Rekindling the dream of becoming a star

Chapter 182: Asking for a hammer and getting a hammer, tempering the body

The Nike Summit has been held since 95. The reason why both teams have won and lost is that even though the American team is full of talented players, the World Team can win the competition with one or two players of similar level and a group of professional players.

Compared to the United States, which relies purely on talent to win, the world team basically has at least one year of professional competition experience, and in terms of technical and tactical qualities, they are generally superior to the American team.

Roy has been practicing tactics with the players these days, including the tactics of breaking the double-team defense after the pick-and-roll. As the training progressed, he gradually determined the main players and rotations, as well as the scraps.

Ayton from the Bahamas, Ntilikina from France, Jackson from Canada, Chen Fang from China, and Harry from Australia.

In terms of height and mobility, these five players can keep up with the United States' offense and defense transition rhythm. Offensively, Ayton and Chen Fang can serve as internal and external pillars, while Ntilikina can be the first receiving point. Jackson and Harry are both physically strong and have certain independent offensive capabilities.

This starting lineup can indeed compete with the American team.

Nigeria's Udoka, Brazil's Wesley, Lithuania's Martinas, and China's Fan Ziming can serve as rotation players in the interior.

Persia's Edin, Dominican Republic's Andres and Australia's William are rotating in the backcourt.

Head coach Roy already has a plan in mind for the twelve-member world team.

At the same time, in the hotel where the CCTV broadcasting team was staying, a meeting with different opinions was in full swing.

The controversy centred on two issues.

First, should Fan Ziming and Chen Fang be interviewed together or separately?

Second, is it a pre-match interview or a post-match interview?

The reason why these two debates arise is because they are based on a major premise.

Have arguments, but they cannot be gimmicks; have opinions, but they cannot be complaints; have inspiration, but do not make comparisons.

The last point is that everything should be based on harmony and positive energy.

So, here comes the problem.

Fan Ziming is a product of the youth training program. Although Chen Fang can also be considered a youth training program, he was an ordinary high school student on campus before his sophomore year. One is from the youth training department, and the other is from the campus department. If the two are interviewed together, the questions in the interview will easily lead to comparisons. This will be broadcast nationwide, and the questions that arise will definitely have adverse consequences.

But naturally there were people who thought that such interviews were meaningful. The quarrel between the two groups dumbfounded the two hosts, Duan Ran and Wang Meng, who were watching the show.

Here it is necessary to mention the personnel structure of CCTV's outbound team.

The deputy media commander is the on-site person in charge of the stadium broadcast, media operations, and news publicity.

Director of Broadcast Services, coordinating all broadcast logistics tasks.

The chief director is responsible for the overall directing work during the broadcast and the command and arrangement of relevant personnel.

The Technical Operations Center is responsible for all technical support for broadcasting.

Commentator, the person primarily responsible for presenting the content of the front-end broadcast.

There weren't many people on this trip to report on the peak competition, only 12, but although the team was small, it had everything it needed.

The commander-in-chief also serves as the team leader, and the chief director also serves as the deputy team leader.

Both have the authority and qualifications to discuss the production of content.

After arguing for an entire afternoon, both sides took a step back in the evening.

Separate interviews, pre-match interviews.

I mentioned earlier why we have to do separate interviews, but why do we have to do pre-match interviews?

In fact, it is still a manifestation of lack of confidence, fearing that the performance will not be good. So what do you talk about in the interview? All you talk about are negative topics. Before the game, you can talk about prospects and expectations.

In addition, this can also better cooperate with publicity. After all, with so many people coming to the United States, food, drink, defecation, urination and service costs are a huge expense. The profit can be recovered through advertising, but it also depends on how much your advertising can sell for.

Soon, the plan was submitted to the organizing committee of the Nike Summit. As a world-renowned sports brand, they hold the Summit not for charity or voluntary promotion of basketball, but to expand and deepen their global influence.

Soon, the interview request was approved.

After a day of training, Chen Fang and Fan Ziming had just returned to the room assigned to them when they heard the staff knocking on the door.

After some communication, Chen Fang went to take a shower and change clothes speechlessly.

He really doesn't like interviews.

After all, he went from being a fan to a star, in other words, he went from the grassroots to the top. He understands the love, hate, and simple emotions of Chinese fans very well.

