Rekindling the dream of becoming a star

Chapter 228 A new journey is coming!

Rumors about the draft are updated every day. Even for players with very low draft picks, there will be a few pop-ups, not to mention news about players in the lottery and the green room.

Many people have some vague concepts about the lottery and the green room. In fact, to sum it up in one sentence, it is a 14-person lottery and a green room in the first round.

Usually in mid-June, the invitation list for the green room will be announced. Players can bring a certain number of relatives and friends to the draft site to experience the joy of being selected by a team.

Generally speaking, the Green Room will have a first list and a second list, which will be announced a week or even longer apart. This is because the Green Room list is voted on by executives of NBA teams, and the reason for their vote is based on their judgment on whether the player will be selected.

This is actually a list of draft picks in shuffled order. Basically, the first list represents the top ten picks, because the higher the pick, the more obvious it is, unlike the low picks, where the competition is fierce and it is difficult to judge the final pick.

On June 2017, the Little Green House list was announced.

Chen Fang was among them.

As a very dazzling player in this session, Chen Fang's recent series of actions are puzzling.

He neither accepts interviews nor participates in joint tryouts. Apart from a private tryout with the Suns, who were the fourth overall pick, he basically does not appear in the public eye.

Some people said that he was confident because of his success in college, some thought that he didn't care because he had already been selected by the team. Some even judged that Chen Fang was injured and deliberately avoided the media in order not to delay his election.

And this idea is still very popular, especially after it was reported that Chen Fang's tryout results with the Suns were not ideal.

Although the Chinese man attended classes regularly during college, he had a groin strain in high school, and through searching, it was found that in the distant past, the Chinese man had also taken a break due to groin problems.

As we all know, groin injuries are difficult to fully recover from. It is a stubborn problem that often places a great limitation on high-speed players.

Coupled with the existing skin discrimination, Chen Fang's election prospects are slowly declining. The outstanding tryouts of Fultz, Tatum, and Lonzo become even more crucial. The four of them have been competing for the titles of No. 1, No. 2, and No. 3.

At least that's what the public sees, even if someone doesn't care about it at all.

He truly lived a leisurely vacation life in California. In addition to ensuring basic training, Chen Fang spent more time checking in at various scenic spots in California with Wu Zi.

After all, for this young couple, the time they spend together is never enough.

Compared to the talent show, Chen Fang’s recent focus is on Lu Yun and Wu Zhen’s college problems.

Even after high-quality special training, the actual situation of their being favored was not good, with only a few offers. Lu Yun had completely given up on playing in D1. He was planning to enter a prestigious school like Stanford to gild his status. Of course, he did not reject the University of Southern California.

But Wu Zhen's situation was very embarrassing, neither up nor down.

There is no D1 university offer, only D2, and it is in a very remote area. In the past, Wu Zhen would not care, but he has lived in California for so long and has relatives and friends here. Going to such a far place inevitably makes him feel conflicted.

After thinking it over for a while, Chen Fang had a long talk with Wu Zhen, and finally gave him a very careful suggestion.

Compared to returning to China, it is better to stick to the high-level NCAA D1 league. Chen Fang guarantees that he can get an offer from USC, but he will definitely be in the second team in the first year. He can train with the team and play competitive games, but he will definitely not play in normal games.

Everything depends on whether Wu Zhen can keep up with his improvement speed in his sophomore year, or even his junior year.

There are not many choices before Wu Zhen. It's just two choices: either return home or continue to persevere.

In fact, at this moment, Wu Zhen has already given up most of his dreams of playing in the NBA. At the age of 19, how can a person who is still anxious about a D1 offer have the qualifications to hope for the NBA?

But his stubbornness and the inertia of his dreams prevented him from giving up, and without thinking too much, he agreed to Chen Fang's idea.

But Chen Fang was not happy, but became even more serious.

"Because of my success, whether you are in the second team or otherwise, you will inevitably be criticized and you will be under a lot of pressure."

"Also, the team's expectations of you will increase accordingly. Putting all these together, you need to consider whether you can handle it."

Wu Zhen didn't think about it and answered directly: "I've thought about it. I think my level is improving too slowly because I'm under too little pressure."

This answer made Chen Fang dumbfounded, but after thinking about it, he realized that only Wu Zhen would think this way, so he said: "Then you should be prepared at any time."

After saying that, he still felt a little worried: "There are more freshmen recruited this year, and the competition is very intense. The preparation time for the preseason may start at the end of June."

"That's even better!" Wu Zhen smiled, a sincere smile.

