During a critical moment, the veteran players made an offensive mistake, but Lian Dao anticipated it perfectly as Marcus Simmons passed to Dwight Lewis.
Learning from their previous error, the veterans swiftly regrouped on defense.
Recognizing the impossibility of a fast-break opportunity, Lian Dao passed the ball to Donte Smith.
With quick decisiveness, Lian Dao sprinted and eventually found an open three-pointer after executing a pick-and-roll with his teammates.
Donte Smith noticed Lian Dao's open position but opted to pass directly to him this time.
As Lian Dao prepared to shoot the three-pointer, Gibson's swift interference disrupted his rhythm. Adjusting quickly, Lian Dao faked a shot, executed a dribble move, sidestepped, and swiftly scored the three-pointer.
The successive scores boosted the freshmen team's morale, prompting them to continue staunch defense against the veterans.
Reflecting on the game, Lian Dao's ability to draw defensive attention beyond the three-point line allowed DeRozan to capitalize with consecutive baskets through effective pick-and-roll plays.
At 20:22, the freshmen team took the lead for the second time.
"You veterans are getting schooled by rookies—are you just roadblocks?" He exclaimed, standing up to rally his team.
NCAA coaches rarely exhibit overt aggression, and Tim was no exception. While not the most fiery, his words carried weight, jolting the veterans into a renewed offensive and defensive effort.
Taj Gibson promptly caught the ball and dunked over Vucevic in the low post.
Vucevic, known for his scoring prowess in the paint, needed to bulk up to enhance his physical presence and defensive capabilities.
Later, Lian Dao's precise pass led to DeRozan's successful mid-range shot. DeRozan's accuracy from mid-range was formidable, though his three-point shooting needed improvement, often drawing defensive focus to his drives and mid-range attempts.
Given the NBA's increasing emphasis on perimeter scoring, DeRozan faced a challenging road ahead.
The freshmen relied on Lian Dao's playmaking and three-point shooting, complemented by DeRozan's mid-range prowess and drives, while the veterans leveraged Gibson's defensive skills and seasoned experience.
This deadlock prevented either team from gaining a significant lead.
Observing the intense battle, Tim's satisfied expression spoke volumes.
With the clock showing 45:43, Lian Dao dribbled the ball on the final attack. Opting not to pass to Smith, he dribbled beyond the three-point line, carefully timing his shot.
Despite Lewis's defensive efforts, Lian Dao executed a dribble move, creating enough space to sink a crucial three-pointer.
"Swish!"
"Beautiful shot!" Tim cheered, applauding the three-pointer.
At 45:46, the freshmen erupted in celebration as Lian Dao's shot secured the lead.
Vucevic embraced Lian Dao in excitement, while Washington attempted to pat his head, though Lian Dao instinctively recoiled, momentarily taken aback.
Unfazed, Washington embraced Lian Dao's shoulders, joining in the jubilation.
Despite lacking the veterans' experience, the freshmen symbolized hope, akin to new university students, easily satisfied and elated by their accomplishments.
Tim allowed the freshmen a moment of celebration, noting Lian Dao's unexpected performance as the standout.
"Drop!" Assistant coach Jim Seyah blew the whistle sharply. Alongside head coach Tim Floyd, the basketball team also included physical coach Bob Cantu, a handsome white guy.
"Lewis, is your head full of cotton? You charge forward without seeing your teammates. Simmons, where's your passing? Even O'Neal's grandma could pass better than you! DeMar, you think you're Kobe? They're about to swarm you, and you're still dribbling aimlessly. And Vucevic, sorry your name's so long, is it made of paper? It floats away with the lightest touch." Tim's critique spared no one except Captain Gibson, recognizing him as the standout after four years with the Trojans. "Sickle, your defense is too soft; you can't rely on teammates to wipe your behind during a game."
With that, Tim motioned for Jim and Bob to join him on the sideline. The three huddled to discuss and outline an intensive training plan. With over two months until the next game, maximizing this time could elevate the team's synergy to new heights.
After a brief rest, Tim distributed the meticulously prepared training plan to all players. The Trojan coaching staff was well-versed in the strengths and weaknesses of their seasoned players, focusing training efforts accordingly. Recent adjustments had targeted Lian Dao, DeRozan, and Vucevic specifically.
Transitioning from high school leagues to NCAA, and potentially the NBA, required adherence to rigorous standards in player selection and training. These standards began with systematic junior high school programs, advancing through high school and college levels.
Top NCAA programs, such as North Carolina, Duke, Georgetown University, and the University of Kansas, matched NBA standards in coaching and resources, offering advanced training methods.
Lian Dao's aspiration to join a prestigious university team like USC initially went unnoticed, but the benefits—full scholarships, insurance, and nutritional support—made such teams attractive to talented high school prospects.
Contrary to popular belief, universities profited substantially from basketball programs through jersey sales, ticket shares, and tournament revenue, though players didn't receive salaries like in the NBA.
Teams reaching the NCAA's "March Madness," the top 64 games, generated over $20 million annually for their schools, with top 32 teams exceeding $40 million and final four teams contributing over $100 million.
Tim emphasized fundamental skills in their training regimen, customizing sessions based on individual strengths and physical attributes.
At this stage, Lian Dao prioritized strength and speed, essential for his position as a small forward, enhancing his agility, defensive capabilities, and first-step quickness for more effective drives.
His goal remained clear: to evolve into a versatile "3D" player adept at passing, ball control, and defensive contributions.
In addition to team-mandated training, Lian Dao possessed unused training bonuses in his system, enhancing effectiveness and efficiency, especially in strength conditioning.
Mindful of avoiding overexposure, Lian Dao sought to optimize his training without being treated as an experimental subject.