"Status"
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Host: Lian Dao "Sickle"
Position: Small Forward
Currently included jerseys: 0
Birthday: 1990.12.15
Height: 203cm (205cm)
Wingspan: 223cm
Weight: 82 → 90kg
Bounce: 46 → 60 (62 → 63)
Strength: 41 → 79 (94)
Sprint speed: 42 → 60 (54 → 64)
Lateral speed: 65 → 69 (72)
Dexterity: 53 → 60 (73)
Stamina: 52 → 60 (64)
Field of view: 86 (93)
Basketball IQ: 98
Skill Evaluation:
Ball handling: 78
Passing: 79
Breakthrough: 47 → 60 (62)
Finishing: 51 → 52 (64)
Mid-range shooting: 50 → 51 (73)
Three-point shooting: 90 (97)
Rebounding: 52 → 60 (73)
Defense: 74 (89)
Injury resistance: 93
PS: The upper limit of talent can be increased by completing tasks within the NBA Talent Inheritance System, while physical attributes can reach the current talent rating through rigorous training—represented by the bracket score.
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It can be seen from the statistics that nearly all of Lian Dao's attributes have improved significantly, with his passing and ball control reaching the upper limits of his talent.
Since his last one-on-one victory against DeRozan, Lian Dao hadn't received any new missions, which surprised him. However, he didn't dwell on it, recognizing that he still had many skills requiring extensive training, especially as progress beyond a skill level of 60 demanded more time and effort.
The increase in his strength has led to more efficient scoring methods. In practice games, opponents find it challenging to defend Lian Dao's 223 cm wingspan, 93 three-point shooting ability, and 84 strength with single coverage. When they do manage to double-team him, he skillfully assists his teammates with precise passes.
The improvement in statistics and strength has given Lian Dao a great sense of accomplishment, fueling his eagerness to compete in the NCAA league. He can't wait to make a significant impact on the court.
Lian Dao's rapid growth has led the coaching staff to re-evaluate his talent. Tim, delighted with the progress, decided to use Lian Dao as a trump card in the NCAA league.
In addition to Lian Dao, Vucevic has also shown significant improvement. He successfully gained weight, making him more suitable for the fifth position. His weight increased from 99kg to 109kg. Although still on the lean side for his height, it is sufficient for his role. Vucevic's flexibility, speed, and excellent low-post scoring ability, combined with his good three-point shooting and passing skills, provide the team with more offensive options and tactical plans.
DeRozan has also made noticeable strides. His mid-range shots are more accurate, and his increased strength is evident. The extensive ball-handling training over the summer has made his offense smoother and sharper. Additionally, he has worked on his passing, which will enhance the team's outside attack and diversify their tactical system.
Gibson's improvement is subtler but significant. His inside scoring ability has become more effective, and his rebounding and defensive skills have become stronger.
While the other team members may not have trained as intensely as Lian Dao, Vucevic, DeRozan, and Gibson, they have all regained their peak form through diligent training since the start of school.
The team's remarkable growth in strength brought Tim immense satisfaction. Before the NCAA league began, he set a bold goal for the team: reaching the NCAA Tournament Final Eight.
Entering the NCAA quarter-finals is a formidable challenge. USC's recent best record dates back to the 2006-07 season when they reached the Sweet Sixteen. Historically, they have reached the semi-finals twice, with the most recent quarter-finals appearance under head coach Henry Bibby during the 2000-01 season.
Tim's goal was ambitious, but Lian Dao surprised everyone with his next words, sparking a wave of ambition among the team members.
"I believe this year, we can set our sights even higher—aiming for the semi-finals or even the championship," Lian Dao declared.
His words, though quiet, filled the training hall with a charged silence as teammates looked at him with a mix of surprise and determination.
"He's really daring to dream," someone whispered. Yet, looking around, every player's eyes glimmered with aspiration and resolve. Lian Dao's words had lit a fire that even Tim couldn't ignore, his expression reflecting satisfaction.
"This young man knows what he's talking about," Tim remarked.
In competitive sports, winning reigns supreme. Friendship takes a back seat to competition, contrary to popular belief. In the realm of competitive sports, championships are what endure in history.
Lian Dao's statement wasn't mere bravado; it was a reflection of the team's potential this season. Despite the addition of several freshmen, potentially creating gaps in experience and lineup, their talent rivaled that of previous years.
Players like DeRozan, Taj Gibson, and Vucevic, all first-round NBA draft picks, exemplified this talent. DeRozan was selected ninth overall by the Raptors in 2009, Gibson twenty-sixth by the Bulls in the same draft, and Vucevic sixteenth by the 76ers in 2011.
"For those lacking experience and talent, we'll make up for it!" Lian Dao asserted confidently. With his own NBA-level skills now in play, achieving a top-eight finish in the tournament, or even the championship, wasn't just an aspiration but a realistic goal given USC's current strength.
Moreover, reaching the Sweet Sixteen held strategic importance beyond mere glory. It meant increased exposure, with every game broadcast nationally in the US. This exposure not only attracted attention from NBA teams and the media but also heightened the team's chances of securing higher draft picks.
In essence, the "Sweet" in "Sweet Sixteen" symbolized not just the round but the sweet rewards of recognition and opportunity that awaited.
One week remained before the start of the new NCAA season.
"Alright, guys, I know you've been pushing hard in training lately, and now that school's started, there are other things to handle. So, take a two-day break," Tim addressed the players, noticing their tired expressions after the rigorous training period. Though he granted them rest, he emphasized, "In one week, our NCAA preseason games begin. I hope you don't just talk about practice; this is our first step towards achieving our goal."
Tim explained that the preseason games wouldn't affect division rankings but were crucial for evaluating teams for invitational tournaments. These games typically matched teams across divisions to prepare for the regular season and gauge potential March Madness matchups.
The NCAA comprises 308 first-tier teams, organized into 33 divisions. USC belongs to the "Pacific Ten Schools Alliance," also known as the "Park Ten Alliance."
Apart from preseason games, there's the regular season within the Parker Ten League. Teams play home and away games against the other nine Southern California Conference teams, aiming to rank by wins. The top eight teams advance to division playoffs, vying for the division championship.
The winner of the division playoffs secures a spot among the top 65 teams eligible for March Madness. The remaining 32 spots are determined by a selection committee based on national team strength, primarily determined by wins and opponent ranking. Preseason games play a crucial role here; victories against strong opponents boost a team's credentials.
Given USC's aspirations, the preseason opponents were carefully chosen, all capable of making it into the top 65 and potential March Madness contenders. Lian Dao and DeRozan were eager to review the preseason match list provided by Tim, preparing for the challenges ahead.