Lower Merion, indoor basketball court.
Because the Philadelphia 76ers' head coach, John Lucas, was coming down to observe their training session, Coach Gregg did not arrange a training session in the morning on purpose.
"Listen up, lads. I'll arrange for you to have a half-court five-on-five later!
"Those in Kobe and Su's team, remember to pass more," Gregg instructed the team members before the training started.
Actually…
Even if Gregg did not arrange it that way, which one of the other Lower Merion team members would dare to not pass to Kobe and Su Feng?
One had a death stare, while the other had the Fiery Golden Eyes of Purgatory. Even if you were demons and ghosts, you had to admit defeat in front of them.
Moreover, the other team members of Lower Merion were not stupid.
They knew that other than being fans in the future, there was no way they would be able to play in the NBA.
So everyone was happy to help Su Feng and Kobe anyway.
That way, after Su Feng and Kobe entered the NBA in the future, they could slap their chests and say with pride:
I once fought side by side with Kobe and Su Feng in high school!
Also, within the indoor basketball court, other than the Lower Merion team members who were warming up, the reporter trio had come today as well.
"Director Zhang, have you heard? The Philadelphia 76ers' head coach will be coming to observe Little Su and Kobe today!"
Su Junyang pushed up the glasses on his nose bridge while exclaiming excitedly.
"Yes, let's see what a professional like him thinks about Little Su." Zhang Weiping laughed while replying.
"Let's hope Little Su doesn't fumble the ball today and displays the condition he displayed when playing in the high school league," Xu Jicheng added.
Regrettably, Su Feng, who was warming up, could not hear the conversation of the reporter trio. If not, he would definitely tell them,
"Never take these kinds of scouting too seriously."
Because if Su Feng remembered correctly, in his previous life, when Kobe was in grade 12, John Lucas used his daughter as an excuse to watch Kobe play at least ten times.
After all, he was in a favourable position and could take advantage of it.
Unfortunately, even though the fans in Philadelphia really wanted to get Kobe, the first draft pick that the Philadelphia 76ers got was way too good.
High school players in the 90s were like gold of unknown purity and like hole cards in Texas poker.
No one dared to try their luck, because it was way too risky to develop a high school player.
So, the normally calm Su Feng was not excited at all when he heard that John Lucas was coming to observe him.
Because Su Feng was very clear that John Lucas was going to come over again in the future. He was not going to scout just this once.
And if Stern already had his eyes on him, there would be even more scouts coming to Philadelphia in the future.
To Su Feng, unless John Lucas was bringing Stackhouse with him to observe their training session, his scouting would be meaningless.
Because Su Feng also wanted to use this legendary NBA supporting character to test his skills.
…
Walking in Lower Merion's campus, Stackhouse felt like he had gone back to his days in the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Tsk tsk, looking at those high school girls, Stackhouse could not help but to think of a quote from Shakespeare.
Himself the primrose path of dalliance treads, and recks not his own rede.
Of course, there was no way Stackhouse could be so philosophical.
It was just that that was the best translation of his perverted thoughts.
John Lucas looked at his favourite disciple and asked him while on the way to the indoor basketball court, "Jerry, remember crazy March?"
"Of course, Coach. Honestly, I remember that match with Duke the most.
"Back then, I avoided two people in the air and completed a 360 slam dunk.
"When I completed that slam dunk, the whole gymnasium was cheering for me." Stackhouse smiled while replying.
This kid is very confident. That was John Lucas' strongest feeling after training Stackhouse for a little over a month.
So long as you dared to give him possession, he dared to shoot.
At that moment, John Lucas even thought back to Stackhouse's first match in the NBA.
Back then, he originally assigned this third draft pick to play as a substitute. But he did not expect that Stackhouse would get up, stare at him, and proclaim, "Those from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill either become basketball superstars or get out of the NBA."
Alright, never doubt the eighth grader syndrome of those from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Because in the future, there would also be a guy called Vince who said that.
That was especially after Michael Jordan put the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill up on a pedestal with his performances. After that, players which graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill seemed to all bring with them the expectation of becoming Jordan's successor.
…
Very quickly, the Philadelphia 76ers scouting team arrived at Lower Merion's indoor basketball court.
"My dear Gregg, you look like you haven't been working out recently."
