Rekindling the dream of becoming a star

Chapter 197: Shining Mercedes (Part )

There was also an appetizer before the main race.

On November 11th, USC will play against Tsinghua University and UCLA will play against Shanghai Jiaotong University.

Chen Fang was not included in Andy's starting roster. He sat on the bench throughout the game and watched this pure massacre.

In fact, Chen Fang had no expectations from the beginning, just like the chance encounter with Zhu Songwei yesterday.

With Zhu Songwei's level, he can call the shots in CUBA and become the top figure. It can be seen that CUBA, at least in terms of confrontation intensity, is too average and cannot meet the NCAA standards.

Just like Andy was chatting with Chen Fang next to him, as the head coach, his feeling is that Tsinghua's level should be D2 level, and there are at least teams in the NCAA that can beat it.

As for tactics, Andy quite approves of them, but the players lack strong implementation. Many tactics started but had no process and were hastily transformed into offense and defense.

As for the players, Andy did not find any bright spots. He focused more on observing the players' condition and execution. Every time he made a substitution, he would say a few words, as if to let Chen Fang understand his intention of the substitution.

Chen Fang was also very focused. Although he knew he was the focus of the court, he was not nervous. He completely blocked out these distractions and talked to the head coach from time to time.

This scene comforted many people who thought Chen Fang was just a substitute. At least it showed that the Chinese still had a place in the head coach's heart.

97: 65.

After the game, both sides greeted each other, and then a reporter interviewed Andy.

The first question was about his evaluation of Tsinghua team. Even though Andy did not have a high EQ, he still said polite words. He exaggerated that Tsinghua's tactics were very good and the players' attitudes were very good, but they just didn't feel good today. The high recognition made the reporter smile.

Then the topic turned to Chen Fang. Andy used the excuse of being tired from the journey, and then promised that Chen Fang would definitely play in the main competition.

However, because Chen Fang had not received any notice from the organizing committee, he refused all interviews and hid among his teammates, thus escaping the disaster.

Next came the team activities, including visits to some scenic spots and shopping areas, and then a reception dinner with the CEO of Ali Sports and Mr. Cai.

Perhaps in order to cater to foreigners' preference for sweet food, many dishes are difficult to eat and too greasy.

During the process, Chen Fang also had a brief conversation with Boss Cai.

There's nothing new, they're all carrots. Chen Fang knows that for someone with a background in science and technology who has built such a big career, he can no longer be described as a shrewd person. No matter what micro-expressions are present, they can be seen by the sharp eyes behind the glasses.

Be very respectful in the audience, just like a little white rabbit.

At that time, Boss Tsai had just acquired 49% of the Nets' shares. His intention to enter the NBA was well known to everyone. At the same time, he also controlled the NCAA. It can only be said that his strategic vision was relatively accurate and comprehensive.

We have a strategic partnership with the NCAA. Having an NBA team means we have entered this circle and have a say.

The five major NCAA leagues are actually no different from the NBA leagues, and have even greater advantages than the NBA.

In the 16 NCAA university valuation, Ohio State University ranked first with a team value of $15 billion. Texas State University ($12.4 billion) and Oklahoma State University ($10 billion) were both valued at more than 10 figures.

This valuation includes not only basketball, but also other sports. How did this value come about? For example, the 2016 NCAA men's basketball championship had an average revenue of $159 million per game. According to the NCAA league's subsidy policy, this revenue will be evenly distributed to all teams in the division where the winning team is located over the next six years.

There are also jerseys, T-shirts, supplies, advertisements, broadcast games, etc. Every year, these wealthy universities earn between 6400 million and 1.4 million from the NCAA alone.

The most interesting thing is that the NCAA does not pay salaries or allowances to players, which means that players are working for the university for free and earning money.

Based on this alone, it can be said that the NCAA makes more money than the NBA.

(Proportion of various sports in North America's 2016 sports output value of $714 billion)

So when you hear about the school board of directors, you can think of them as investors. The annual dividends from the school alone can make these directors rich.

Why do I say all this? Now that everyone is looking at Ali Sports' active promotion of sports between China and the United States, you will get the idea.

Alibaba has joined hands with the University Sports Association of China (FUSC) and Anschutz Entertainment Group (AEG) to promote a Chinese Blueberry Project, with the goal of establishing a sports league consisting of more than 100 universities.

In fact, it is just copying the NCAA and pasting it to China.

The so-called NCAA opening game in China is the highlight of this plan.

A blogger had previously done a special analysis of the Blueberry Project, so Chen Fang was clear about it.

Businessmen are always driven by profit.

The host, Yao, also appeared at the scene. He chatted with Chen Fang very enthusiastically and left his contact information.