If you do more interviews, you may win the favor of some fans, and make them identify with you and feel close to you. However, at the same time, you may cause disgust among another group of people because of your opinions.

This is the reason why the saying "too much talk leads to mistakes" is true. (If Cui Yongyuan doesn't do interviews, he won't have so many haters.)
Don't think that I am actually doing this for the good of Chinese basketball, and I want to be a whistleblower, an icebreaker, or a guiding light. The earth will continue to rotate without anyone, and everyone will live just as well without you. If you can't have this happiness, you can look for other happiness.

To put it bluntly, don't take yourself too seriously. You can be one, but don't tell others about it, especially if you haven't reached the top of the mountain. Whatever climbers say is nonsense.

But no matter how reluctant I was, I still had to go.

He was not worried about what Fan Ziming would say. He had no future, and whatever he said was bullshit and no one would care.

Because there are no fans.

After leaving the hotel, we were picked up by Nike staff and taken to the hotel where CCTV was staying. A conference room was specially set up as an interview room.

Chen Fang behaved very calmly and began to recite the lines under the watchful eyes of CCTV staff.

It is commonly known as going through the interview questions for you first, and if you think there are any problems, you can modify them temporarily. In addition, you will be reminded of related matters and not to say the wrong things.

Although it is a recorded broadcast and can be edited, we still hope to preserve the fluidity of the interview and keep cuts to a minimum.

Wearing all sportswear distributed by Nike, Chen Fang met Duan Ran.

When talking about Duan Ran, we have to mention his resume. Since he joined Yahoo China Sports in 2002, he has been engaged in NBA content reporting and output. For the past 14 years, he has been working on related content, including the years when Chinese players had the greatest influence in the NBA. He was deeply rooted in the United States, delivering real-time information to the country from the forefront of the NBA.

At the same time, he is also the one most closely tied to the NBA in TX Sports. He planned, directed and created the NBA platform of TX.

It can be said that he is the biggest star in this broadcasting team.

Duan Ran was also looking at Chen Fang. He had a temperament that was rare among Chinese people. He was full of sharpness. When he looked around, you could see the flash of light in his eyes. This was probably what it looked like to be domineering.

He had seen countless NBA stars, especially the star players, and he felt the same aura from Chen Fang.

"Hello, Teacher Duan." Chen Fangxian stretched out his hands and greeted him actively.

Duan Ran noticed Chen Fang's hand, and when he held it, he realized that it was just as the information said, ridiculously large.

What a gift!
Suppressing his excitement, he started chatting with a smile, trying to make the atmosphere more relaxed.

From Chen Fang's answer, it can be seen that he is not nervous at all. Instead, he seems to be sitting on the sofa in his own home, relaxed both physically and mentally.

The staff pinned the microphone to Chen Fang's collar. After debugging it, the director reminded him and Duan Ran said, "The interview is about to begin. How are you doing, Chen Fang?"

"Any time."

Afterwards, Duan Ran gestured to the director, and both sides counted down simultaneously. As the gesture of 1 was made, Duan Ran faced the camera and spoke clearly: "Audiences, fans, hello everyone, I am Duan Ran."

This was followed by an introduction to the interview, including what it was about and who it was about.

After the call, Duan Ran turned sideways, stopped looking at the camera, and began to face Chen Fang.

The interview entered a question-and-answer session.

"What made you want to come to the United States?" Duan Ran's first question was very sharp, but it was the key to opening the successful interview. Only after this topic was opened could the follow-up be carried out.

"Hmm..." Chen Fang pretended to think for a moment and replied, "It's because of my desire to know more. I want to see the world outside."

If you answer that the United States is the world's basketball mecca and I want to become stronger here, then there is no problem at the moment, but there will be a question left: do you think the country is boring and you are invincible, so you change the map to upgrade?
"It's been rumored online that Tatum recruited you. Is that true?"

"This is indeed true. As early as the World Youth Championship, I was selected into the All-NBA Team. At that time, Brunson and Tatum were also in the All-NBA Team. When we took media photos, we also left contact information with each other. Jason said that if you come to the United States, you must contact him."

"So, when I landed, I tried to contact him, and then he asked me, are you here to travel or do something else? I answered that I was here to study, so he recruited me naturally."

