Chương 16: Diligence Changes Destiny
Stanford University's Cardinal team's next opponent is the Oregon Ducks.
In American college basketball, Oregon is a well-known presence. Although it may not be as famous as schools like North Carolina, Duke, and UCLA, it can still be considered a powerhouse team.
They have made it to the NCAA Tournament 14 times and claimed the top spot in the Pacific Division six times. (T/N: No fucking idea if accurate. Anyone who has US college basketball knowledge please confirm. i am too lazy to fact-check.)
In 2002, they even made it to the Elite Eight. (T/N: Author wrote 2003. Oregon reached Elite Eight in 2002.)
However, in recent years, under Coach Dana Altman's new leadership, the team entered a long rebuilding period. But at the beginning of this season, they finally achieved a wonderful chemistry and even had a ten-game winning streak, securing the top spot in the Pacific Division. (T/N: Bruh. Dana Altman became head coach in 2010.)
However, with starting point guard Aaron Brooks and core small forward Malik Hairston getting injured one after the other, their performance took a nosedive. Nevertheless, with both of them returning in the last five games, their performance immediately improved. They even adopted the slogan of making a comeback and breaking into the championship.
With Stanford's recent victory, both teams are now tied for fourth place in the division.
For the Oregon Ducks, this game is a must-win. If they secure this victory, they will smoothly enter the championship as the fourth seed in the Pacific Division.
As for Stanford, they don't seem to be a formidable opponent.
So, they are full of confidence.
"Hey, Aaron. Have you watched the recent games? Stanford's number 10 player is almost as fast as you. I believe there will be an intense battle between you two," the team's center, Maarty Leunen, teased his senior teammate.
Oregon is known for its small-ball style. Their trio consists of Maarty Leunen (sophomore), Malik Hairston (sophomore), and Aaron Brooks (junior).
Brooks stands at 6'0" tall and weighs 73 kg. He is a lightning-fast, highly skilled guard. In the NCAA, some even compare him to Allen Iverson.
Hairston is 6'6" tall and weighs 99 kg. He was a McDonald's All-American in high school, but fell slightly behind the players he competed with once he entered college. He plays the swingman position on the court, is physically strong, and excels in quick attacks. (Author's Note: He was selected by the Phoenix Suns in the 2008 draft as the 18th pick in the second round and was later traded to the San Antonio Spurs, where he played for two seasons.)
Leunen is 6'9" tall and weighs 100 kg. He is the scoring king of the Oregon Ducks. At least at the college level, he displays top-notch skills both inside and outside the paint. He can back down opponents in the post, and he can also step out to the three-point line for a shot. Defensively, he plays with a very aggressive style and is often criticized for using physical tactics. But it has to be said, he is the Ducks' rim protector in their small-ball strategy. (Author's Note: Leunen was the 53rd pick in the 2008 draft and represented the Rockets in the summer league. He was a powerhouse in the NCAA, but in the NBA, he struggled to find his footing.) (T/N: OMFG, even this note is wrong. it's 54th.)
"I didn't bother watching that so-called game. But in the Pacific Division, there's no one faster than me. If we meet, I'll make sure he tastes the exhaust fumes," Aaron Brooks said, his confidence oozing.
On the bus heading to Stanford, nobody doubted his self-assurance.
Because, that's just how strong he is.
...
Meanwhile, on a bus heading back to Stanford, Coach Jamie Lin put away his joy from a hard-fought victory just won. He began to explain the technical characteristics of each Oregon player to the team members. He even individually pointed out the players they would be matched against, telling them which specific details to pay attention to. This included things like a certain player's preference for driving left and finishing with the right hand.
It has to be said that Lin approaches his work with great seriousness and attention to detail. The extensive collection work often consumes his nights. Without an assistant to help, he can only handle it alone.
Although the whole world knows he's just a temporary worker thrown into the head coach position, he firmly seizes this opportunity, albeit slim, but he remains steadfast.
"You can think of Brooks as an offensive version of you. He's a bit shorter, and the size difference is negligible, but his attacking power is formidable. You must focus a hundred percent on the court, or he will swiftly execute a direct attack," Jamie Lin walked up to Li Zhen and began to introduce Brooks' information.
He even took out his thick notebook and opened the video clips he had edited for Li Zhen to watch.
Brooks indeed has a style reminiscent of Iverson, though... it's a slightly inferior version in all aspects.
"Oregon also employs a small-ball strategy, and their offensive power is very strong. The three core players each have their roles and perform very well..."
As Jamie Lin spoke, Li Zhen added, "I think we should cut off the connection between their three players. If Brooks keeps playing one-on-one, our chances of winning will be much higher."
"My strength lies in assisting teammates, while his strength is scoring. If we both play to our strengths, our chances of winning will be higher."
Li Zhen said confidently.
His words surprised Jamie Lin, but also filled him with some longing: If we really defeat the University of Oregon, we really have a chance to make it into the championship! That's the March Madness, the most intense basketball battleground in America.
No one doesn't want to enter the March Madness tournament. Countless players and coaches make a name for themselves in 'one decisive game'. (T/N: March Madness has no game series. Only 1 game to decide it all.)
Jamie Lin clenched his fist tightly; his dream was to become a top coach.
But soon, he relaxed and said to Li Zhen, "Don't feel pressured about winning or losing. Just play to your best level. Whether we win or lose doesn't matter. The most important thing is not to get injured."
He highly valued Li Zhen's health.
He knew Li Zhen was a player with a strong desire to win, and he feared that Li Zhen would take risky actions again just to win. In the last game, even though they won, Jamie Lin's heart nearly leaped out of his throat when Li Zhen collided continuously with Pruitt.
The bus arrived at the school at eight in the evening. After having the victory feast carefully prepared by the school in the school's restaurant, the players returned to the dormitories with happy smiles.
But Li Zhen went straight to the gym. After some simple warm-up exercises, he began to practice like a madman.
On one hand, he aimed to improve his playing level, and on the other hand, he wanted to sweat more. He hoped to bring out that gifted player in his mind, preferably with some added strength.
Anyway... taking talents from others wouldn't really destroy them. As long as they practiced diligently, they could still get it back. And, it also served as a warning to those fallen players. If they didn't clean up their act, their innate talent wouldn't accompany them into old age. (T/N: MC is now being slowly corrupted by the CN MC syndrome)
With this thought in mind, Li Zhen's psychological burden rapidly decreased.
He practiced shooting on the court for two hours, then went to the gym to lift weights for nearly an hour and a half. His training clothes went from wet to dry, then back to wet again. He definitely sweated more than in the previous training.
But, there was no response in his mind.
It seems... the difficulty has indeed increased with each attempt.
However, he didn't feel discouraged by this. Instead, he was even more determined.
As long as there was hope to become stronger, wasn't it just a matter of training relentlessly?
If diligence could change fate, Li Zhen was willing to work hard for a lifetime!
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