Chen Fang nodded. In fact, Wu Zhen’s problem was never in his will, but in his thinking.

It cannot be said that Wu Zhen has a low basketball IQ, but his understanding of techniques and tactics is too old-fashioned. Even after a year of training in an American high school, he has not improved in this aspect because the standard of his high school itself is not very high.

There is also the issue of exercise rhythm. Wu Zhen's physical fitness is actually already first-class among the yellow race. Although it is not top-notch, it is also very good. However, in high-frequency exercises, he has problems such as sluggishness and slow reaction.

This is a sequelae caused by outdated and backward training methods, which require constant correction and improvement to alleviate and correct.

Because of these problems, his skills are always compromised during confrontations. This is the problem he is facing now, so Chen Fang believes that perhaps through a year of orthodox and scientific D1 training, these problems may be solved.

Moreover, the feeling of being on the bench will make it difficult to adapt in advance and develop good psychological qualities.

A spring that can bounce back into the sky after being compressed for a long time is a good spring. I hope Wu Zhen is the same.

Given Chen Fang's current status at USC, it was not difficult for him to apply for a tryout, and Andy quickly gave a reply.

He even half-jokingly said: "I dare not refuse, I want to stay as head coach for a few more years."

"Please don't joke with me. I'm so afraid of getting criticized." Chen Fang could only smile bitterly.

Even though Chen Fang disguised himself when he returned to USC, he was still recognized and surrounded. He was only able to escape after giving more than a dozen autographs.

"Don't laugh." Chen Fang wiped his sweat.

Wu Zhen smiled but said nothing. His personality now is much more humane than before. This year's polishing has made him understand more ways to get along with others besides basketball.

The two walked into the gym. Chen Fang led the way, so the path was smooth. There were not many people in the gym, and every player was a new face. Chen Fang looked around and asked, "Coach, how many new students did you recruit this year?"

"Eight. Plus the ones nominated by the second team, there are 13 in total."

Andy's words surprised Chen Fang. He couldn't help but blurt out: "Is this reconstruction?"

"Yes, some people are leaving, and some are transferring to other schools."

"Who's gone?"

"Nick, Benny, Elijah, and a few rotations."

Chen Fang's face darkened. Nick was a senior, Benny wanted to make money and try out for the draft, and Elijah was the most upset. He sprained his ankle in the finals, tore his ligaments, and shattered his ankle, which completely ruined his career.

Even the best doctors cannot guarantee that he will be able to return to his former self after recovering from his injuries.

Chen Fang would call Ilya every day and go to the rehabilitation hospital to play games with him every now and then. They were true brothers who were injured together and fought side by side.

Especially when Elijah looked at the wound on Chen Fang's forehead and blamed himself, saying that if it weren't for his carelessness, Chen Fang might not have been disfigured, which made Chen Fang even more sad. He asked Elijah to take more elective courses in finance and law, and planned to make arrangements for his future after he graduated.

Chen Fang will never let go of anyone who is sincere to him, and will do his best to help and care for them. After experiencing the warmth and coldness of human nature, he cherishes this true friendship even more.

Andy patted Chen Fang comfortingly: "In the arena, accidents are inevitable. You have to be more careful and don't get carried away. Protecting yourself is the first priority."

"I know. I will be careful."

Not wanting to talk about such a heavy topic, Chen Fang immediately introduced Wu Zhen. Andy greeted him warmly and then arranged a tryout.

The two sat on the sidelines, watching the tryout process and chatting.

"It looks good, but a little dull," Andy commented.

"But he's very determined. His height and attitude ensure that he's a reliable option on the perimeter. I hope he can get a year of experience at USC. Maybe in his sophomore year, he can help you!"

"Oh, I said you wouldn't do that!" Andy realized that he had misunderstood Chen Fang. He thought that Chen Fang was forcing someone into the team, but he didn't expect that Chen Fang just wanted to make an concession.

Andy nodded happily: "Of course, no problem. His level can adapt well to the second team. The second team has a heavy task this year. I will continue to observe him."

"Thank you then." Chen Fang felt relieved, and Andy took the opportunity to ask, "What's going on with the talent show? You're too low-key."

"how?"

Seeing Chen Fang's question, Andy explained: "I recently received calls from several old friends in the alliance, asking if there is something wrong with your personality."

"Coach, how do you answer?"

"How can I answer? To be honest, the leader is a perfect leader without any character flaws."

"Hehe!" Chen Fang laughed.

"Hey, I really want to play with you for a few more years, old guy. Unfortunately, I really want to go to the league and challenge greater difficulties." Chen Fang smiled and hugged the coach.