"What a great story. In the past year, you and Tatum have brought the team to the top of the nation. Is this beyond your expectations?"

"Haha, I haven't thought about it. I need to correct this. The so-called No. 1 in the United States changes every day. In fact, the US ranking of American high schools is inaccurate. Many media will make a one-sided ranking."

Duan Ran was surprised by Chen Fang's answer. Chen Fang was calmer and wiser than his peers. He could feel that he had always avoided negative labels such as sharp and arrogant.

"In this peak game, you will play against your teammate Tatum. Now many media are discussing your match as a hot topic. How do you feel about it?"

"Haha, to be honest, I don't feel anything." Chen Fang laughed first, "Jason and I are together day and night. We came to Portland in a taxi this time. We had a one-on-one duel on my first day at Chaminade." "What was the result?" Duan Ran grasped the question sharply.

"I lost, it's normal. Jason is one of the best players in the United States." Chen Fang said calmly.

"This is also the reason why I came to the United States. I asked for a hammer and got it. I have been tempered."

Chen Fang's answer made Duan Ran stand in awe. Just imagine, a guy who just won the scoring title at the World Youth Championship and dominated the court undisputedly at the first youth games in the country, but was willing to go to the United States and work hard to improve himself.

Asking for a hammer and getting it, tempering your body.

What a wonderful sentence.

Duan Ran felt that he had grasped the core idea of this interview, and he continued to ask: "Why do you want to do this?"

"Because everyone has bottlenecks, just like the process of turning iron into steel, it requires external pressure." Although Chen Fang wanted to keep a low profile and fool people before the interview, facing Duan Ran's sincere eyes, he couldn't help but reveal some true feelings.

"Is the domestic pressure still too small for you?" Duan Ran asked.

"You can't look at it that way." Chen Fang shook his head.

"The pressure in China is just as great. I think the so-called comfort in the comfort zone is just limited to being familiar with the environment. There are still many talented peers in China, but you meet more in the United States."

“Have you adapted to America now?”

"It's OK, mainly because I'm a social person and I like making friends everywhere. Plus, I can cook and my teammates are fascinated by my cooking skills, so I fit in quickly."

"Oh, this is a good idea. As the saying goes, "It's always good to have many skills." Duan Ran was deeply touched. He studied in the United States and lived there for a long time. He actually has a say in how to integrate into the United States.

What surprised him was that Chen Fang seemed to integrate very quickly, and into the black circle. You know, black people can be friends with you, but this friend does not even count as drinking and eating together. If a black person is willing to go to your house for dinner, it is a very significant progress in the relationship.

But this cannot be discussed in the interview, Duan Ran continued to ask: "According to ESPN's ranking, you are currently ranked fifth. Judging from past practice, you should have received a lot of offers by now."

"Yes, there are several. I am also considering it now. Choosing a good D1 is very important for development. I hope I will be lucky."

Duan Ran didn't dare to talk about this topic, because if you ask about things in the future now, no matter what answer you give, it will not be beneficial to the interview.

Interviews should talk about the past and the present.

So he quickly got back to the topic.

"Are you mentally prepared for being temporarily selected into the peak competition this time?"

"No, it was a surprise, but I'm used to it. A lot of times, that's how playing basketball is."

Chen Fang gave a score: "It's like playing street ball. You don't know the opponent's strength or characteristics. But you still have to play the ball and make judgments and adapt in the game."

"So are you looking forward to this game?"

"Yes, this is a rare experience in life. It only happens once in a lifetime. I hope I won't have any regrets."

Duan Ran's understanding of regret is that he wants to win, which is what he wants to know, so he asked: "In the game four days later, do you think the World Team can win?"

"As a world team, of course I hope to win. In fact, both sides have very outstanding players, and it is difficult to judge the outcome. No one can tell until the end of the game."

Chen Fang's smooth answer made Duan Ran feel that he didn't look like a boy under 18 at all, he was too experienced.

So he could only find a new topic: "Chen Fang, there are a lot of nicknames on the Internet now, even American fans are giving you nicknames, what do you think about this?"

"Haha, I also like to give nicknames to my teammates, even in my class."

"Some of the nicknames that are circulating are your own, right?"

