NBA: My template has no limit

Kentucky is also known as the "Bluegrass State" because one of its main economic pillars is livestock farming, especially renowned for its high-quality Thoroughbred horses.

This is the location of KFC headquarters, the birthplace of bourbon whiskey, and a place with simple and rustic charm.

The Kentucky Derby, a race that serves as a kind of "local Spring Festival," is held in Louisville on the first Saturday of May each year.

World-class horse farms surround Lexington, Kentucky's second-largest city, which is also DePaul's destination.

They will compete against Mississippi State University in the semifinals at Rupp Stadium in downtown Lexington.

Rupp Stadium is one of the most iconic stadiums in the NCAA and is also the home of Kentucky State, a traditional powerhouse in basketball.

At that moment, they were having lunch, which was provided free of charge by the Hyatt Hotel next door, a rare moment of leisure for them.

Singh tore at the bacon on his plate with his fork, while a steak was stuffed in his mouth.

This guy doesn't look like a rich kid at all. Except when he's playing basketball, he looks like a spoiled young master.

He seemed to have thought of something, suddenly slapped his forehead, and mumbled:

"Hey, Xu Feng, I've been with you for so long and I've hardly ever heard you speak Chinese! You can teach me how to say 'hello' in Chinese, so it'll be easier for me to find different types of girls later, hehe."

Xu Feng knew Singh wouldn't say anything good, so without even looking up, he said:

"I'm an idiot."

"What? I... am... a sand... nose?"

"Yes, but don't fucking tell me that, go tell someone else!"

Although Singh was puzzled by Xu Feng's attitude, he did not doubt the authenticity of the story, and just kept muttering to himself.

"I'm an idiot, I'm an idiot..."

Hotel occupancy rates have surged in the past two days, all due to spectators coming to watch the quarterfinal matches.

Many people recognized Xu Feng, most of whom came specifically for him. Some even booked rooms at the Hyatt and the nearby Hilton just to get close to him, and would come to the restaurant every mealtime.

Xu Feng was surrounded by a crowd again. Is this the price of fame?

However, on DePaul's side, only Xu Feng was surrounded, while the others were automatically ignored.

They didn't seem to care much, watching with amusement as Xu Feng found himself in trouble.

Unfortunately, college players don't earn much income if they don't participate in the draft.

What's the use of having many fans? If you still want to play basketball in college, you can only make money by doing odd jobs.

The official channels exploited their exclusivity to sell tickets and broadcasting rights, making a fortune while only taking in profits and never giving anything back.

Xu Feng left the hotel after only a short while; he was still not used to the crowded life of an idol.

It turns out even pigeons have their own troubles!

On his rare day off, Xu Feng took the opportunity to stroll around Lexington in the afternoon and sample some authentic KFC.

In his past life, he always felt that the burgers at those burger shops were getting smaller and smaller, and the flavors were becoming increasingly bizarre.

While waiting for the food to be served, a man in a suit sat down next to Xu Feng.

He was in his early forties, rather thin, wearing gold-rimmed glasses, and had a kind smile on his face.

He struck first, his tone gentle yet confident:

"Xu Feng, hello. I'm a professional agent. I watched your match, and your performance was truly unparalleled. If you want to participate in the 96 election, believe me, no one can do it better than me!"

Xu Feng was already used to these troublesome swindlers who claimed to be professional brokers.

They don't need extensive experience or comprehensive knowledge. All the scammers need to do is find a promising player, send him to any team that wants him, and they can make a huge cut!

As for the player's future, who cares?

Xu Feng replied with a wry smile:

"Please, it's only halfway through the month, do you know how many people have contacted me? Eight! But none of them have even signed a single NBA contract. What achievements have you made? If not, please leave."

The man was not intimidated by Xu Feng's questioning at all; he took out a business card from his pocket.

It reads: Arne Tellem, plays for IMG.

"Let me formally introduce myself. My name is Arne Tellum, and my roster of basketball stars includes Larry Johnson, Chris Webber, Juwan Howard, and of course, Kobe Bryant, who was in the same draft class as you."

Tellem started as a lawyer and entered the sports world as a baseball agent.

After joining International Management Group (IMG), he was in charge of the baseball division and also dabbled in basketball.

Signing Larry Johnson in 1991 was a career milestone, marking a complete shift of focus to the NBA and becoming the mastermind behind the "Michigan Five".

In short, he is a true professional brokerage guru.

Now that he knew the other party's background, Xu Feng didn't waste any words and got straight to the point:

"I really want to participate in the draft this year. What are your thoughts?"

"Based on the current scouting reports about you, the general consensus is that you will be selected in the top nine, except for certain specific picks. For example, if Philadelphia gets the number one pick, then Iverson will definitely be in that position."

After making it into the quarterfinals, Xu Feng had no more doubts about his status as a lottery rookie, and he calmly stated his requirements:

"I understand, but I want a top-five pick, or to a big market team. Of course, I want to be a starter in my rookie season."

Tellem's expression froze.

A rookie who has only played for six months and still has injury concerns wants a top-five pick?

It's difficult, at least for now, unless he can go further and convince those team managers with a higher ranking.

If Xu Feng wants to be drafted into the top five, he will have to squeeze out two of the six players from the 96 Super Six.

Those six players have all stood the test of time and have been under the long-term watch of scouts, so how could Xu Feng easily shake their position?

Only reaching the quarterfinals is not enough.

"You know, with DePaul's current record, it's not worth them betting a top-five pick on an inconsistent rookie. You need to at least reach the semifinals or even the final four!"

But I will try my best. If I fail, I can guarantee a top-nine draft pick, a starting position in my rookie season, and consistent playing time. If you accept these terms, we can work together.

Tellem extended a hand, waiting for Xu Feng's response.

Xu Feng's performance surprised him; this person was nothing like other talented rookies of the same age.

Calm, collected, with clear career plans and calculations, proactively pursuing greater benefits, he has the air of a seasoned veteran.

He had seen too many people, most of whom were so excited when they heard their own name called that they couldn't sit still.

Some even go so far as to ask him to buy them a sports car so they can expand their womanizing prospects.

"I have faith in your professionalism."

Xu Feng extended his hand to shake hands with Tellem, a smile on his face.

"It's a pleasure working with you."

"It's a pleasure working with you."

This sentence was spoken by Tellem in Chinese.

"I learned this especially for you."

After the two finished discussing their collaboration, the hamburgers were just being served. Xu Feng, carrying a paper bag, and Tellem headed towards the door, where they ran into Singh, who was also there to eat KFC.

"What are you doing here? Who is this?"

"It was an elder I happened to meet and we chatted for a bit," Xu Feng mumbled.

As Xu Feng's good teammate, it was natural for Singh to greet Xu Feng's elders. Thinking of the words he had learned that morning, Singh blurted out:

"Hello, I'm an idiot."

Xu Feng looked constipated, and when he turned to look at Trelem, he saw that Trelem also had a strange expression on his face.

"Actually, I've learned quite a bit, this should be..."

"Shh! It's a trade secret!"