From his current positive attitude, Chen Fang knows that Yao is now ready to take over the power of Chinese basketball, but what can he say? Just wish him good luck.

Chen Fang, who was also the host, became the team's tour guide for the next two days. Although he had never been to Shanghai, he had seen some things. After two days, the trip was considered a success, as there was no disgusting incident like someone stealing glasses from a luxury store.

Soon, the day of the game arrived. Before the game, Chen Fang familiarized himself with the venue and greeted Lonzo warmly. From the surface, Chen Fang did not look emotional, but his eyes were fixed on the opposing head coach.

Steve Alford: (33)

I have to find a creditor eventually, Chen Fang thought.

The number of spectators coming to the stadium today exceeded the organizing committee's number. After all, compared to 15, there were only 18000 people. But this time, the seats in the Mercedes-Benz Center were almost full.

Just like watching the game live, the content of the conversation between Boss Cai and Yao who were sitting together, all these changes were because of Chen Fang.

There is no doubt that domestic basketball fans' desire to explore Chen Fang needs an opportunity to watch the game live to satisfy it.

Even the team was surprised. Andy smiled and said to Chen Fang: "Are you under pressure?"

"No, this is just my first appearance in the NCAA. I didn't expect it to be in my country. I think this has extraordinary significance," Chen Fang replied.

The scene was very lively, with fans holding Chen Fang's posters and name everywhere. Chen Fang's movements and shots would arouse cheers from the stands.

Chen Fang's appeal is evident, which also refreshed the team members' cognition. Ilya said with great envy: "It feels like you are a superstar."

"You will be too." Chen Fang responded calmly.

In the locker room, Andy had already arranged today's starting lineup and tactics.

UCLA got its start by relying on three traditional arts.

Pass, cut, pass, and cut.

UCLA has many variations in passing and cutting. The starting point can be No. 1 or No. 2, and screen cutting on the inside and outside lines is very frequent.

There are mainly three passing and cutting tactics initiated.

1. Top of the arc, 2. Wings, 3. Penalty area.

I won’t go into details about the top of the arc, but will focus on passing and cutting in the penalty area and on the wing.

Guards 1 and 2 run counterattacks, one inside and one outside, with the purpose of: getting rid of the defense, opening up space, disrupting the defensive system, and making space for the forward or another guard to cut down.

No. 3 moved to the top of the arc, received the pass from No. 2, and at the same time took away the defender on the wing. With the help of No. 1, No. 5 Curry ran back from the penalty area to the wing, received the pass from No. 3, and shot.

At the same time, there will be Plan B. No. 4 will pull from the inside to the free throw line to screen for No. 2 who has passed the ball. No. 2 will go to the bottom corner first, then slip from the baseline to the strong side corner. If the opponent rotates to fill in Curry, the latter can also give the ball to No. 2 and let No. 2 shoot in the bottom corner.

The strong and weak side runs are carried out simultaneously, with the guards and inside players running back together to create defensive confusion.

This is why even though you know what they are doing, it is difficult to deal with it because there are so many changes and it is impossible for five people to think in the same way.

This is one of the personal tactics that the Warriors have set for Curry in the 16 season, and Plan B is Klay.

From this tactic, we can get a glimpse of how strong this lineup's positional warfare capabilities are.

Therefore, this raised the standard for defense. Andy repeatedly emphasized following and asked players to give greater trust to their teammates and to implement man-to-man and switching tactics to the end.

Especially in the high-post pressure, we need to be aggressive and make all the outside players prepared to bear 3-4 fouls.

On the court, time has come to the moment before the game is about to start. This game will be broadcast live on CCTV and can be watched by people all over the country. Due to the vigorous promotion, this game has attracted a lot of attention and the vast majority of fans have chosen to watch it.

There is no doubt that this is the first step in the opening of the aging era.

All previous efforts were in preparation for this.

Chen Fang was already standing on the court wearing the USC home dark red jersey with the number 21 on it.

In the live commentary booth, Yu Jia and Su Qun are partners.

This is their third time to commentate on Chen Fang's game, and also their first time to do a live commentary.

"Chen Fang is the starter. He plays as a small forward. It seems that the head coach's positioning of him is based on the combination of inside and outside lines." With many years of experience, Yu Jia immediately made a judgment based on his position at the beginning of the game.

"The referee has come to the center of the court. Everything for this game, including the cheerleaders, referees, technical desk, and commentators, has been brought in intact from the United States."

"Dick Vitale and Bill Walton, well-known NCAA commentators, have also come to China. They are not far from me now." Yu Jia turned his head and glanced at the two well-known masters. He felt deeply moved that both sides had tried their best for this China competition.