"Yes, for example, Da Falcon. I wanted others to remember me, so I chose a unique name. For example, when I entered the World Team this time, my teammates shouted to me: Da Falcon, Da Falcon."

Chen Fang's relaxation also made the interview go smoothly. After Duan Ran asked the last few questions, he asked the killer question.

"This is an Olympic year. Have you ever thought about playing in the Olympics for your country?"

This topic made Chen Fang's face solemn. He first sat up straight, then said in a deep voice: "Serving the country is my duty."

"But I think the national team will consider every player in terms of lineup and team chemistry. After all, I am still young, and I lack experience and intensity in every aspect."

Stack up a big BUFF, and then give yourself a step down. This is all Chen Fang can do.

Neither force the emperor to abdicate nor lose temper, just follow the procedures in an upright manner.

After the interview, Chen Fang was led to another room by Duan Ran. This was Duan Ran's own little wish. He wanted to talk to this young man who had a great chance of making it to the NBA. After all, there were no Chinese in the NBA at present.

There is hope, and currently there is only one person who is rumored to be Zhou Qi.

"During the interview just now, were my questions too sharp?" Duan Ran apologized first.

"No, the American ones are more sharp, so I don't even dare to accept interviews."

This is indeed the case. If it weren't for CCTV, Chen Fang would probably have to hide this time.

"We are chatting privately now. I am a full-time NBA employee. If you stay in the United States, I believe we will have a lot of communication in the future." Duan Ran expressed his intention, hoping to establish a good relationship.

"I know that Brother Duan is the top star in this circle. I also hope to have another big brother like him so that I can enjoy the shade under his big tree in the future."

Duan Ran smiled. No wonder Chen Fang said that he integrated into the society quickly. With his emotional intelligence, how could he not be quick?

"Of course, how about calling you Xiao Fang?"

"Then I'll call you Brother Ran too!" Chen Fang climbed up the pole.

After this laugh, the relationship became much closer.

"It's getting late, please have dinner."

"I'm so sorry about this. The team has a rule that after the game, Brother Ran and I will have a good meal."

Chen Fang was about to leave, and Duan Ran saw him off. When they arrived at the hotel entrance, Duan Ran asked the question that had been in his mind for a long time.

"What do you think about going to the NBA?"

"I didn't dare to think about it before, but now I'm very confident. My current circle and brothers are all going to the NBA to become bosses, so naturally I won't be far behind." Chen Fang's words made Duan Ran's eyes light up.

"So, Brother Ran, you are right about what you said."

"We will be dealing with each other for a long time in the future!"

Looking at Chen Fang's confident smile, Duan Ran believed it for no reason. His previous anxiety and lack of confidence disappeared in an instant.

But then he thought of something: "If I perform very quickly in this peak competition, I will get a lot of extra points in the draft!"

Facing Duan Ran's reminder, Chen Fang was naturally very clear. He thanked him, "Thank you, Brother Ran, for the reminder. This competition will be very exciting."

The strong confidence in his words made Duan Ran very excited. Perhaps he was in Chen Fang's DeBuff aura at the moment, and he suddenly became energetic and excited for no reason.

Nike's shuttle bus had arrived. Chen Fang opened the door, got in, and waved to Duan Ran from the window: "See you at the game!"

Duan Ran was still excited as he watched the car go away. Wang Meng chased after him and asked, "Is he there?"

"Just leave!"

"Oh, what a pity!" Wang Meng stomped his legs.

"There's a chance, don't do this!" Duan Ran smiled.

Going to the main road where no one was around, there was a lot of traffic. Duan Ran's thoughts had drifted to the past four days.

Perform well and make a big splash like Wang Zhelin did in 12.

　Let me tell you something important.

　　I looked at the subscriptions and found that the ones with more words had the least subscriptions. So the content of the following chapters will be around 3000 words, and I will skip the unnecessary content.

　　In fact, I have always wanted to enrich this story, but different people have different preferences, and we cannot be wishful thinking, and the data cannot be faked.

　　In addition, regarding updates, I still want to say again that the number of words I update is definitely above 90% of the starting point ranking, but many people still complain that the updates are too few, which confuses me. I read a lot of sports articles, and mine is considered a lot.

　　Maybe people pay more attention to the number of chapters rather than the number of words.

　　These will be corrected one by one.

　　
　
(End of this chapter)