The Final Mission of the Third Stage

Wang Chong's thoughts swirled with excitement as he read through the details of the new system mission. The stakes had never been higher. The third stage of the continuous mission was clear and demanding: participate in the 2003 NBA Draft and be selected in the lottery. The rewards were equally compelling—a staggering 3,000 points and a gold-level badge of his choice, specifically one that Durant himself possessed.

The magnitude of the reward made Wang Chong's heart race. The 3,000 points were a significant boost, especially after the 1,000 points he had previously received. The chance to choose a gold-level badge was even more enticing. Gold badges were prestigious, only surpassed by the elusive Hall of Fame badges. Wang Chong could almost taste the advantages these rewards would bring.

As he contemplated the implications of the mission, he reflected on the nature of the lottery picks. Being selected in the lottery meant being picked among the top 14 spots in the draft—an impressive feat that indicated a high level of talent and potential. The lottery picks were typically reserved for players who had demonstrated exceptional skill and promise.

Wang Chong's recent performance had been extraordinary, especially during the NCAA finals. With the improvements gained from the system's rewards—the hot zone hunter badge and Durant's shooting action package—he felt confident that he could make a significant impact. However, he was keenly aware that the draft was a different arena altogether, one that demanded a different kind of preparation and reputation.

Wade's advice echoed in his mind. "You must think about it carefully. Timing is also very important. I don't think you are ready yet." Wade's concern stemmed from his understanding of the draft's complexity and the fierce competition. But for Wang Chong, the urgency of the system's tasks overshadowed such concerns. The mission required him to act decisively, and the rewards were too tempting to ignore.

In the grand scheme of things, Wang Chong knew that entering the draft this year was risky but necessary. The current batch of rookies included some of the brightest prospects in recent memory, including Carmelo Anthony and LeBron James. The competition was fierce, and making a name for himself in such a crowded field would be challenging. However, Wang Chong's recent enhancements and his new skill set gave him a solid foundation.

Meanwhile, across the ocean in China, the buzz about Wang Chong was slowly growing. Despite the general lack of awareness about NCAA basketball in China, a report in Sports Weekly had managed to capture the interest of basketball enthusiasts. The article highlighted Marquette University's championship win and Wang Chong's significant role as a Chinese American player.

The response from fans was one of intrigue and excitement. There was a sense of national pride in Wang Chong's achievements, even if he was not as well-known as Yao Ming. The prospect of another Chinese player making waves in the NBA was captivating, and many hoped that Wang Chong would follow in Yao Ming's footsteps.

A week later, Wang Chong found himself in a cozy café in Milwaukee, preparing for an interview with Zhang Hao, a prominent Chinese sports reporter. Zhang Hao had been waiting patiently for this moment, eager to delve into Wang Chong's journey and future plans.

As Wang Chong settled into a booth, Zhang Hao greeted him warmly. "It's great to finally meet you, Wang Chong. Congratulations on the championship! I've been following your games closely, and I must say, your performance was outstanding."

Wang Chong smiled appreciatively. "Thank you, Zhang Hao. It's been an incredible experience, and I'm glad we could meet."

Zhang Hao ordered a cup of coffee for Wang Chong and began setting up his recording equipment. "I've been covering the NCAA Championship and Marquette University's journey, and I must say, your impact has been significant. You were a key player, and it's clear that your contributions were crucial to the team's success."

As Zhang Hao took notes, he continued, "I understand that Wade is heading to the NBA draft this year. With him leaving, you'll be expected to step up as the leader of the Marquette team next year. Do you have the confidence to lead the team to another championship or at least maintain a high level of performance?"

Wang Chong shook his head slightly, causing Zhang Hao to pause in surprise. The gesture seemed to imply uncertainty, which Zhang Hao found puzzling. "I thought you'd be confident given your recent success," Zhang Hao remarked.

Wang Chong's expression was resolute. "Actually, I won't be staying at Marquette next year. I've decided to enter the NBA draft this year. If everything goes as planned, I'll be playing in the NBA professional league by this time next year."

The revelation hit Zhang Hao like a jolt. "You're declaring for the draft this year?" he repeated, his voice tinged with disbelief. "That's quite a bold move. Are you prepared for the challenges that come with it?"

Wang Chong nodded firmly. "I've thought it through carefully. The draft this year is highly competitive.

Zhang Hao's mind raced as he processed the implications. Wang Chong's decision to enter the draft this year was indeed audacious, particularly with the presence of high-profile prospects like Carmelo Anthony and LeBron James. 

The interview continued, with Zhang Hao probing deeper into Wang Chong's motivations, preparation, and expectations for the draft. Wang Chong spoke candidly about his ambitions, his preparation process.

As the conversation drew to a close, Zhang Hao concluded, "Your determination and preparation are evident, Wang Chong. Whether you make it into the lottery or not, your journey is already impressive. I wish you the best of luck in the draft and your future career."

Wang Chong appreciated the support. "Thank you, Zhang Hao. I'm grateful for the opportunity to share my story, and I'm excited for what lies ahead."

With the interview finished, Wang Chong left the café with a sense of anticipation and resolve. The path to the NBA was fraught with challenges, but he was ready to face them head-on. The system's final mission of the third stage was a critical milestone, and he was determined to seize the opportunity and make a mark in the league.

As he prepared for the draft, Wang Chong knew that his journey was just beginning. The rewards and recognition were important, but the real test lay ahead in proving himself on the NBA stage. With his skills sharpened and his determination unwavering, Wang Chong was ready to embrace the challenge and carve out his place in the professional league.

End of this chapter

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