really values him. We need to get along with him."
Mike nodded, then realized what he was saying and quickly added, "He's not taking my starting spot, though! Why should I worry... Ben, that's not what I meant!"
Ben Slaton, who was passing by, heard Mike's words. His already sour expression became even more downcast, though he forced a smile. "It's fine, Mike. It's on me. His shooting is a lot better than mine, and he handles the ball better. The coach has his reasons."
"Ben, I asked Coach Graves about it. That kid's always been a shooting guard. He probably doesn't even know how to pass! He can't take your spot!" Pete Campbell, the Bulldogs' starting power forward and Ben's close friend, argued.
"Pete, it's the coach's decision. What can we do?" Ben sighed.
Unlike in the NBA, where players can sometimes exert influence over a coach, the NCAA is different. Coaches often remain with a college team for decades, giving them absolute authority. Players must follow their instructions without question.
"We can't change the coach's decision, but that baby-faced kid is just a rookie. If he doesn't play as well as you, he might lose his nerve about being a starter!" Pete whispered.
"Man, do you really think we can change the lineup?" Ben replied, smiling wryly.
"Even if we can't change his starting position, we can at least make things a little uncomfortable for him," Pete suggested, his voice lowering as he glanced around.
Meanwhile, the other players were finishing up their physical tests. Liam gathered them together, flipping through the test reports in his hand. He nodded approvingly and smiled. "Not bad. It looks like you all didn't slack off over the break. Everyone's physical stats have improved since last semester. Keep it up."
He handed the reports to Terry Johnson, another assistant coach. After the session, these reports would be filed, helping the coaching staff devise the next set of training plans.
Checking his watch, Liam saw it was 10:40 AM. He looked up and announced, "There are still 30 minutes left in the morning session. As usual, let's have a scrimmage. Starters versus substitutes."
"Coach, what about Stephen? Which group will he be on?" Pete Campbell asked.
Everyone turned to look at Curry. Even though he was new and hadn't trained with the team, he was supposed to start in the upcoming season, so he could be placed in either group.
Liam paused, glanced at Curry, and said calmly, "Stephen, you'll be on the substitute team."
End of this chapter
Note: This novel as you see I changed the name and nationality, as such is more complicated translate it I hope you support.
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