Basketball: The Path to the Extraordinary

Lian Dao's relentless pursuit of exceptional physical fitness began with the rigorous execution of a training program meticulously designed by the University of Southern California coaching staff. He adopted an ambitious strategy: first activating a 4x strength training boost card, followed immediately by a 2x overall skill enhancement boost card. This strategic layering effectively boosted his training results sixfold in a very short period.

"A little more time, please," Lian Dao said with a hint of helplessness. He knew that the 24-hour duration of the strength training reward card would pass in the blink of an eye. He knew he had to make the most of every moment, so during the reward's validity period, he prioritized technical strength training and didn't want to miss any opportunity to improve.

In addition to strength training, Lian Dao's daily routine also fully reflects his diligence. He gets up at five o'clock every morning to do high-intensity boxing training first, and then seamlessly connects to carefully designed special training to comprehensively improve his athletic ability.

Lian Dao's customized training program covers five core areas, each targeting specific aspects of his game and physical conditioning. Dribbling skills are at the top of the list—crucial for a small forward. Practicing two-handed dribbling and mastering crossover techniques are paramount, providing him with a tactical advantage on the court.

Speed ​​training followed, focusing on explosive acceleration to shake off defenders. From sprints to agility drills, Lian Dao underwent repeated practice to hone his speed and agility.

Realizing the need to improve his shooting ability, especially his outside shooting, Lian Dao devoted a significant amount of time to three-point shooting practice. His training covered a variety of scenarios—from open shots to shots under defensive pressure—aiming to develop muscle memory so that he could consistently and efficiently make shots under pressure.

Explosive power training is another cornerstone of Lian Dao's daily training. He focuses on methods such as isometric contraction and resistance training to maximize his speed in breaking through defenders and grab crucial rebounds at critical moments in the game.

Finally, strength training completes Lian Dao's daily routine. His dedication to weightlifting and resistance training, whether it's upper body, lower body, or core strength training, demonstrates his commitment to building a strong physique.

To balance high-intensity training with reasonable meals and recovery time, Lian Dao dedicates about sixteen hours a day to his training program.

Initially, the coaching staff found Liandao's training plan unbelievable, thinking he was crazy and calling it "suicidal training." They doubted whether he could maintain such a high-intensity pace.

However, Lian Dao remained steadfast, strictly adhering to his training plan for seven consecutive days, leaving the coaching staff stunned and speechless.

On the eighth day, Tim intervened and stopped Lian Dao's training, having a private conversation with him. Although Tim greatly admired Lian Dao's focus and diligence, he couldn't hide his concerns.

Tim firmly believes that talent determines a person's floor, while hard work determines their ceiling. He has witnessed many talented players fail due to a lack of self-discipline, and he has also seen many mediocre people achieve excellence through unremitting efforts.

However, he believed Lian Dao's training methods were extremely dangerous. In his view, it was not only intense but practically suicidal. Tim was convinced that this training method would cause serious damage to Lian Dao's body.

Fortunately, Lian Dao cleverly used the energy-restoring potion, effectively alleviating the immediate fatigue from training and helping him quickly recover his strength after high-intensity training. Lian Dao's amazing recovery ability reassured Tim a lot, and his abundant energy further eliminated Tim's doubts, prompting Tim to ask Bob, the team's highly respected strength and conditioning coach and physiotherapist, to give him a full check-up.

Bob's assessment results were surprising. Lian Dao was not only in good health, but all his physical fitness indicators were also improving rapidly, which aroused Bob's great interest in his physical condition.

Meanwhile, Lian Dao's relentless pursuit of excellence inspired teammates like DeRozan and Gibson—though they couldn't match his intensity, they also dedicated a significant amount of time to honing their skills. Even Vucevic, initially hesitant due to physical limitations, readily accepted the challenge of transitioning to the center position under Lian Dao's influence.

In the sweltering summer heat, these four fitness enthusiasts persevered, arriving at the gym at dawn and leaving only at sunset. Their shared dedication forged a deep friendship. They gradually adapted to the high-intensity training, enjoying tangible progress and the joy of mutual growth through mutual support and healthy competition.

By November, with the new academic year fully underway at the University of Southern California, the results of their months-long training were becoming increasingly apparent. Lian Dao's physical transformation was remarkable—he gained 8 kilograms of muscle while reducing his body fat percentage to just 8%. This high-intensity training not only enhanced his strength but also improved his overall athleticism, making him a formidable presence on the court.

Like Liandao, Vucevic and his teammates have also made significant progress. Vucevic has focused particularly on improving his physical attributes to fulfill his new role at the center position. They dedicate themselves fully to rigorous training every day, from early morning physical conditioning to late-night technical practice, which has fostered a deep friendship and a shared desire for success.