Swiftly Rising to Fame
T/N: Sorry for having no updates the previous days. Was busy with school but I'm back and with the chapters that I Should have uploaded before. Enjoy!
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As Bruce Li's name echoed through the entire arena and spread across the national television broadcast, Daniel Gibson's mood hit its lowest point. This wasn't the scene he had envisioned in his mind.
In his plan, he was supposed to be the one basking in the adoration of the masses, wasn't he? Bruce Li was just supposed to be a stepping stone. How did he once again become the prodigious son of miracles, the celebrated superhero?
Daniel Gibson couldn't comprehend.
Just like their coach who, up until now, was unwilling to accept the fact that an unknown guy had managed to score 11 consecutive points in the final moments. It was too unbelievable. And the stats of 22 points, 22 assists, 3 rebounds, and 3 steals were... beyond imagination.
This was clearly a point guard prodigy that comes along once in a decade!
Why had there been rumors about ending his eligibility for next season at Stanford? At this rate, there was no need to terminate his eligibility. As a junior, he would undoubtedly seize this opportunity and make his way to the NBA.
"To be honest, I really want to know what Coach McHaney of Stanford is thinking right now," Chad Ford looked at the image of Jamie Lin, Stanford's assistant coach, who was surrounded, "Coach McHaney gave up on the team before the season ended. But the two Chinese people in the team created miracles. They not only won all three games in the Pacific Division Qualifiers to make it to the Round of 64, but tonight, they miraculously defeated the 7th-seeded Texas Longhorns, who had a top favorite for the number one pick. Tomorrow night, their names and stories will be prominently featured in all North American sports media."
Kenny Smith agreed, "Some coaches are just too smart and short-sighted. They're not willing to take risks or bear the brunt of criticism, so they can't enjoy the applause and glory. It's only fair."
The conversation between the two was transmitted word for word through the television signal to Coach McHaney's ears.
Although Coach McHaney wasn't a narrow-minded person, no one wanted to become the antagonist in someone else's legendary story.
Many media outlets were portraying him as a coach without foresight, courage, or tactics. Because he had actually cast aside Bruce Li, who was creating miracles. Moreover, Stanford had immediately taken off under Jamie Lin's leadership.
As Coach McHaney clenched his fists, the image of Coach Jamie Lin being interviewed also appeared on TV.
"I didn't arrange any special tactics. I just gave Bruce full tactical freedom, as you saw, his performance in the final moments was impeccable, truly a dominant-level display."
After Jamie Lin praised Li Zhen, the reporters quickly praised his tactical acumen. They even mentioned a comment from Phoenix coach Mike D'Antoni: "He greatly appreciates your tactics. He even mentioned that if there's a chance, he'd like to invite you to guest in Phoenix. I think you might have a chance to join the NBA?"
Richmond, a reporter for Slam Magazine, said loudly.
He was now the official reporter for Stanford's Cardinals team and the authoritative publisher for all basketball-related news at Stanford. In fact, Bruce's rising fame owed much to his help. D'Antoni knew Jamie Lin's name and watched the Cardinals team's game videos, and this had its merits. He had his colleagues show him the video during the interview with D'Antoni.
D'Antoni did indeed say such words. But, who knows... was he just being polite, or did he genuinely mean it?
In any case, Slam Magazine had already released the news of 'Phoenix Suns Interested in Stanford's Magical Assistant Coach Jamie Lin'.
This issue made Coach McHaney, watching in front of the TV, even more displeased. He simply turned off the TV.
Entering the NBA was a dream for many NCAA coaches, and McHaney was no exception. He had been plotting a return to the NBA. But now, it was his assistant coach who received the olive branch first. How could he bear this? (PS: This certainly doesn't include those celebrity coaches. Their salaries are much higher than NBA coaches, so there's no need to venture into professional leagues.)
So, he immediately turned off the TV and headed straight to San Diego.
There was no reason to let Jamie Lin continue to steal the limelight.
Coach McHaney of Stanford was going to reap the benefits.
...
Bruce had never imagined the energy of the Tournament could be so overwhelming.
Not only was he treated like a hero amidst the roaring cheers in the arena, but as soon as he stepped into the player's tunnel, numerous men in suits came rushing over, eagerly handing him their business cards.
Some claimed to be professional agents, promising to pave the way for a bright future for him.
Others introduced themselves as senior scouts from certain teams, hoping to get to know him better.
It was as if these people had sprung out of the floorboards, a situation he had never experienced before.
Was it because I was so unknown before?
Li Zhen sat on the locker, staring blankly at the stack of business cards in his hand.
"Bro, you're about to rise to stardom. Believe me, your performance tonight has already shocked the entire NBA. You took down the top pick favorite! Brother, you're about to become a superstar!!" Thompson came over, shaking his shoulder, and said with great excitement.
Honestly, Li Zhen could feel that his teammates' gaze and attitude towards him had changed. At first, it was disdain or disregard, then it was integration, and now it had turned into a reverent and flattering look.
As they say, a duck knows when the spring water is warm.
Everything was indeed different now.
After Li Zhen finished showering, he not only received congratulatory calls from Richmond but also a call from Kevin George in Washington. He was pleasantly surprised by Li Zhen's performance and told him, "San Antonio has officially established a task force about you. Two high-ranking officials are very interested in you. If nothing unexpected happens, as long as you declare for the draft, you're sure to be picked by the Spurs in the middle of the second round."
Kevin George couldn't wait to see Bruce in a Spurs jersey.
But... the NBA?
Bruce really hadn't thought about it as something so distant.
Right now, he just wanted to practice, just wanted to sweat.
The praise and accolades after victory didn't make him relax on his laurels. Instead, he felt that winning this game was too fortunate. How could he have created a miracle by borrowing a bit of Jordan's power?
Just as he was about to go to the hotel gym for training, the team leader walked in with a beaming smile, "Hey, Bruce. There are a few media outlets that want to interview you now. I can't stop their enthusiasm at all. So, can you spare thirty minutes? My superstar."
Alright!
Li Zhen nodded helplessly.