Lian Dao wasn't overly concerned about the lineup he had just reviewed. Despite their slight decline in strength this year, he still held deep admiration for their historic streak of consecutive championships.
"Players graduate, drafts happen every year. Winning back-to-back championships is incredibly tough, but they did it," Lian Dao reflected. "From 1967 to 1973, they clinched seven straight titles, much like the Celtics of the NCAA!"
Back in high school, Lian Dao was drawn to USC precisely because of their impressive history. However, now he was determined to use his own abilities to challenge and overcome the perceived arrogance of this renowned team.
Before the game, head coach Tim rallied his team with determination:
"Boys, we must win this game. USC has been silent for too long, so long that the outside world has forgotten that we still have a good basketball team! We want to use this victory to remind them of our excellence."
"Let's focus on defense. We have a unique advantage inside, so strengthen our defense on the perimeter as well!"
"Sickle, DeMar, you two, keep a close eye on Darren Collison on the opposite side and step up our defense when needed!"
"Don't worry, coach, I've got it," assured DeMar, nodding seriously.
Captain Gibson adjusted his headband, stood tall, and addressed the crowd, "Victory belongs to Troy!"
Lian Dao joined in, stepping forward with determination, "Victory!"
The team clapped in unison before stepping onto the court. As USC players emerged, cheers erupted throughout the arena, echoing with excitement and anticipation.
The overwhelming support from fans energized the USC players, reminiscent of the fervor seen during last season's "March Madness." They hadn't anticipated such a surge in attention during this regular season, further fueling their determination to secure victory.
The game officially commenced, with Vucevic showcasing his mid-range jumper, a testament to the advantage height can provide in basketball.
Notably, Vucevic's recent growth has been remarkable, influenced by Lian Dao's impact on his development trajectory. Unlike his previous struggles as a substitute, this life has seen Vucevic flourish more rapidly. Inspired by Lian Dao's rigorous training regimen, he even pursued his first plastic surgery, driven by his desire to emulate Lian Dao's dedication.
This focused training regimen accelerated Vucevic's growth, harnessing his inherent talent with promising results just waiting to be realized. His weight has increased to 115 kilograms, enhancing his effectiveness on the court, particularly in defending the interior.
As the referee blew the whistle, Vucevic leaped with his towering height, swatting the ball from Alfred Aboya's reach effortlessly, his 2.25-meter wingspan proving formidable.
Alfred Aboya attempted to contest the ball, but at 206cm and 111kg, he couldn't match Vucevic's reach and agility, highlighting Vucevic's dominance.
Undeterred, Lian Dao received the inbound pass and flung it while still mid-air in the backcourt .
DeRozan, having shaken off his defender, sprinted towards the basket, soared into the air, secured the ball with both hands, and slammed it down with authority.
Catch, pass, alley-oop, and dunk—all executed in a seamless sequence lasting no more than 5 seconds.
This electrifying alley-oop ignited the entire Galen Center, causing an eruption of whistles and cheers that reverberated through the arena.
"Oh, this pass from this guy kind of feels like Magic Johnson!" exclaimed commentator Van Gundy, his admiration for Lian Dao evident. Having coached in the NBA himself, Van Gundy appreciated Lian Dao's blend of scoring prowess and team-first mentality.
"Sickle's passing insight is truly exceptional. I believe with his vision, he could be a premier floor general even in the NBA!" Van Gundy enthused, his excitement palpable.
"His vision is impressive, no doubt," responded his co-commentator Jeff, sounding more cautious. "But, Van, are you perhaps overestimating Sickle? His passing still lacks finesse. Calling him a magician might be premature."
"Well, his passes are precise, but agility is key for those magician-like plays," Jeff added.
"True, but at just 19 years old, he already shows the talent to lead," Van Gundy countered, undeterred. "Insight is the foundation; agility can be honed."
As they discussed, Jrue Holiday broke through DeMar's defense with a screen from Josh Shipp, heading straight for the basket. Unbeknownst to Holiday, Lian Dao had anticipated his move, swiftly cutting to intercept. As Holiday attempted a layup, Lian Dao cleanly blocked the shot off the backboard.
With his long wingspan, Lian Dao grabbed the rebound and swiftly initiated a fast break with a pinpoint pass downcourt. His teammates, accustomed to his playmaking, effortlessly capitalized on his setups.
Daniel Hackett, seizing the opportunity, sprinted from the perimeter to receive Lian Dao's pass and converted a layup.
Glancing at Holiday, still recovering from the play, Lian Dao quipped to himself, "Welcome to NCAA rookie!"
The remark momentarily stunned Holiday, who muttered to himself in disbelief.
"Is this guy for real? Who talks like that?"
As his teammates chuckled at Lian Dao's remark, Holiday refocused on the game, shaking off the distraction.
Coach Ben Howland was visibly dissatisfied with the team's performance on both ends of the court.
"Are you sleepwalking out there? Wake up and focus on defense!" he barked.
Lian Dao stepped up, tasked with defending both Josh Shipp and keeping an eye on Darren Collison.
"No way Daniel can handle Collison alone on the perimeter. I've got to help," Lian Dao thought, anticipating Collison's move after a pick-and-roll with Nikola Dragovic.
Collison burst into the paint, but Lian Dao swiftly moved to cut off his path, forcing a pass out to Josh Shipp.
Three-point shot.
Swish.
Score: 3-4.
The shot ignited a small group of supportive fans, who cheered loudly, jerseys waving in the air.
Daniel Hackett passed the ball to Lian Dao as they crossed mid-court.
Lian Dao, facing off against the sturdy Josh Shipp—standing tall at 196 cm and weighing 99 kg—dribbled calmly on the perimeter.
Before the game, Coach Howland had thought Shipp's physicality would stymie Lian Dao. But he underestimated the young player's strength.
Lian Dao's slender frame masked a surprising strength rating of 79, formidable in NCAA standards if not NBA.
Josh Shipp attempted to pressure Lian Dao physically, but was caught off guard.
With a quick dribble move and a body feint, Lian Dao slipped past Shipp effortlessly.
As he approached the rim, Alfred Aboya moved to contest, but Lian Dao deftly adjusted mid-air, avoiding the block attempt with a difficult reverse layup.
It was a risky move with his modest 60 bounce rating, but the ball found the net.
Gibson, witnessing the play, rushed over to chest bump Lian Dao in celebration.
"Nice move, Sickle!" he exclaimed. "No one can stop us!"
The team rallied around the momentum, determined to seize control of the game.