While Yu Jia was doing the pre-match introduction, Vitale and Bill were also doing their work. "Hey, Bill, what do you think of Lonzo and Chen's first matchup in the NCAA?" the old man asked humorously.

"I think this is a memorable day. They will have a long time to face each other in the future." Walton smiled and gave a prophetic answer.

"Haha, it seems that you are optimistic about their career prospects. Yes, I think I am too. The two people who are ranked in the top three of ESPN's point guard ratings are worth our expectations."

"From the starting lineup, Chen is at position 3. Do you think it is Andy's strategy or has he discovered a position that is more suitable for Chen?" Vitale asked.

"A 201cm tall point guard playing the 3 position, I am looking forward to this strategy. Maybe this is the purpose of USC introducing Chen, but we will know the result soon." Walton's professional knowledge has always been among the best of the best. He knows the NCAA too well and knows many head coaches very well. He immediately judged Andy's strategy.

Zhu Songwei and Mei Qiwen also came to the scene and sat in the front row, just in the third row behind the USC bench. He could see the players' muscle lines very clearly, especially after watching the recent game between Tsinghua and USC, he became more and more aware of the huge gap between them.

However, Chen Fang has already taken the starting position. This man, who is two years younger than him, is not only the core of the NCAA D2 team, but also the starting player of the national team.

These things stimulated him and made him completely lose his pride and complacency.

And more people related to Chen Fang also quietly came to the scene, including Ma Li and Xue Yi, Bai Ye and Yan Zhen, and Sun Yi.

They all have no chance to witness the current display, so this plan is very rare.

But Chen Fang didn't know that he put all his attention on the game that was about to begin.

USC starting lineup: Chen Fang, Benny Boatwright, Nick Rakocevic, Ilya Stewart, Jordan McLaughlin.

UCLA starting lineup: Bryce Alford, Ike Anigbogu, Armani Dodson, TJ Leaf, Lonzo Ball.

In terms of the starting lineup, UCLA does not have all the main players. There are only Bryce and Alford as juniors, and the rest are sophomore Armani and freshmen Leaf and Lonzo.

Andy smiled and said to Tony, "They will replace them soon, I can guarantee it."

"Yes." Tony was also very clear that USC was now at its best moment in his opinion.

The conversation between the two was interrupted by the jump ball whistle, and the highly anticipated NCAA China Games also began.

UCLA got the jump ball. Lonzo got the ball, took a deep breath, looked at Chen Fang not far away, and ignited his fighting spirit.

This time, I can't lose to you.

UCLA has always been a powerful club. Even though it has declined, it still is. The overall strength of their players is in the upper-middle level of the league, and their skills and tactics are first-class.

He joined the team very early and has established himself well over the past few months. His all-round performance has been widely recognized by the coaching staff and teammates, which undoubtedly strengthened Lonzo's confidence. Facing Chen Fang, who has defeated him repeatedly, Lonzo has been waiting for his chance.

Now, the opportunity is at hand.

Carrying the ball across half court, McLaughlin moved slightly forward and faced him, but Lonzo's teammates had already started their tactics.

After seeing the pick-and-roll, Lonzo first came to the top of the arc, then after passing the ball, he went to the inside, and with the help of the center, he retreated to the left wing. After receiving the ball, he went to the inside to attack the frame, attracted the defense, and then passed it to Bryce on the right wing.

The latter took an open shot.

The basketball hit the back frame and bounced out. Chen Fang jumped up and grabbed the rebound.

This is what Chen Fang has been doing for the past two months. Andy discovered that Chen Fang liked to stay on the outside and rarely participated in protecting the rebounds, so he gave him the task.

Protect the rebound in the area directly in front of the basket, and then serve the ball to switch offense.

Seeing Chen Fang grab the rebound, Andy nodded with satisfaction.

Chen Fang's dynamic and static qualities should be used not only in offense, but also in defense.

Developing his ability to initiate offense from the backfield is what Andy wants to see.

After just dribbling the ball, Chen Fang saw Elijah running quickly down the left sideline. He made a two-handed pass in advance. Elijah received the ball very comfortably. He didn't even need to slow down. He took advantage of the situation and scored a layup before the opponent retreated.

This assist sparked cheers, with both the Chinese and American commentators praising Chen Fang's vision and passing accuracy.

Walton, in particular, gave a more accurate commentary: "Chen's pass was made in advance. He estimated Elijah's running speed and allowed Elijah to attack the basket without dribbling. It was a beautiful pass. I hope this is not an exception."

The ball possession changed, and Lonzo made another ground pass in a series of passes, but his teammate was delayed by Benny and the ball bounced out of the baseline.

Although he was helpless, Lonzo still loudly took the blame for the mistake and reminded his teammates to move properly and not to make their intentions too obvious.

