The coach on the sidelines surveyed the chaotic court but refrained from intervening. Even he was taken aback by Luke's handling of the last ball, leaving a doubt lingering in his mind.
Was it Luke's fluke, or did he anticipate Jones's deception? If the latter, it would be alarming. Such strategic thinking and basketball intelligence surpassed his peers.
Five minutes later, as the substitute team's excitement subsided, the coach strode onto the court, proclaiming, "Okay, everyone gathers." The team members promptly lined up.
"Next, we will announce today's competition results." This statement instantly shifted the varied expressions of the players to seriousness.
"Firstly, announcing the starting point guard, Luke Almasin." The players showed no reaction; their performance justified Luke's starting position.
"Starting forward, John." A momentary stun overcame all, including John himself. Despite the starting team's two losses, Jones's individual prowess was undeniably superior.
Jones, finally regaining composure, questioned on the spot, asking why?
The coach raised his hand to interrupt Jones's barrage of questions. "Although your personal ability surpasses John's, he's more suited for today's starting small forward. Basketball is a team sport; personal strength may instantly impact a team or alter the course of the game."
"But that impact isn't lasting. Take the current Bulls, for example. Rodman excels in rebounding and defense, Pippen in organization and defense, and Jordan in unmatched offense and defense."
"Jordan never lost in the Finals, but when he lacked support, he never made it. The Bulls' strength lies in the clear roles on the court. If Pippen neglects his role, Jordan can't fill the void."
"I'm emphasizing the importance of the team. Almasin, as the starting point guard, outshines you, Jones, in one-on-one ability. John's outside shooting, second only to Almasin and Prince in shooting guard, makes him more suitable for the starting lineup."
"You have three options: 1) Be a substitute to maintain your performance and bolster the bench's offensive firepower. 2) Play as the starting power forward, sacrificing ball handling for off-the-ball attacks. 3) Leave the team."
Though the high school team was subpar, with only one coach handling everything personally, its prestige remained high. Jones reluctantly accepted playing the power forward position, unwilling to be a senior high school substitute.
"In this way, the power forward position became Jones, and the original power forward position became a substitute. In the end, the starting center position was also taken away and replaced by a high school freshman center who had not been here for a long time. This person has a height of 2.06, defense, and rebounding ability – all good, standard blue-collar insiders.
This is how the team's starting lineup changed after major changes.
- Point Guard: Luke Almasin
- Shooting Guard: Prince
- Front: John
- Power forward: Jones
- Center: Wilson
"Next, Almasin will be the captain. I think although he is too young to take his turn according to his seniority, this is the top priority in sports competition. His performance is obvious to all, so Almasin will be the captain in the future. Let's have our new captain come out to say a few words; everyone is welcome," the coach said.
This time, the applause for Luke was much louder than everyone else's. After all, the captain's position has been confirmed, and Luke is only 17 years old. If nothing happens, he will always be the captain in the future. At this time, we must build a good relationship and leave a good impression; otherwise, we will be afraid. The team will outcast you.
"Hello, everyone. I will be your captain from now on. I can score and organize. I am the team's point guard. I will control most of the team's ball rights, but I will not control everyone's shots.
"As long as you have a chance, I will definitely see it and help you score easily so that you can get cheers from the school fans. That's all I want to say."
Then the team members burst into even more enthusiastic applause.
In fact, Luke didn't express anything. He just said what benefits he would bring to them as captain. After all, everyone in the world is interested in profit. As long as you tie their interests to yourself, they will naturally support you.
"Well, if nothing else happens, our starting lineup will look like this from now on. The formal training will be in one month, so I will give you a half-day off today."
"Don't rush to be happy because in the next month, you will have to spend time in boring training, and because of the changes in the starting lineup, you will also have to practice some new team tactics to prepare for the high school league in February next year. Okay, let's disband! Almasin stays." Coach said
Following Wilson and John, who had made an appointment with Luke, they went to their old place for a while, and finally, only the coach and Luke were left on the court.
At this time, the coach put on a kind smile again, completely losing the seriousness he was giving during the practice.
"Do you know why the team's starting lineup made such a change?
Before Luke could say anything, "Because this team has been at the bottom all year round, the older generation of players has become accustomed to losing and being at the bottom and has no energy whatsoever."
"I vigorously activated new players and made you the captain. It is both a helpless move and a move that cannot be broken without establishing. Therefore, if you want to make the team change from corruption, you must first start with the captain."
"I know that you are now the captain and the tasks given to you are very stressful for you, but I believe that you can turn the pressure into motivation to take a step forward."
"Okay, didn't you make an appointment with John and Wilson? It just so happens that the three of you can also develop a tacit understanding."