"Hey, hey, there are so many people here, please give my coach some face. You're making me seem very easy-going!" Although Andy said this, he did not push Chen Fang away.

"Besides, even if you don't want to go, I'm going to drive you there. There's nothing worth lingering about in D1. There are no regrets, no rivals, and you don't owe anyone anything."

"But I still want to remind you that alliances are complicated, especially interpersonal relationships."

"No matter where you go, remember, you must have good relationships with the management." Andy said seriously.

"Well, don't worry, I know what's going on." Chen Fang felt warm in his heart, feeling the coach's concern.

"In fact, your competitive spirit is not bad at all, but you just don't show it like some people do. This is a manifestation of high emotional intelligence." Andy was very emotional. His perception of Chen Fang is comprehensive and three-dimensional. As his head coach, he is the person who knows Chen Fang best.

Even though it was only less than a year, Chen Fang had brought him a perfect player experience card in all aspects. For a head coach, this was the greatest blessing.

"Don't compete in subjects!" Andy suddenly whispered.

"Uh!" Chen Fang didn't know how to respond.

"Kobe is too paranoid. He is still like this even at the end of his career." Andy wanted to pass on more life experiences and lessons to his beloved disciple.

"When Kobe was in high school, he pushed himself like crazy to help the team win the state championship. He stayed in the gym from 11 a.m. to p.m. every day. Not only did he do this to himself, he also required the entire team to do so. Many teammates could not stand this tyranny."

"On the eve of the finals, the players took the initiative to practice a three-on-three game. The two sides were tied at 9-9. When it came to the decisive ball, Kobe was defeated because his teammate did not pass the ball to him. So Kobe was furious. Even the head coach could not calm him down. Even after the 3-on-3 game ended several hours ago, he was still biting this poor teammate and kept asking why he didn't pass the ball to me."

"Many people recalled afterwards that Kobe wanted to kill his teammate because the anger and resentment he showed had already exceeded people's cognitive limit on killing."

"Kobe doesn't have the friends that his high school teammates are. His obsession with winning is frightening. Only those who work with him and benefit from him think he's good. In his early days, Kobe was rebellious, stubborn, and withdrawn, which made people very uncomfortable."

"Some people say that paranoia allowed Kobe to achieve unparalleled success in the NBA, but I don't think so, because not everyone who achieves such success is so paranoid."

“All roads lead to Rome. I hope you have your own logic and thinking for success.”

"I won't. I believe in my teammates and I accept failure. It's nothing more than starting over. Basketball is my favorite sport, but essentially, I love basketball because I love life. I won't put the cart before the horse."

"For me, I would rather trade the championship for Elijah's continued professional career." Chen Fang said frankly.

Andy's eyes were a little moist, and he nodded gently: "Yes, I feel relieved if you think so."

“No matter where you go or where you are, USC will always be your strongest fortress. Don’t be polite, you deserve it,” Andy promised.

“Of course, whether I am still at USC or not, the Board of Trustees will remember your contribution. Your name is destined to be engraved in the history of USC and will be passed down forever.”

"Yeah, it's worth my disfigurement." Chen Fang laughed.

Next, the two began to comment on the players. Chen Fang shared with Andy the ones he thought were good and had potential, and Andy also put forward his own opinions at the appropriate time.

A tryout took the entire afternoon.

On the way back, Chen Fang drove his beloved Cherokee and asked Wu Zhen: "How do you feel?"

"Great, I feel great happiness." Wu Zhen was delighted. He was that kind of person. The stronger the opponent, the more it would stimulate his fighting spirit and desire.

"Then you can do it on your own from now on. I think the credits will be fine."

"No, this is a little more difficult than playing basketball, but I can overcome it."

"Finally, I want to remind you that maybe because of me, you feel more pressure than others."

"I know, nepotism pressure, it doesn't matter, I don't care."

"That's good!" Although Chen Fang was not sure, at least it seemed that Wu Zhen didn't care.

After arriving home, Wu Zi was making soup. It must be said that women are a perfect match for making soup. Chen Fang loved the old duck soup made by Wu Zi very much. And Wu Zi finally found her footing and gained confidence.

When Wu Zi heard that her younger brother could enter USC, she smiled happily. In her heart, she just wanted the whole family to be together.

As soon as he sat down, Chen Fang received a text message.

Just write a line of words on it.

[The boat ticket has been purchased and will set sail soon. ]

Chen Fang smiled slightly and looked at the laughing brother and sister. At this moment, his heart was full of fighting spirit and desire.

A new journey is about to begin!

(End of this chapter)