Wang Chong stood on the court, his imposing height of 2.08 meters towering over the other players. The gym was buzzing with anticipation as he prepared to face off against Dwyane Wade, Marquette University's star player. Wang Chong's posture and presence alone made him a focal point of interest. His return after a one-month suspension was met with a mixture of curiosity and skepticism.
The practice session had turned into an impromptu one-on-one match, with the coach and teammates eager to see how Wang Chong would fare against Wade. Wang Chong's strategy was unorthodox, and it had caught everyone's attention.
"I was careless and didn't dodge! Young people don't follow martial ethics!" Wang Chong muttered to himself as he reviewed his approach to the game.
Wang Chong's defensive stats were decent—perimeter defense rated at 67, speed at 71, and agility at 67. However, these numbers seemed meager compared to Wade's electrifying speed. Wade's agility and quickness on the court were legendary. His nickname, "The Flash," was a testament to his incredible ability to slice through defenses and score effortlessly.
In contrast, Wang Chong had chosen to adopt a different defensive tactic. Rather than trying to match Wade's speed and agility, he opted for a passive defense, positioning himself near the free-throw line and daring Wade to take the shot. It was a gamble, one that Wang Chong hoped would pay off given Wade's reliance on driving to the basket rather than his mid-range shooting.
The first few rounds of the one-on-one match showcased Wade's offensive prowess. Wade's quickness was evident as he maneuvered around Wang Chong and launched three consecutive mid-range shots. The ball swished through the net each time. Wade's technique was flawless, and his ability to execute under pressure was impressive. The scoreboard read 8:2 in Wade's favor, and the spectators began to murmur with increasing volume.
"This guy, when he saw he couldn't win, he just gave up. How shameful!" Jason, a teammate who had a deep-seated grudge against Wang Chong, scoffed loudly from the sidelines.
The comments from the sidelines didn't deter Wang Chong. He understood that Wade's strength was in his explosive ability to drive and attack the basket, not necessarily in his mid-range shooting. Wang Chong was betting that Wade's mid-range shots, while effective, were not his primary strength. He knew that Wade's offensive game was built on speed and finishing ability, and he hoped to exploit any weakness that came from Wade relying too heavily on his mid-range shots.
As the match continued, Wade's shots began to falter. The fourth mid-range attempt missed the basket completely. Wang Chong seized the opportunity. He received the rebound and prepared for his turn. Wang Chong positioned himself at the free-throw line, bent his knees, and jumped to shoot. Despite his somewhat slow movements, Wade, who had jumped to block the shot, found himself outmatched. Wang Chong's height and shooting point were too high for Wade to effectively contest.
The basketball sailed through the air and swished through the net. Wang Chong scored his first point. The gym's atmosphere shifted. The spectators who had been jeering now watched in astonished silence as Wang Chong continued to score. Each successful mid-range shot from Wang Chong was a testament to his hard work and preparation during his suspension.
The score began to close:
8:2
8:4
8:6
8:8
Wang Chong's accuracy from the mid-range was remarkable. He had clearly worked on his shooting during his time away from the court. The scoreline, once dominated by Wade, was now tied. The sense of disbelief among the spectators grew palpable. Wang Chong, who had been sidelined for a month, was now giving Marquette's star player a run for his money.
The coach's expression shifted from skepticism to intrigue. Observing Wang Chong's performance, the coach couldn't hide his surprise. Clearly, Wang Chong had used his suspension time effectively to improve his skills. His mid-range shooting was now a formidable weapon, and his height and shooting technique provided him with an edge that Wade struggled to counter.
The game neared its climax. The score was tied at 8:8, and Wang Chong had the opportunity to seal the victory. The tension in the gym was palpable. Wade, who had been dominant earlier, now seemed to be struggling to regain his rhythm. Wang Chong, on the other hand, was methodical and focused. He had found a groove and was determined to capitalize on it.
Wang Chong took the ball, positioned himself, and took another mid-range shot. The basketball soared through the air, and the familiar sound of the net being swished resonated through the gym.
12:8
Wang Chong had won. The gym erupted in a mixture of cheers and gasps. Wang Chong's teammates, who had initially been skeptical, were now clapping and cheering. The coach's face reflected a mix of astonishment and admiration. Wang Chong had not only defeated Wade but had done so using a strategy that seemed improbable at the outset.
Wade, who had been caught off guard by Wang Chong's performance, looked frustrated but also impressed. His mid-range shots had not been enough to secure victory, and Wang Chong's defense, while unconventional, had effectively neutralized his primary strength. Wade's reliance on his mid-range shooting had proven to be a vulnerability in this one-on-one setting.
The coach approached Wang Chong with a thoughtful expression. "Good game, Wang. Your improvement is impressive. You've clearly put in the work, and it shows. But remember, this was just one game. Wade is an exceptional player, and his strength lies in his ability to drive and draw fouls. Don't get complacent."
Wang Chong nodded, understanding the coach's point. This victory was a significant achievement, but it was just one step in his journey. He had used his time wisely during his suspension, and his improved mid-range shooting was a testament to that. However, there was still much to be done. Integrating these improvements into regular gameplay and continuing to develop his skills would be crucial for his long-term success.
As Wang Chong walked off the court, he felt a sense of accomplishment and renewed determination. The one-on-one victory against Wade was a milestone, but it was also a reminder of the challenges ahead. The Novice Gift Pack, which remained unopened, was a source of potential that Wang Chong was eager to unlock. He knew that with continued effort and focus, he could further enhance his abilities and make a significant impact on the court.
The gym was abuzz with conversations about the unexpected outcome. Wang Chong had managed to turn the tables and showcase his improved skills. The future was uncertain, but with the lessons learned from this match and the potential growth from the Novice Gift Pack, Wang Chong was prepared to face whatever challenges lay ahead.
The journey was far from over, but Wang Chong had taken a crucial step toward proving himself and making his mark. The road ahead would require dedication and perseverance, but with his newfound confidence and the support of his teammates and coach, Wang Chong was ready to embrace the opportunities that awaited him.
End of this chapter