Rekindling the dream of becoming a star

Chapter 208: The best of the best

After the prosperity, there is an unspeakable emptiness.

Chen Fang stayed at home alone while Wu Zi was still in class. He returned home after a week away and it felt like a long time had passed.

This was caused by a huge psychological change. Looking at the MVP on the table, Chen Fang felt complicated.

Tatum, Jalen, and Trae Young all called him to congratulate him, especially Tatum, who was looking forward to seeing them in the championship, but who could say for sure.

The entire tournament is divided into four regions, and the teams are seeded 4-1 based on their combat power and strength.

Based on the rankings, we already know that USC, as the No. 2 seed in the West, will compete in the West, while Duke is in the East, so it will be difficult for them to meet.

According to the rules, the West will play against the South, and the East will play against the Midwest, and the four regions will determine the division champions to become the top four in the country.

(Because USC beat Arizona, it naturally became the No. 2 seed. You can just replace the two. In fact, the change is definitely huge, but it is indeed the most convenient operation. Please allow me to take shortcuts.)
If they want to meet, they must persist to the end, because there is only one possibility for the meeting.

That's the top four in the country.

But no one in the top four can guarantee it with just a pat on their chest, so Tatum just followed the congratulations and made a joke.

The first round is on the 18th, which is actually only 3 days away from today.

But considering that the upcoming journey will be difficult, the coaching staff still plans to take a day off to let the whole team relax. Returning to the family is a good choice.

Lu Yun opened the door and came in directly. He had the key. Wu Zhen followed behind him. When they learned that Chen Fang had returned, they gave up on extra training.

Seeing the MVP on the table, Lu Yun jumped over and picked up the trophy with both hands.

"Hey, hey, don't drop it." Chen Fang was startled and hurried to grab it.

"If you try to grab it, you might really fall." Wu Zhen's personality is gradually getting better. There is no other way. If you want to integrate into the team, you have to make changes.

Come to think of it, thanks to Wu Zhen’s reminder, Chen Fang quickly retracted his hand.

"Tsk, tsk, why isn't it gold?"

"You're overthinking it. If it's made of gold, I'll have to buy a safe." Chen Fang sneered rudely.

"This isn't a diamond!" Lu Yun held it up and looked at it in the light.

"Have you ever seen such a big diamond?" Chen Fang also had a headache. He knew that Lu Yun was pretending to be a country bumpkin and wanted to tease him.

"Well, it's such a big deal, so I'm congratulating you. Why are you still putting on a sour face?"

"Thank you. What do you want to eat today? I'll go see what's in the fridge."

"Smart, he's still the same Chen Fang as before. I was too worried before coming here, afraid that Mr. MVP wouldn't cook." Lu Yun patted his chest and said thankfully.

Chen Fang was speechless, but his initial melancholy was gone. As expected, he couldn't stand the loneliness and needed friends.

Not long after, Wu Zi also came back. After enjoying dinner, the family of four went to the backyard again. This has become a habit for Chen Fang and his friends.

"I watched the game, it was so difficult." Lu Yun started the topic.

"Yeah, you almost beat me to death!" Chen Fang patted his arm and said, "I really want to take it off and show you my scarred arm."

"Tsk, showing off, blatant showing off." Lu Yun snorted.

"I have some questions. Why do we fight like this?" Wu Zhen asked.

"We fought badly because we couldn't win. The opponent is better than us overall. Coach Andy's method is the best choice."

"Plus playing consecutive games, I'm already very tired. Even for me, my legs are still shaking when I think about it now." Chen Fang said with emotion: "This schedule is a test. Only teams with sufficient bench can go far."

"So how far do you think we can go this time?"

Glancing at the two of them, this might be what they wanted to know. Chen Fang understood that they were concerned, and he shook his head: "I don't know, but the first two rounds should be better, and the rest is hard to say."

"In fact, the strength of the Trojans is only ranked 30th in the country. It would be a stretch to rank higher."

"Don't you know? You are very popular not only in China but also in Los Angeles. My school, from coaches to players, are all paying close attention to you. We all watch your games together, and the coach analyzes your games for us while watching." Lu Yun said.

This made Chen Fang blink his eyes and said doubtfully: "It's just an isolated case."

"Of course not. All the teams in California that are of a decent level are watching. And in the future, there will be more and more of them."

"NCAA is indeed a national sport." Wu Zhen was very envious and looked forward to it.

