Chapter 7: The Oklahoma Sooners’ Surprisingly Quiet Home Court

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"Increasing our rotation is something the opposition would anticipate. Not every player on our roster has the talent to handle the change," Herb Sendek remarked, leaving Jim puzzled.

"Trust me, Jim, I've got a plan!" Herb's confidence reassured Jim.

"Here's the lineup for today. Make sure the starters warm up well."

Jim glanced at the list and was stunned. "Wang... is starting in place of Josh?"

"Yes."

Jim was surprised by Herb's bold decision, knowing him as an old-school coach. "Did Wang's overtime performance impress him that much?"

Wang Song, warming up in the distance, was unaware of the coaches' intense focus on him.

As the game approached, more fans filled the seats, their red and white jerseys nearly enveloping the arena. The Oklahoma Sooners' fans were loudly enthusiastic.

"Sooners! Sooners! Victory!"

During the players' entrance, the Sooners received the highest honor from the arena, especially Hollis Price, whose entrance was met with deafening cheers.

Naturally, the visiting North Carolina Wolfpack were met with boos.

"Go back home, North Carolinians!"

"Got your tickets back to Carolina, little wolves?"

"Hilarious! An NCAA team with an Asian player? Your Wolfpack should be renamed the Wolf Cubs!"

The hostile atmosphere affected the young North Carolina players, unaccustomed to such environments.

"Relax, Wang," Julius Hodge, the team's veteran, comforted Wang Song, knowing the pressure of a hostile crowd.

"Honestly, I was a bit nervous at first, but I'm okay now, Hodge!" Wang said, clenching his fist. "I'll make these ducks shut up!"

"Ha, looking forward to your debut."

The game began with Wang Song taking the jump ball at center court.

"You're out of your league, big guy!" the opposing center sneered.

Wang Song's imposing presence quieted the smug center. At 213 cm, Wang Song was a dominant figure in the NCAA, with athleticism to match elite guards.

The referee blew the whistle and tossed the ball. Wang Song's large hand directed it accurately to a teammate.

The crowd murmured in surprise.

"Unbelievable, an Asian starter for North Carolina?"

"And taller than Bookert, an NCAA Yao Ming?"

"Stop exaggerating, he's just a bit taller than Bookert. He might be decent in college, but he's average for the NBA."

Hodge, catching Wang's pass, quickly advanced, exploiting the Sooners' incomplete defense. Using his 201 cm frame, he drove past his defender. Bookert, quick on the defense, moved to block but was outmaneuvered as Hodge lobbed the ball.

Bookert, thinking it was a missed shot, turned to see Wang Song soar above, slamming the ball into the hoop.

The arena fell silent except for the creaking rim, the sound of hearts pounding audible.

The announcer recovered, shouting, "WTF? What did I just see?"

"This North Carolina rookie just set the tone with a monster dunk."

This riled up the Oklahoma fans, causing a stir in the stands.

Bookert, rubbing his head, sheepishly passed the ball from the baseline.

"Great job, brother! I just wanted a safe pass," Hodge said excitedly. "Who knew you'd dunk it!"

Hodge saw a glimpse of Shaquille O'Neal in Wang Song's power.

"That dunk was a smart play. Never settle for a layup when you can dunk! +200 experience points for a solid play," echoed in Wang's mind, making him even more pumped.

Understanding the performative nature of NCAA games, Wang realized the value of such plays and patted Hodge. "Nice pass, Julius. Keep them coming, and I'll rack up your assists!"

Hodge, blushing, was momentarily confused about who the veteran was.

On the sidelines, Herb Sendek remained composed, though internally he celebrated. Assistant coach Jim was less reserved, high-fiving the team in excitement.

The Sooners' coaching staff, slightly grim-faced, saw the opening dunk as a challenge.

"Bookert, wake up! You guys need to get it together!" the Sooners' head coach barked, stepping forward.

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