John Lucas and Gregg got to know each other at a Philadelphia coaches gathering in June.
John Lucas asked Gregg about Kobe and Su Feng during the gathering back then.
Who asked the duo to be so popular in Philadelphia?
John Lucas knew that if he was completely clueless about the duo, he would only draw the ire of Philadelphia fans in the future.
"John, welcome to Lower Merion." Gregg smiled as he walked towards John Lucas.
"Are those Kobe and Su?" John Lucas asked as he watched the duo do a fast break on the court.
"Yes, John. Look at how awesome they are. Honestly, having the opportunity to coach them is the best thing that's happened to me in my life," Gregg replied.
As a past NBA first draft pick, John Lucas was very good at spotting talent. "No wonder the fans love them so much. No only are they handsome, they can also jump and glide."
"Haha, they can do much more than just fly and glide," Gregg commented.
"Oh, nice fadeaway shot!
"Did you know, pal? Su's fadeaway shot just now reminded me of Michael Jordan," Jordan Lucas marvelled.
"Hoho, is this the gliding Kobe the reporters keep talking about?
"My lord. To be able to coach the two of them. You've hit the jackpot, Gregg."
John Lucas got increasingly shocked the more he watched.
There was even a moment when John Lucas felt that Kobe and Su Feng could play in the NBA even if they skipped college…
If Su Feng and Kobe were in their third or fourth year of college now, John Lucas would at most say "Not bad".
But at 17…
No one knew the importance of age in the NBA better than John Lucas.
As he watched John Lucas praise Su Feng and Kobe to the heavens beside him, Stackhouse felt like his coach had been deceived.
Wake up, Coach. You must retain your judgement!
The other Lower Merion team members were obviously purposely creating chances for Kobe and Su Feng to display themselves!
Stackhouse could not stand it any more. Because if he tolerated it any longer, he was going to become Steve Ma.
"Coach, we can't determine anything by just watching," Stackhouse told John Lucas.
John Lucas furrowed his eyebrows. After pondering for a moment, he felt that what Stackhouse said made sense.
After all, if he jumped to conclusions after watching just one training session, what difference would there be between him and that d*mned Elvin who plagiarised from the Philadelphia Evening Post?
"We have a high school league match tomorrow. Do you want to come watch it, John?" Gregg invited John Lucas, who suddenly stopped speaking.
"No, we have training tomorrow." A team in the NBA needs to play 82 matches. Honestly, John Lucas truly did not have much free time to come scout in the middle of a season.
"Oh…" Gregg did not know what to say at that moment.
Just then, Stackhouse laughed and announced, "Gentlemen, if you don't mind, I can spar with them."
"Oh?" John Lucas felt like that suggestion was not bad.
"But, Jerry, what if you get injured?" John Lucas asked.
"No worries, Coach. My opponents are high schoolers. There's no need for me to go all out. Besides, I'm just playing with them." Jerry-I'm a Grand Senior-Stackhouse laughed.
"Then, Gregg, are you okay with them?" John Lucas turned to look at Gregg.
"Why don't we call Su and Kobe over and ask them?" Gregg suggested.
"That settles it!" John Lucas was someone who hated dilly-dallying and nodded decisively.
…
On the court, after Gregg blew his whistle to pause training, the other Lower Merion utility players tactfully went to rest.
Meanwhile, Gregg led Kobe and Su Feng to the Philadelphia 76ers scouting trio.
The reporter trio were also very confused after seeing that scene.
"What does this mean?" Zhang Weiping asked curiously.
Xu Jicheng and Su Junyang shook their heads, expressing that they were as confused as he was.
Alright, actually…
They were not the only ones who were confused.
Because, after seeing that familiar face, Su Feng was very confused as well.
What the heck!
Isn't this the large gift…
Ah spat, isn't that Stackhouse?
As a professional NBA keyboard warrior, how could Su Feng not know Stackhouse?
Wait…
Hold on!
"Looking at his devious expression, could he be intending to challenge me and Kobe to one-on-ones?"
Su Feng, who was getting sleepy in the afternoon, immediately perked up.
After Gregg introduced the Philadelphia 76ers trio to him and Kobe, Su Feng saw that even Kobe's eyes were shining.
"Su, Kobe, what do you think? Do you want to spar with an NBA level player?" John Lucas asked Su Feng and Kobe.