Chen Fang stood on the wing and watched his teammates run tactics. When Elijah passed the ball to him, he passed it back to Elijah without touching it.

The latter received the ball, dribbled once, used the European step to avoid the defense, and scored a layup.

Ilya felt very happy after scoring the first 4 points. His cooperation with Chen Fang was just like on the training ground; they understood each other with just a glance.

Chen Fang, who was retreating, gave him a thumbs up.

Elijah's athleticism and ball-handling ability are indeed the best in the team except for him.

Trailing 4:0 made Lonzo a little anxious. This time, he decided to do it himself. After consecutive crotch passes and pick-and-rolls, he took a three-point shot. His strange shooting posture even caused laughter, but when he saw the ball go into the basket, he stopped immediately.

That’s how basketball works. Even if your posture is bad, no one will say anything if you can score.

After seeing the hit, Lonzo also pounded his chest to motivate himself.

But Vitale started to criticize his shooting posture and said, "Bill, have you ever seen such a strange posture?"

"There were a lot of them in the 4s, but not many now." Walton also laughed, and he added: "If Lonzo can make four shots in this game, I will start learning this shooting posture."

The Chinese commentator was more reserved. Yu Jia said, "Teacher Su, how do you guarantee the accuracy of this shooting posture?"

"Exert force quickly, no need to aim at the frame, full-screen feeling." Su Qun gave his attitude.

After saying that, both of them laughed.

But then the smile froze.

Lonzo hit his second three-pointer.

Even Chen Fang was surprised. This guy made two of two three-point shots?
In fact, this year, Lonzo's three-point shooting percentage at UCLA was 41.2%. The reason why it was so high was directly related to his shooting posture.

Even the commentators were dismissive, and the defensive players were even more so. Lonzo's two three-pointers were both wide open and put almost no pressure on the defense.

Because of Lonzo's touch, USC increased the pressure in the high post, and Leaf suddenly had space, and his excellent mobility and good shooting characteristics had room to display.

"I'll defend him!" Chen Fang switched positions with McLaughlin.

When Chen Fang faced Lonzo, the cheers became very loud. Originally, the marketing of this time was Chen Fang VS Lonzo, and this was the picture photoshopped on the poster. Now it has become a reality. How can people not be excited?

Sparks flew in their first confrontation. Lonzo used a long-range dribble to try to get rid of Chen Fang, but Chen Fang's footwork reset kept him in front of Lonzo.

The pick-and-roll set by his teammates was also broken by Chen Fang's screen. In the end, Lonzo could only pass the ball to his teammates, but this time he occupied the ball for too long and had no time to initiate a tactic. He hurriedly made a shot, and Benny, who got the rebound, gave the ball to McLaughlin, who used his speed to rush forward, while Chen Fang, who was running in the front, had already gone to the wing. Lonzo also made a choice to delay McLaughlin.

The Jordanian immediately passed the ball. Chen Fang received the ball, dribbled once, did a waist pass, dodged the chasing Leaf, and made a small jump shot to get his first point.

The entire Mercedes Center burst into applause. Even though it was only two points, they were the two points they saw with their own eyes.

The commentator also praised Chen Fang's skill in getting out of the way. Walton said, "A wonderful dodge, easily avoiding the block. This was a decision made in a split second. Chen's transition attack talent is extraordinary."

Yu Jia looked a little pale: "Chen Fang, Chen Fang, dribbling past the defense, great shot, so beautiful!"

The confrontation between the two continued. Chen Fang put a lot of pressure on Lonzo, but the help from his teammates also allowed him to start focusing on supporting.

As one of the important freshmen introduced by UCLA this year, Leaf has strong team attributes. The troubles caused by his replacement and rushing have put pressure on USC.

Halfway through the first half, both sides were in the process of adapting to each other.

24: 21.

UCLA leads by three points.

郎佐拿下了8分3助的表现，而陈放目前只有2分4助攻4板。

From the data, there was no difference, but from the scene, they were still at a disadvantage. Just when the audience became emotional, Chen Fang suddenly started to tremble.

He faked a pass from the wing, but let the ball run all the way to the basket along the baseline, made a reverse layup, and scored his 4th point.

In the next round, Chen Fang used a screen, dribbled from the top of the arc to the free throw line, and made a mid-range shot to score his sixth point.

This attack also reversed the score.

The entire stadium, in a sense, got into the rhythm.

From nervousness to pride, Chen Fang's sudden outburst guided the emotions of the fans, but this was just the beginning.

(Sorry, I really have to stop writing. I was going to finish it, but I really can't do it today. I'll make it up tomorrow! If I continue writing, it will only create garbage. I really can't write anymore today because of a headache.)
(End of this chapter)