Wang Chong was tasked with defending David West?
Upon hearing this, Wang Chong subconsciously accessed his internal stats and checked his interior defense ability.
Interior Defense: 62 (Ceiling: 75)
This value was respectable within the NCAA. Even David West, known for his strength, had a similar defensive ability when he first entered the league, his rating being only in the early 70s. Wang Chong's current rating wasn't far behind.
However, the challenge was that West was a power-type inside player known for his physical dominance. Wang Chong, regardless of his improvements or Durant's template, didn't have the strength to match up effectively. His strength rating was only 52, which was less than what even some slightly stronger guards possessed. This made it tough for Wang Chong to withstand West's power.
Despite this, Wang Chong wasn't too concerned. The essence of basketball was to outscore the opponent. Even if he couldn't contain West, Wang Chong believed that he could score more points than West. With Wade, who was as strong as West or even stronger, on his team, winning the game would be feasible.
Wang Chong knew that Marquette University, despite not being a powerhouse, had a strong squad led by Wade, and their potential was substantial.
As the 64-to-32 match approached in a week, Marquette University's team underwent grueling training that left the players exhausted and complaining.
Yet, the coach noticed that two players were handling the intense practice with apparent ease.
Wade's ability to cope was expected. As an NBA-bound talent, his skills and physical attributes were beyond those of average college players.
What surprised the coach was Wang Chong's ability to keep up. Although Marquette University wasn't a dominant NCAA team, the presence of Wade and the coach's professional background meant that Wang Chong's progress was notable. Despite not knowing the details of Wang Chong's past month, the coach observed that Wang Chong now performed at a semi-professional level, surpassing the other players.
After careful consideration, the coach made a decision.
"Dwayne," the coach announced, "before training starts today, you and Wang Chong will have a one-on-one match."
Wade, who had just finished warming up and was slightly sweating, was startled by the announcement.
"I'm having a one-on-one with Wang?" Wade questioned.
Wade had noticed Wang Chong's improvements over the past few days, but he hadn't anticipated being paired against him. Given their height difference, Wade believed his skills and agility would give him an edge. Wade felt confident he could outplay Wang Chong and score easily.
Wade, assured of his superiority, agreed to the challenge.
Wang Chong, though initially surprised, eagerly nodded in agreement. "Okay!"
The recent training hadn't significantly enhanced Wang Chong's abilities, but it had made him more accustomed to his new skill level. He was curious to see how he measured up against Wade and was enthusiastic about the one-on-one match.
As the other players gathered around to watch, the excitement was palpable. It was unprecedented for the coach to set up a one-on-one match between two players, and everyone wanted to witness it.
Some players voiced their doubts about the match-up.
"It's unfair to have Dwayne and Wang go one-on-one," one player commented. "No one has managed to stop Wade this season. Wang isn't particularly fast, so he might get easily outmaneuvered."
"I don't understand why the coach would set this up. These two players aren't even in the same position," another player added.
"I'll bet $10 that Wade will win by a large margin and easily defeat Wang Chong!" a third player declared.
On the court, Wang Chong approached the free throw line to start the game. His free throw ability, rated at 84, was second only to his mid-range shooting. He could make free throws consistently, even under pressure.
In contrast, Wade's free throw skill was less developed. Throughout his career, Wade's free throw percentage was around 76.5%, and at this stage, it was even lower due to less practice.
Wang Chong took advantage of this discrepancy and easily secured the initiative.
The game began with Wang Chong at the top of the arc, ball in hand, and Wade defending him closely.
"Wade is really low," Wang Chong thought, observing the difference in their heights up close. Wade's 1.93 meters was impressive, but Wang Chong, standing at 2.08 meters, had a noticeable height advantage.
Despite the height difference, Wade appeared unfazed. He wore a relaxed smile, confident in his defensive capabilities. He knew Wang Chong's mid-range shooting was strong but assumed that Wang Chong would need to dribble to get a good shot. With Wang Chong's average dribbling skills, Wade felt confident he could easily steal the ball.
"I'm not giving you a chance to shoot from mid-range. What will you do now?" Wade thought as he prepared to defend.
Wang Chong accelerated with the ball from the right side, aiming to drive towards the basket.
"As expected," Wade thought with a sneer. He assumed Wang Chong's dribbling ability was mediocre, and his height would be a hindrance during the drive, making it easier for Wade to steal the ball.
With explosive speed and agility, Wade launched towards Wang Chong, aiming to intercept the basketball in Wang Chong's right hand.
"I've got this," Wade thought confidently, believing he could steal the ball before Wang Chong could react.
But the next moment, Wade's eyes widened in astonishment as he realized Wang Chong had something unexpected in store.
End of this chapter