As expected!
"Of course!" Su Feng and Kobe replied in unison.
What was worth mentioning was that after noticing that Su Feng replied slightly faster than he did, Kobe kicked Su Feng while feeling a little displeased.
"Su, give me this opportunity!" Kobe signalled Su Feng.
"No way, I can give you anything. But I must seize this opportunity!" Su Feng signalled back at Kobe.
And just as Su Feng and Kobe were signalling to each other using their eyes and eyebrows…
Stackhouse, who had already taken off his jacket, did an extremely cool pose according to the script he prepared beforehand and asked,
"Who goes first?"
Su Feng gave Kobe no chance to reply as he took a step forward and proclaimed, "Me!"
Stackhouse looked at Su Feng in satisfaction. Hmm…
He looks better in person…
I shall go slightly easier on you later.
At the side, Kobe was severely enraged. He swore that he would cut ties with Su Feng!
Luckily, before sparring with Stackhouse, Su Feng did not forget to console Kobe.
"Don't worry, I'll help you test his skills first.
"If he can't even beat me, what's the point of him going one-on-one againstyou?
"Besides, do you know what I'm going to cook tonight?" Su Feng said as he pat Kobe's shoulder.
Hmm?
Su Feng's words made Kobe's anger dissipate immediately.
"What are you cooking for dinner?" Kobe asked curiously.
"I'll tell you after the sparring session," Su Feng replied while smiling.
"Then get on with it. It's my turn after your turn!" Kobe rushed him.
"Yes, Sir!" Su Feng stretched and got ready to get on the court.
What was worth mentioning was, as Su Feng prepared to get on the court, Schwartz, who was asked by Su Feng to brew Goji tea for him, returned.
"Su, what are you doing?
"I've brewed your tea for you. It's hot!" Schwartz, who was holding a thermos flask, was a little confused as he stared at the empty indoor basketball court.
Su Feng pat Schwartz's shoulder and told him, "Put it aside for now, I'll come back to drink it later."
Although he did not understand what was going on, as he stared at Su Feng's back, Schwartz felt that Su Feng was incredibly handsome.
On the other side, the reporter trio, who were equally clueless, gathered their courage to go beside Kobe.
Xu Jicheng asked curiously, "Kobe, what are they doing?"
Kobe laughed, "You're in for a treat.
"See that, that's Jerry Stackhouse. He was picked by the Philadelphia 76ers as the third draft pick of the first round.
"He was America's best high school student in 1993 and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill's trump card."
The reporter trio nodded.
"He's sparring with Su," Kobe stated.
"Sparring?" The reporter trio were instantly stunned.
"In other words, Little Su is going to have a one-on-one with an NBA player?" Zhang Weiping exclaimed in shock.
"So exciting! So this is American basketball! So thrilling!
"Director Zhang, didn't you say that Little Su was always someone we could compare him to?" Su Junyang tugged Zhang Weiping's sleeve excitedly.
Xu Jicheng's eyes shone, "Old Su, remember to take more pictures later!"
Su Junyang nodded. "No problem!"
"Old Zhang, watch closely. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!" Xu Jicheng reminded Zhang Weiping.
"I'm watching, I'm watching. Stop talking!" Zhang Weiping squatted down while closely observing the court with notebook and pen in hand.
Now, Stackhouse and Su Feng had already come to the indoor basketball court's left half-court.
"We'll play ten shots, no rebounds. Possession changes when an attack fails, alright?" Stackhouse asked Su Feng while dribbling to get in the zone.
"No problem!" Looking at Stackhouse, Su Feng felt as though all the blood in his body was rumbling.
Although he really wanted to diss Stackhouse, Su Feng was very clear that a true-blue NBA player was standing in front of him now.
Come, let me see just how far away I am from NBA level!
On the court, Stackhouse originally wanted to let Su Feng attack first, but he did not expect that Su Feng would actually signal him to attack first.
"Is he scared? Does he want me to go easy on him? Alright, seeing how obedient he is…"
But just as Stackhouse wanted to go easy on Su Feng, Su Feng suddenly lunged towards Stackhouse with a quick step forward!
His lunge was like a hungry tiger pouncing towards its prey!
Courtside, the Philadelphia 76ers' head coach, John Lucas, dared not continue chatting with Gregg any more.
