Bab 28: Attracts Attention from All Sides, West's Helplessness!
"I love playing with Lin. He makes the game easier and adapts perfectly to the opponent's style. To me, he's like the Larry Bird of the University of Massachusetts!"
After the game, Marcus Camby was visibly excited. For him, winning this match was nothing short of a dream come true.
Even though Camby had experienced many incredible moments, this one was particularly surreal.
The opponent was none other than Allen Iverson—a superstar who had dominated the NCAA tournament since the 64-team stage. His scoring ability had made every team facing him miserable.
Even among NBA scouts, Iverson was the most talked-about player. But now, the mighty Iverson and Georgetown University had been completely eliminated. They would remain in the semi-finals, while the University of Massachusetts, thanks to Lin Tianhui, was moving on to seek even greater glory.
Camby couldn't believe it. Lin Tianhui's outstanding performance made the victory seem effortless.
In his eyes, Lin was as impressive as Larry Bird, with the same level of confidence and ability to turn talk into reality.
"Lin is a worthy opponent. His style of play is incredibly strong. I lost this game, but there are no excuses or reasons to complain!"
Allen Iverson maintained his trademark charisma in front of the media. He exuded confidence and respect for Lin, despite his frustration.
"This is just the beginning. College basketball is over, but the story between Lin and me isn't finished yet. He has Marcus Camby now, but if we meet again in the NBA, I believe I'll lead my team to victory against him!"
Iverson's frustration was evident, though he remained hopeful. Despite Lin Tianhui's impressive performance in defeating Georgetown, Iverson acknowledged that Marcus Camby's contribution—18 points, 16 rebounds, and 6 blocks—was also crucial.
Iverson's hope now rested on the possibility of facing Lin again in the NBA.
"This game is unforgettable. Even now, my hair is standing on end. The intensity was comparable to an NBA playoff game."
"Yes, this era belongs to the youth. Allen Iverson, Marcus Camby, and Lin, who may enter the draft, are the future hopes of the NBA. I can't wait to see how they perform in the league!"
The commentators concluded their analysis, praising the match's high level of play and its comparison to the NBA playoffs.
"It's a shame for anyone who missed this game!"
Meanwhile, in the Lakers' general manager office, Jerry West watched the broadcast with a serious expression.
The man who had been named NBA's Best Manager the previous year was focused intently on the screen, where Lin Tianhui, the only Chinese player, was making waves.
"This guy is just too strong!"
After a long pause, Jerry West finally spoke, his eyes filled with admiration.
"This year should be the Lakers' comeback year, but unfortunately, we don't have a top-three lottery pick!"
West's words reflected his concern. On his desk lay lists of potential players—high school prodigy Kobe Bryant and college star Allen Iverson. But Lin Tianhui's performance had overshadowed all of them.
In the early 1990s, the Lakers had struggled with poor records and underwhelming talent. West had opted for a long-term strategy, hoping to catch a big fish eventually.
This year's draft was crucial for his plan, and Lin Tianhui's emergence had shifted his focus.
West had previously aimed to balance the team with strong interior and exterior players. Shaquille O'Neal, a top free agent whose contract was expiring, was a primary target. The Lakers had a chance if the Magic didn't offer O'Neal a max contract.
Yet, with Michael Jordan's return and Malone and Stockton's synergy, West knew a strong interior player alone wouldn't suffice. The team needed a dynamic guard, which initially led him to focus on Allen Iverson.
However, with Lin Tianhui's recent performance, West's plans were in flux.
He considered the possibility of acquiring Lin at all costs, even if it meant trading star players for lottery picks.
But Lin's remarkable performance had drawn widespread attention, making it difficult to secure a top-three pick. The challenge now was finding a way to navigate this competitive draft landscape.
"This is truly a headache!"
Jerry West's frustration was evident as he realized the difficulty of maneuvering in the draft to secure Lin Tianhui.
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