What if Stanford Won

Chris Pat has always believed himself to be a prodigy of the heavens, always thinking he would become a legendary figure among shorter players: just like his idol, Allen Iverson.

So, as soon as he entered the game, he launched an attack.

He took the initiative to shoot at Aaron Brooks, believing he could definitely outperform this small black bean who was similar in stature.

Dreams are always beautiful, but reality is often riddled with holes.

Brooks decisively dominated this challenger, and he couldn't even understand why this kid wanted to go one-on-one with him. Besides being ugly, what else did he have to offer? From physical ability to basketball style and feel, this guy was simply useless.

Smack! Smack!

Brooks angrily blocked two shots.

Bang! Bang!

Chris Pat even angrily sent two air balls.

In less than three minutes, Stanford went from leading by 4 points to trailing by 5.

And in this process, the chants in the arena spread like wildfire, gradually forming a unanimous cry: We need Li!

Ding!

Jamie Lin had to call a timeout.

Chris Pat's amateurish performance pushed Stanford to the brink of no return. If they didn't stop him soon, Stanford would have no place to bury their dignity.

"How did a player like this end up on the Stanford team?" Even the kind-hearted Kareem couldn't help but question on television. Chris Pat's performance was just too dismal. After he came on, what was originally a team effort by Stanford turned into his solo performance. If he had strong individual skills, that would be one thing, but unfortunately, he was utterly useless. He became Brooks' cap-sweeping tool: in less than three minutes, Brooks, who rarely blocked shots, took three from him.

This wasn't the way to eat dumplings.

"Brooks is really strong. He's already scored 16 points in this game. His speed and scoring ability are outstanding in the Pacific Division. I think he has a chance to become the best short point guard in the NBA, much better than TJ Ford." Johnny Watson seized the opportunity to praise Brooks and emphasized, "If he leads Oregon to a successful comeback and enters the 1st round of the NCAA tournament, he will undoubtedly be a lottery pick."

Kareem focused his attention.

Then he said seriously, "Brooks is indeed a rare speedy guard with above-average shooting ability. But I don't think his NBA prospects are very bright. In comparison, I have more confidence in Stanford's number 10 player."

Uh...

The limelight was once again stolen by Bruce Li.

Finally, Watson couldn't help but say, "Just because his name is Bruce Li?"

"No. It's because of his basketball IQ. He's good at finding opportunities. Through observing the first half of the game, I found that his spatial awareness is top-notch. Even without height advantage, he can accurately track his teammates' movements in the paint and pass the ball the moment they're open. This is a talent that is easily overlooked but incredibly important. Many short guards have poor spatial awareness, so their vision is narrow, and when they get the ball, all they see is the hoop."

Kareem analyzed very seriously, "Moreover, he's very fast, and his ball-handling skills are excellent."

To prevent this game from turning into a 'Bruce Li praise session', Watson quickly asserted, "But his defense is poor, and his physical fitness is very poor. Do you think the NBA would be welcoming to him?"

"It's possible."

Kareem still had a serious and meticulous expression, "Physical fitness can be improved through training, and every NBA team has a professional team doing this. However, the talent in one's mind is unique and irreplaceable."

Watson was on the verge of collapse: Oh no, this game has turned into a propaganda campaign for Bruce Li.

Just at this moment, the whistle blew, and the game resumed.

And Mr. Kareem, seizing the opportunity, added a sentence, "I just checked the season standings. I found that Stanford's points are now the same as Oregon's. If they win this game, they also have a chance to make a comeback and enter the NCAA tournament."

What?

Watson felt his thoughts were almost baffled. "Why do you think Stanford has a chance to make it to the tournament? They're currently missing two core players, and even the head coach has gone to scout new season players. In this situation, how could they possibly win and create a miracle?"

"But what if?"

Kareem countered, speculating, "If Stanford wins and makes it to the tournament, this brave student, Bruce Li, will quickly become famous. By then, the NBA's attention to him will also increase exponentially, and he might just enter the NBA league like this, don't you think?"

With Kareem's words, the audience in front of the television was instantly filled with boundless expectations.

Compared to Brooks, a well-known Pacific Division star, successfully creating a miracle, the public would prefer to see an unknown person suddenly explode and rise to prominence.

And, in terms of difficulty, it was obviously greater for Stanford. As Watson said, Stanford's current situation was the coach and core both disappearing, and Bruce Li, rising from the bench, leading them into the championship when everyone else had given up.

What could be more legendary than this?

Who doesn't have a curiosity for such things?

For a moment, Watson found himself unable to come up with a rebuttal. But he just felt... Bruce Li didn't have a chance, Stanford couldn't possibly win.

Meanwhile, the game had already begun.

On Li's first appearance, he executed a beautiful assist.

Like a swift mountain cat, he used Benson's pick-and-roll outside the three-point line to effortlessly tear through Oregon's defense, swiftly entering the paint.

At halftime, Maarty Leunen, who had been angrily rebuked by the head coach, immediately came forward with great momentum. This time, he put on an aggressive defense and went for direct body contact. But just as he was about to collide with Li Zhen, Li Zhen suddenly made an emergency stop and, using Leunen's body as a pivot, spun around him... leaving him stranded in place.

When Bruce Li completely outplayed Leunen, Oregon's ace forward, Malik Hairston, had to quickly shift over. As he moved, the basketball had already darted past his side. Thompson received the ball again and, stepping back, took a jump shot... Swish!

Three-pointer made.

The point difference narrowed to 2.

This play showcased Li's exceptional adaptability, court awareness, and passing ability.

Combined with Kareem's previous evaluation, the audience in front of the TV suddenly had a deeper understanding of Li.

Although the fans at the scene couldn't see the subtleties, the three-pointer and the narrowed point difference were concrete facts.

With such an immediate and pronounced effect, they began to chant in unison: LI! LI! LI!

The waves of sound accumulated, and the momentum was grand, like a rock star's concert.

Li Zhen, who had only started two games, enjoyed hero treatment from Stanford.

This made Chris Pat, sitting on the bench, extremely jealous and unhappy. He muttered with a cold snort, "Wait until my cousin comes back in a few days, and you won't have a chance to be so arrogant."

Meanwhile, Brooks was gritting his teeth tightly. "This guy has taken too much of my spotlight tonight. There's not much time left in the game. I have to quickly make up for it!"