Returning Home

Due to the time conflict between the Asian Championships and the Summer League, participating in the Asian Championships was the best choice for Lian Dao. The Knicks management had recently secured partnerships with several Chinese companies, thanks in part to Lian Dao's popularity. Even before playing a single NBA game, Lian Dao was already proving to be a valuable asset to the team.

The Chinese market, still in its early stages of formal development, offered vast potential. The Knicks were keen to capitalize on this opportunity, similar to the success the Rockets experienced with Yao Ming. Although the Knicks' annual income already ranked among the highest in the league, more revenue was always welcome.

Both the Knicks' management and head coach Mike D'Antoni fully supported Lian Dao's participation in the Asian Championships, even providing him with a professional support team for his trip.

With Yao Ming sidelined due to injury, the Chinese men's basketball team was eager for Lian Dao to join, as his presence would significantly bolster the team's strength.

Two days later, Lian Dao set off for China. Accompanying him were the team assigned by the Knicks, his junior sister Guo Yuwei, and his trainer Chris Brickley.

Initially, Lian Dao hadn't realized the size of his entourage. On the way to the airport, he was surprised to find that it took two cars to accommodate everyone.

He hadn't returned to China in nearly two years. As the plane entered Chinese airspace, a surge of excitement washed over him. This was the first time he had set foot on his homeland since his rebirth, and the anticipation was palpable.

Upon landing at Kyoto International Airport, Lian Dao and his group made their way through the terminal. As they exited, they were greeted by an unexpected scene that left them all stunned—especially Lian Dao.

There were about two to three hundred fans waiting, most of whom were women. The summer heat added to the scene, with a sea of colorful signs and banners creating a lively and vibrant atmosphere.

The welcoming crowd was a testament to Lian Dao's rising fame and the impact he had already made on basketball fans in China.

"How did they know I was coming back to China today?" Lian Dao wondered aloud. Although he frequently posted on Twitter, he hadn't announced his return to China this time. Yet, here was a crowd of fans eagerly awaiting his arrival.

As he scanned the sea of faces, he spotted a familiar figure: Guo Shiqiang, the youngest head coach in the history of the Chinese men's basketball team and the current head coach for the Asian Championship.

Lian Dao approached Guo Shiqiang, exchanging brief greetings and pleasantries. Afterward, he turned his attention to the enthusiastic fans, whose excitement reached a fever pitch as he moved toward them.

"Sickle, do you want to go over and sign autographs for them?" asked D'Antoni, who had just finished exchanging greetings with Guo Shiqiang.

Lian Dao nodded. He understood the significance of fans and their unwavering support. During Southern California's games this season, it was often the fans' passionate backing that helped the team push through tough moments. He cherished his fans and didn't want to disappoint them.

He spent time signing autographs and taking photos with the fans, ensuring each one felt appreciated before he finally departed the airport.

"You have so many female fans!" Guo Yuwei remarked with a smile as they left the airport.

Guo Shiqiang, overhearing the comment, gave Lian Dao a knowing smile.

"Hey, the main reason is that I'm handsome, have great skills, and am simply irresistible," Lian Dao replied with a hint of embarrassment at Guo Shiqiang's teasing gaze. He leaned in closer to Guo Yuwei and whispered playfully.

Guo Yuwei rolled her eyes at him. "Your skin is getting thicker by the day," she teased, shaking her head with amusement at his cheeky confidence.

In the past two years, basketball players have become particularly popular in China. This surge in popularity can be attributed to several factors. The Olympic Games had just concluded, and the Chinese men's basketball team had performed admirably, drawing significant attention. Additionally, basketball-related movies and TV shows had further boosted interest in the sport. Yao Ming's influence in the NBA also played a substantial role in attracting fans to basketball.

Lian Dao's good looks have also made him a favorite among female fans, which is quite understandable given the current basketball craze.

After the welcome banquet, Guo Shiqiang originally intended for Lian Dao to take a day off before heading to the training base. However, Lian Dao chose to go directly to the training base. The draft process had already delayed him, and he wanted to maximize his time with the team to build familiarity and chemistry.

Thus, the group arrived at the basketball hall of the General Administration of Sport of China, the training base for the World Championships.

Here, Lian Dao met his teammates for the Asian Championships. In addition to Yi Jianlian, the roster included Wang Zhizhi, Wang Shipeng, Sun Yue, Zhu Fangyu, and Liu Wei. The team's goal was to compete for the championship with full force. Despite Yao Ming's injury and the resulting dip in the team's strength, the presence of NBA-experienced players like Yi Jianlian, Sun Yue, and the newly drafted Lian Dao, along with veterans Wang Zhizhi, Liu Wei, Zhu Fangyu, and Wang Shipeng, formed a formidable lineup.

As Lian Dao joined the team directly, some players might not have been fully convinced of his abilities. The national team, under Guo Shiqiang's leadership, posed a unique challenge. Despite Guo Shiqiang's achievements, his relative youth and lack of widespread recognition meant he struggled to command complete authority over the team's star players. This sometimes led to players questioning his tactical decisions, affecting their execution on the court.

To win over any skeptics, Lian Dao knew he needed to prove himself with his performance on the court.

After a brief introduction, Lian Dao jumped straight into training. His teammates were witnessing his training methods for the first time, and even Yi Jianlian was impressed by his dedication and intensity. Lian Dao's work ethic and skills quickly began to speak for themselves, demonstrating why he was the No. 1 draft pick.

What really convinced Lian Dao's new teammates was not just his reputation but his performance in the next scrimmage.

Initially, Lian Dao didn't demand the ball. As a newcomer, especially one joining from overseas, it wasn't practical to assert himself immediately. Instead, he focused on defense, applying intense pressure that forced his opponents into making mistakes.

This defensive prowess took everyone by surprise. While they were aware of his defensive accolades in the NCAA, experiencing it firsthand during a full-court scrimmage was a different story. Regardless of who he faced, opponents struggled to break through his defense, whether due to his speed or strength.

Following each steal, Lian Dao delivered precise and comfortable passes to his teammates. By halftime, his performance had already won over his skeptical teammates.

In the second half, Lian Dao unleashed his offensive skills. He displayed a range of abilities: forcefully dunking through defenders, executing and-one plays, and hitting three-pointers with remarkable accuracy. His second-half performance resembled that of an NBA superstar, leaving his teammates in awe.

With this scrimmage, Lian Dao transformed the initial skepticism of these proud players into admiration. Even Guo Shiqiang, observing from the sidelines, was impressed. Although they had encountered players with similar styles, they were usually big and athletic. Seeing a Chinese player like Lian Dao with such skills was unprecedented.

Lian Dao's talent was unmatched in China. While Yi Jianlian was considered the best in terms of talent, even he couldn't compare to Lian Dao's abilities. This scrimmage gave Guo Shiqiang increased confidence in their prospects for the Asian Championships. He believed that integrating Lian Dao into the starting lineup would significantly enhance the team's defense and offense.

Lian Dao was also surprised by his performance, realizing he had become a cornerstone of the perimeter defense. After the NCAA, his high-intensity training proved more effective than playing numerous games in China, solidifying his skills and confidence.