"You guys are almost there too. Have you started getting offers?"

Speaking of this, Wu Zhen's expression was a little unnatural, so Chen Fang looked at Lu Yun, who had an indifferent expression: "Yes, there are, but there are only two D1 schools, and they are not promising, just intentions."

"I see." Chen Fang naturally understood it. He just felt that the difference was too big compared with the previous year, so the school's attitude was just to try it out, not very sincere. Usually in such a situation, it would be better not to go.

I might have been on the bench in my first year.

Without 15 minutes of playing time, it is really not necessary.

Chen Fang thought for a moment, then asked, "What's your school's ranking now?"

"In a medium league in California, we rank third." Lu Yun took the initiative to introduce: "Wu Zhen averages 16 points per game, and I average 11 points. We are the second and third scorers of the team."

Nodding, Chen Fang continued to ask: "Where are the other data?"

"Wu Zhen has 3.6 assists and 2 rebounds, and I have 2.7 assists and 5 rebounds. After all, I play as a small forward and need to grab rebounds."

"This data is not good. It is too general for high schools. No wonder there are so few OFFES." Chen Fang found the problem.

"What is the statistic for the team's top assist?" Chen Fang asked again. Suddenly he waved his hand and said, "Your school has its own official website, right? Let me check the stats."

"Yes, but do you also understand this?" Lu Yun expressed doubt.

"You must be kidding. This is something you must master. Before our games, I have to look at all the opponent's data and watch the video. Do you think we can just go on the court without any preparation?"

"This...!" Both of them felt a little embarrassed.

Chen Fang knew what he was saying when he saw his expression, so he sighed: "Details determine success or failure. Maybe if you knew more about your opponent, you could average a few more points per game."

"With data, if you have one more point, you will screen out countless people. Only when you have more than 20 points can you get the respect you deserve."

Just kidding. Think about Chen Fang's stats at Chaminade last year. He averaged over 20 points per game, with seven or eight assists and four or five rebounds. It was because of this that he was qualified to negotiate with the university.

It has always been like this. Without data, you are not qualified to sit at the table and talk about the future with others.

Lu Yun opened the web page on his notebook and Chen Fang began to read it. After a few minutes, he rubbed his eyes and went to the study to get paper and pen.

Sit back and start writing formulas and calculating things.

"What is this?" "Your school doesn't properly calculate high-level data. I'm calculating your high-level data." Chen Fang said without turning his head.

Well, this action shocked the two of them. They looked at each other. Only then did they realize how obvious the gap between them was.

When they first entered the door and saw the trophy, they were very envious, but they didn’t feel it so clearly in their hearts. But at this moment, they felt it.

Soon, he stopped and said to the two: "Wolf Ford, Hubert Xhaka, they are the core of your team, one inside and one outside."

"Wolf's rim protection data is good. Although his score is low, his plus-minus value during his playing time is the highest on the team, plus-14. His MP, FGA, and FG are also the highest on the team."

"Such a player is the core pillar of your team. You should develop tactics around him. In this way, your statistics will improve positively."

"Hobert, the point guard, he has problems, he's very inefficient with the ball, in my opinion, your numbers can be better without him."

"You can see this?" Wu Zhen was shocked. Chen Fang just looked at the data and it was as if he had watched more than a dozen of their games in person.

"You need to improve your playing habits. Wu Zhen, your efficiency is negative. Although Lu Yun is positive, it is also +3."

"This means that you didn't help the team at all. You provided points, but lost the same number of points on defense."

"That's the problem. Don't underestimate college scouts. They can analyze who is worthy and who is not just by looking at the basic statistics on your school's official website."

"I can spend more time calculating the efficiency values of your entire team, and adding them together will form an assessment of your team's strength."

"I roughly calculated that your team's level should be in the middle of the pack in California."

"I suggest a few things. If you are willing, do them. If you are not willing, I will not say anything more."

Without waiting for their answer, Chen Fang raised his finger and said, "First, review the game by yourself after the game, review the basic data and the video, and examine the gains and losses."

"Second, before the game, look at the opponent's data, including those who are not in the same position. Look at the starting lineups and rotations of the five positions. You can ask Sun Lexian to help you with this. He will edit the video for you, and I will also help analyze it when I am free."

"Third, sign up for the local AAU league, immerse yourself in an unfamiliar environment, start from scratch, and aim to become one of the team's starting core."

