Chương 42: Countdown To "March Madness"
The NCAA league finals had concluded, marking the entry of 32 championship teams into the eagerly awaited "March Madness". Yet, a brief respite of about five days lingered before the tournament officially kicked off on March 20th with its first round.
During this interim period, the NCAA would diligently finalize its selection of an additional 33 teams to complete the tournament lineup. These teams would be chosen based on their season performances and regional standings, then logically distributed across the tournament's four divisions.
For the University of Southern California (USC), already assured of their advancement, these days were crucial for preparation and fine-tuning. It was a period marked by focused repairs, tactical adjustments, and mental conditioning in readiness for the grueling battles ahead.
Conversely, the waiting game was more excruciating for other teams. Those with lackluster records might resign themselves to planning for the next season, already knowing their fate. Conversely, the strongest leagues, like the Parker Ten, where USC had thrived, could afford a more relaxed stance with their guaranteed spots. Teams comfortably sitting at 2-4 in the Parker Ten exemplified this confidence.
However, it was the teams perched in the middle ground—neither assured of their spot nor fully resigned to missing out—that faced the most nerve-wracking uncertainty. Their destiny hung in the balance, pending the NCAA's final decisions and allocations.
As the countdown to "March Madness" continued, the collegiate basketball landscape buzzed with anticipation and apprehension alike, each team navigating these pivotal days with a mix of hope, strategy, and cautious optimism.
After Lian Dao and DeRozan took a much-needed day off to rest their bodies and relieve the tension from their rigorous training schedule, they returned to the grind the following morning. Tim, their coach, initially intended for them to rest for an additional day, but seeing their determination to continue training, he relented, ensuring that the team doctor monitored their progress closely and assisted in muscle relaxation techniques.
Amidst the ongoing competition and high-intensity training sessions, Lian Dao felt a slight improvement in his breakthrough strength, inching from 78 to 79. His current focus shifted towards enhancing sprint speed and lateral movement, acknowledging the challenge of reaching an 80-point benchmark in these areas within a short timeframe, but still pushing himself to make incremental gains.
Lian Dao understood the principle of gradual improvement through consistent effort—a philosophy ingrained in his approach to training. He recognized that without continuous accumulation, significant progress would be unattainable. However, he was mindful not to become overly reliant on the system for skill enhancement. With certain skills already maxed out at a score of 94, Lian Dao aimed to avoid dependence on points and instead relied on his own self-discipline and hard work.
For Lian Dao, control over his destiny was paramount. Whether through system-assisted upgrades or his own relentless dedication, he knew that his success ultimately rested in his hands alone. This mindset not only fueled his training but also prepared him mentally for the challenges ahead, including the imminent "March Madness" tournament where every ounce of preparation could make a decisive difference.
Time flew by swiftly as the NCAA tournament drew nearer. Two days before the tournament's commencement, the selection committee finalized the roster of 33 teams that would join the NCAA tournament, along with the divisional placements and seed rankings for all championship contenders.
Much to the anticipation of the University of Southern California's basketball team, they were assigned once again to the Midwest Division, mirroring events from Lian Dao's previous life. This time around, USC earned the distinguished position of the No. 2 seed in the Midwest Division, a testament to their performance throughout the season.
The news of USC's seeding sparked a wave of excitement throughout the team. It was a validation of their hard work and dedication, positioning them favorably for the challenges ahead in the tournament.
In the Midwest Division, USC found themselves alongside familiar competitors like the Arizona Wildcats, fellow members of the Parker Ten League. The Wildcats secured their place as the No. 12 seed in the Midwest Division, setting the stage for potential matchups and rivalries within their league.
As the tournament loomed closer, the atmosphere around USC's basketball program buzzed with a mix of nervous energy and determined focus. Each player, including Lian Dao, understood the significance of their seeding and the tough competition that awaited them in "March Madness". For Lian Dao, it was another opportunity to showcase his skills on a national stage and contribute towards USC's quest for NCAA glory.
Lian Dao studied the game sheet in his hand, focusing intently on the details of the Arizona Wildcats' recent performance in the Parker Ten League. They weren't a standout team, yet their past underdog story in the NCAA tournament caught his attention. In his previous life, they had defied their 12th seed status to reach the top 8, an impressive feat that highlighted the unpredictable nature of "March Madness."
Recalling their journey, Lian Dao couldn't help but feel a twinge of caution amidst his initial excitement. The NCAA tournament, with its single-elimination format, was notorious for surprises and upsets. Teams like the 13th-seeded Cleveland State Vikings and the 11th-seeded Dayton Flyers had shocked higher-seeded opponents, proving that anything was possible on the tournament stage.
"Guys," Lian Dao's voice carried a serious tone as he addressed his teammates, "let's not underestimate our opponents. In March Madness, rankings are just numbers. We've seen how any team can surprise us. We need to stay focused and bring our A-game."
His words echoed the sentiments of caution that had already been voiced by Coach Tim. The head coach's timely intervention reminded everyone that success in the NCAA tournament required more than just talent—it demanded respect for every opponent and meticulous preparation.
"In your hands," Coach Tim added, "these rankings are only relative. Use them as a guide, but remember, preparation and execution are what matter most."
Lian Dao was struck by Tim's wisdom, feeling a sense of shared understanding despite knowing his coach likely wasn't aware of his unique perspective from a previous life. Tim's words resonated deeply, particularly given USC's past disappointments in the tournament.
The veteran players, who had seen their share of highs and lows, took Tim's advice to heart. They understood the pitfalls of overconfidence and the importance of maintaining focus throughout each game. Even the freshmen, initially swept up in the excitement of their first NCAA tournament, now grasped the gravity of the challenge ahead.
As they prepared for their upcoming matchup against the Arizona Wildcats, the Trojans were united in their resolve. They would approach each game with humility, knowing that in "March Madness," every possession counted and every opponent deserved their complete focus. This season had been smooth so far, but they were keenly aware that their true test lay ahead on the tournament's unforgiving stage.
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