NBA: A collection of super busts

On April 26, 2003, in the gymnasium of St. Vincent-St. Mary High School, facing hundreds of fans, reporters and scouts, a guy who looked to be 35 years old seemed a little nervous, huddled in his chair and looking around. He was even biting his fingernails before the cameras started rolling.

But as soon as the staff on site said "start", he immediately sat up straight and showed a very professional smile.

His words were firm and resolute, each syllable ringing with conviction.

"I'm going to skip college and go straight to the NBA!"

"I'm looking forward to the challenge; playing in the NBA has been my dream for a long time."

"My idol is Martin Luther King Jr. I have read his autobiography more than 30 times. Whenever I feel lost, confused, or need help and support, I read it and I can find my direction in life again. I hope to become the next Martin Luther King Jr., to become a leader, and to speak out for everyone."

This is LeBron James!

The number one high school player in the United States, known as the Son of America, and considered the most talented and amazing basketball genius since Jordan.

Although rumors of him going straight to the NBA instead of college had been circulating for at least six months, his official announcement still caused a huge stir, immediately becoming the headline of major sports media outlets across the United States and attracting the attention of countless people.

Everyone knows that since he has announced his candidacy, it means that this year's top scorer is no longer a second choice.

There will be no other choice, whether it's Ye Feng, who averaged 30+15+5 in the final four, or Anthony, the greatest freshman in history, or Wade, Bosh, or Milicic from Serbia.

As long as he participates, everyone assumes that the top scorer has been decided, and everyone else is just there to compete for second place.

Who can blame him for making such remarkable progress in the past few years, displaying such dazzling talent, and maturing in a way that doesn't seem like that of an 18-year-old high school student?

However, James was quite mature, while the reporters in the audience were not so mature. After a lot of procedural questions at the beginning, a black reporter stood up with great emotion: "I also deeply love Martin Luther King Jr. I think he is the leader of black people and the greatest black person in history."

"Regarding his autobiography, which part do you like the most? Or, how do you think this autobiography has helped you, and what kind of person Martin Luther King Jr. has you come to know?"

"Well, cough cough, um, buddy, what I'm saying is, this is really a good question, a really, really good question, really, it's something everyone should think about, really, I have to say you stumped me, because there are so many things I like in that book, so many things that can help people improve."

"I can't, cough cough cough, yes, I can't give a favorite or top three favorite scenes, because no matter which one I mention, it will disappoint or upset some people, and it will cause controversy, which is not what I want."

"You know, I respect everyone, including Martin, of course. I, well, I love everything about him, and I think, well, I think we all have a Martin in our hearts, different Martins. Yeah, that's it, you know, man, everyone has the right to their own opinion, right?"

"So what kind of person is Martin Luther King Jr. in your mind?" The reporter didn't give up and kept asking. It was clear that he really liked Martin Luther King Jr. and James.

"Well, uh, I think I can't comment on such a great person, I can't. Well, if I had to say, I think, well, I believe, yes, he is a very, very, very, very intelligent person!"

Across the ocean in Serbia, super talent Milicic also gave an exclusive interview.

"I've been watching Kevin Garnett play since I was a kid. I was a fan when I was 12. Now I have the opportunity to compete against him, which is the most exciting and anticipated thing for me. I hope I can achieve what he did!"

Then, after the interview, he confronted his agent with a sour face: "Why did I say that? I've never even seen him play. I don't even know if he plays power forward or center. That reporter just asked me what I like most about Garnett."

"Didn't you say you'd proofread the interview transcript?"

"This is just a routine, nothing more. Relax. I'll talk to him and only release the appropriate parts to build momentum for you. Okay, now our plan is..."

"A perm!" Milicic rubbed his head, interrupting his manager. "I've made an appointment at the hair salon. I'm going to turn this whole thing yellow! I've wanted to do this for a long time, but my previous coach wouldn't allow it. Now, nobody can stop me!"

"Then I'll have some alcohol and tobacco! I have to try things I've never tried before! I'm an NBA player now, right? I'm not a kid anymore, I'm an adult!"

"I will bring my talents to the NBA." Another superstar, Carmelo Anthony, also gave an interview in Baltimore, where he grew up, announcing that he would be entering the NBA draft.

The reporter then asked him what he was most looking forward to when he got to the NBA.

A flash of anger crossed Anthony's eyes: "A duel with Kazuha! Next time, I'll kill him!"

Upon hearing Anthony bring up the topic, the reporter immediately became excited; that brawl was the hottest basketball topic during this period: "Was it because he fought with you? Would you try to get back at him on the NBA court?"

"Are you an idiot?" Anthony rolled his eyes at the reporter before continuing, "I want to beat him because I lost to him, not because he hit me."

"But....."

"I deserved to be beaten up by him. I made a terrible, irrational move first. If someone treated my teammate like that, I would have rushed in too. I will apologize to Dwyane when I have the chance. I lost my temper at the time. You should never do such a terrible thing."

"So you'll become friends with them?"

"Absolutely not!" Anthony said. "Just because I did something wrong doesn't mean they'll become my friends. I'm eager to beat them and avenge my team."

"But you just said..."

"Does my getting beaten up have anything to do with him being an idiot?" Anthony interrupted the reporter again: "I'll remember that moment and that game for the rest of my life. I'll teach him a lesson if we ever clash again."

"I'll beat him up to prove I'm no weaker than him!"

"This time, he attacked from behind! If it were face-to-face, I wouldn't lose! I'm just as confident in playing basketball as I am in a fight!"

Similar situations have been occurring frequently recently, with many top newcomers doing similar things.

Some people appear on TV shows, some give interviews, and some speak out through their agents.

In short, in the days following the NCAA Finals, various parties made their moves, announcing their participation in the 2003 NBA Draft.

Meanwhile, Ye Feng, along with his friends, returned to his hometown of Chicago.