“Fourth, strengthen your own deficiencies and make up for your shortcomings. Write down all your problems on the form and correct them one by one.”

"Fifth, take the initiative to communicate with the coach, including the assistant coach, as long as they are in the uniform group of your team, because they can give more opinions from the sidelines."

"If you do these five things well, you will have a chance to go to the D1 league and play in the rotation."

"Can you make it?"

"There's still time. There are still three months left. As long as you have a breakout in one game and get high scores or comprehensive statistics, you can come back to life."

"I will ask Sun Lexian to help you with all his strength. Also, I will contact Drew. We will prepare in the next two days and start special training while playing the game."

Before the two came, they were actually feeling depressed, especially Wu Zhen. He faced the choice of returning to the first team or choosing a university and playing for another year.

But Lu Yun really doesn't care. Of course he wants to stay in the United States, but if Wu Zhen and Chen Fang are not in the United States, he has no interest in it.

Unexpectedly, Chen Fang's words made them regain their confidence.

"Let's do it!" Wu Zhen made up his mind. He was a very decisive person, but he did have personality problems and was slow to integrate, which delayed him for a year.

Chen Fang didn't waste any time and took out his phone to contact Drew. Drew was very surprised. He first congratulated Chen Fang, and then did not hesitate when he heard the purpose of Chen Fang's visit.

"No problem. Are they your two friends from last time?"

"Correct."

"That should be quick. I have their template data here and the results will be out tomorrow."

"Thank you very much. I hope it will be as soon as possible. The goal is to increase their chances of entering D1."

"I know what you mean. I chose Drew and was not disappointed!" Drew finally said the slogan of the company he was promoting.

"I have never been disappointed. Thank you, brother." Chen Fang also made some emotional investment at the right time.

This is high emotional intelligence. Talk about serious matters during a relationship and have a heart-to-heart talk afterwards. The two complement each other and the relationship improves quickly.

"Yes, brother, the NBA is getting closer and closer to you. I believe that in half a month, many things will come to you. If you need anything, please call me and I will do my best." Drew also opened his heart at the right time and expressed his attitude.

"Of course we are strategically tied together. I would ask for your help without you telling me." Chen Fang chuckled twice.

After the polite words, Chen Fang hung up the phone, looked at the two people waiting to land, and said, "Just think of these few months as hell. Once you get through it, things will be very different."

"Believe me, college is worth going to. Regardless of whether you play professionally in the future or not, college basketball will shape you into a true semi-professional player." Chen Fang used his own personal experience to remind them.

"I know, that's why I'm here." Wu Zhen's eyes became bright, and he once again aroused his fighting spirit, sweeping away the gloom of this period of time.

Chen Fang looked at Wu Zhen, feeling a lot of emotion in his heart.

He didn't look down on Wu Zhen at all. In fact, from beginning to end, Chen Fang admired Wu Zhen very much.

He has an unremitting fighting spirit. When faced with setbacks and injustice, he always persists in facing them, stays positive, and strives to pursue his dreams.

Chen Fang knew very well that although he was going smoothly now, it would not always be like this. On the contrary, the further he went on, the more likely it was that if he fell, it would be a huge pit and he might not be able to get up in his lifetime.

Just like in his previous life, no matter how hard he tried, he couldn't turn things around.

The cruelty of life is vividly reflected here.

Therefore, Chen Fang took Wu Zhen as a role model and told himself that no matter what happened in the future, he must get up and run again.

If we ordinary people want to become superior people, we must keep one thing in mind.

Even if you lose everything, you must not lose your fighting spirit.

Because fighting spirit is the only sugar in suffering.

The next day, Chen Fang got up at 5:30 as usual. He looked at the sleeping Wu Zi, kissed her on the forehead, then quickly washed up, picked up his backpack, and went out.

Hearing the sound of the car engine, Wu Zi quietly came to the living room window, watched the Grand Cherokee drive away, and then returned to bed after watching it go.

Your man is working hard for a better future. Is there anything more meaningful in life than this?

Thank God for letting me meet you.

　This is just one chapter today, 4000 words, not because I posted a plot commentary in the public chapter, but because I was very tired from writing about three games in a row.

　　I need to come up with an idea for the next tournament.

　　I also hope that everyone will read the public chapters related to the work. I believe that after reading them, everyone will have a clearer understanding of my story.

　　
　
(End of this chapter)