Because the scenes that unfolded before his eyes in the next moments were extremely unbelievable.
Stackhouse dribbled, Su Feng caught up. Stackhouse prepared to drive towards the right, Su Feng caught up. Stackhouse prepared to fall back and do a jump shot…
But Su Feng still caught up!
Such was the power of Magnetic Defense!
Clang!
Su Feng successfully defended Stackhouse's first attack.
Meanwhile, Stackhouse, whose first attack was defended by Su Feng, panicked a little. That was because the defensive pressure Su Feng had applied on him just now was not at the level of an ordinary high schooler at all…
What the heck! Stackhouse had never met someone who defended like that, even in college!
However, he only missed once. Stackhouse felt that he did not need to take it to heart.
After all, he had underestimated his opponent just now and was not ready…
Swoosh!
On the court, the moment Stackhouse passed the ball to Su Feng, Su Feng took a shot.
Stackhouse was speechless.
What the heck. Who the heck plays and spars like that?
"Um… Jerry, does that shot count?" Su Feng scratched his head and asked Stackhouse after scoring.
"It counts… Of course it counts!" Stackhouse said that almost while gritting his teeth.
Since you asked the question that way, as a mighty NBA player, could I possibly tell a high school student like you that the shot did not count?
Have I no shame?
1-0, the match continued with Stackhouse attacking.
As America's top high school student in 1993, Stackhouse was pretty capable in offense.
Although he only had a field goal percentage of 40.9% in his career, that was because his name had the word "Stack" in it…
Cough, just kidding, just kidding.
On the court, Stackhouse decided to use his heavier body weight to force his way through this time.
But…
Su Feng surprisingly managed to block Stackhouse.
Don't be surprised. Under the handcheck rule, elbows were just that effective.
Moreover, Stackhouse had not developed his iron elbows yet. He was only 4 or 5kgs heavier than Su Feng at most.
And these 4 or 5kgs could be completely neutralised under the handcheck rule.
Stackhouse used a classic star player style. He was a jack of all trades but master of none.
He lacked his own signature move, and that was why he was unable to become a basketball superstar in the NBA.
In the season where he scored an average of 29+ points per match for the Detroit Pistons in the future, he relied on his large quantity of shots. Then, his field goal percentage was only 40.2% and he bricked an average of 15 shots per match.
Of course, being able to make an average of 24 shots per match in the NBA, Stackhouse had many offensive techniques.
However, it all boiled down to the statement…
No matter how many offensive techniques this guy had, it could not change the fact that he was a bricklayer.
This time, Su Feng managed to block Stackhouse when defending against him. Meanwhile, Stackhouse obviously made a mistake when turning around to do his jump shot.
In his debut season, Stackhouse had not changed his shooting stance. This made him lean forward slightly when shooting.
Su Feng blocked with his long arms. They were like a volleyball net as they blocked Stackhouse's attack!
Courtside, the reporter trio went wild.
"Great defending! That movement speed, that footwork! Little Su is too awesome!" Director Zhang exclaimed excitedly.
"He managed to successfully defend against an NBA player twice in a row! Director Zhang, Little Su can definitely play in the NBA!" Su Junyang exclaimed euphorically.
"Indeed, our trip to America has been more than worth it. Little Su is a basketball talent bestowed upon us by the heavens!" Xu Jicheng laughed.
On the court, it was not only the reporter trio and the Philadelphia 76ers coaching team that was shocked.
Because Stackhouse was already a little dumbfounded.
Especially after thinking back to how Su Feng deliberately showed weakness just now, Stackhouse immediately understood.
F*ck! I got taken advantage of!
This guy is a snake!
Stackhouse swore that he would not give Su Feng any more chances.
Hence, Stackhouse passed the ball to Su Feng.
Then…
Swoosh!
Stackhouse was speechless.
"Beautiful shot!" Courtside, Kobe, who was often tricked by Su Feng using that technique, was extremely happy when he saw that happen to Stackhouse.
"I… you, you…" Stackhouse felt that he had many words stuck in his chest. But when he wanted to speak, he could not speak a word at all.
Su Feng looked at Stackhouse curiously and asked, "Is there any problem with that?"
After taking a deep breath and remembering all the nice and beautiful things in the world, Stackhouse smiled and said, "Nope, let's continue!"
…