Wang Chong's mid-range shot was a revelation in the game against the University of Connecticut. In a league where the dominant narrative was one of physicality and inside dominance, Wang Chong's ability to shoot from distance was a rare and valuable asset.
During the early 2000s, the prevailing basketball philosophy was that players over 2.08 meters should focus on developing their post skills rather than shooting from outside. This philosophy was epitomized by Dirk Nowitzki, who, despite being one of the best shooting big men in history, faced skepticism and the unflattering nickname "soft egg" for many years. It wasn't until Nowitzki led the Dallas Mavericks to the NBA championship in 2011 that he was finally recognized for his exceptional skills and shed the derogatory label.
This traditional mindset was deeply ingrained in the NCAA as well. Players were typically encouraged to conform to established norms, and exceptional talent often had to be truly extraordinary to break away from these conventions. Wang Chong, however, had defied these norms. Prior to his journey through time and acquisition of Durant's template, Wang Chong lacked significant shooting ability. The transformation he underwent allowed him to develop a mid-range game that was both precise and effective—an asset that was increasingly rare and valuable in the NCAA landscape.
If Wang Chong had been playing against Okafor without the enhancements from the system, Okafor would likely have been able to handle him with ease. In terms of dynamic talent, Okafor was far superior to Wang Chong. His explosiveness, speed, and physicality made him a formidable opponent. Yet, Wang Chong's shooting provided a unique challenge that Okafor was not accustomed to facing.
At Marquette University, Wang Chong was not the team's primary star—that role belonged to Dwyane Wade. Wade's explosive athleticism and ability to drive to the basket were well-suited to exploit the defensive schemes of opponents. Okafor, known more for his defensive prowess than his offensive skills, had to choose between guarding the paint or attempting to defend against Wang Chong's mid-range shooting. His decision to stick close to the basket allowed Wade to take full advantage of his opportunities. Wade's speed and power enabled him to slice through the defense and score with relative ease, as UConn's defensive efforts were focused on containing him.
With Okafor concentrating on defending the paint, Marquette's offense became more dynamic. Wade's frequent drives to the basket drew attention and created openings for Wang Chong. Despite Okafor's attempts to prevent Wang Chong from capitalizing on his outside shooting, the gaps in UConn's defense were evident. Marquette's strategy capitalized on this, with Wang Chong taking advantage of his opportunities to shoot.
Wang Chong's performance was noteworthy. Despite being physically overwhelmed by Okafor at times, he maintained his composure and demonstrated that his shooting skills were up to par. His ability to score consistently from the mid-range was a critical factor in Marquette's offensive strategy. On the other hand, Okafor's frustration was evident. His attempts to overpower Wang Chong led to several fouls and increased the pressure on UConn's defense.
By the end of the first quarter, Okafor had been called for two fouls due to his aggressive attempts to defend against Wade. Frustrated and looking for an outlet for his anger, Okafor began targeting Wang Chong. His aggressive style, reminiscent of an NCAA version of Shaquille O'Neal, led to several strong plays in the paint, including a powerful dunk.
Despite these efforts, Wang Chong's scoring ability remained a significant factor. Statistically, Wang Chong's contributions were on par with Okafor's, despite the physical mismatch. As the game progressed, Marquette's lead expanded. By halftime, Marquette had built a surprising 15-point lead over UConn, a stark contrast to the pre-game expectations.
UConn, a program with a strong historical pedigree including a 1999 NCAA championship, was being outperformed by Marquette, whose Sweet 16 appearance was already the pinnacle of their achievements. The disparity between the teams' pre-game assessments and the actual performance on the court was evident.
The spectators were stunned by the turn of events. However, the NBA scouts present were particularly focused on Wang Chong. His shooting ability, combined with his solid fundamentals and the potential shown in his performance, made him an intriguing prospect. The scouts' attention on Wang Chong intensified, as he proved to be a significant player in Marquette's surprising run.
In the stands, the Chinese reporter, initially skeptical of Wang Chong's capabilities, was now fully convinced of his potential. As a seasoned basketball reporter, he recognized that Wang Chong's skills were impressive by any standard. The reporter knew that Wang Chong's shooting ability was exceptional for a player of his position and height, and it marked him as a future NBA prospect.
The reporter's excitement was palpable as he prepared to cover Wang Chong's story in detail. Despite knowing only the basics—Wang Chong's name, height, and performance metrics—the reporter was confident in his assessment. Wang Chong had the potential to be a high draft pick and, with continued development, could become a significant NBA star.
As the game approached its conclusion, the outcome was increasingly clear. Marquette's lead grew more secure, and UConn's efforts to mount a comeback fell short. Marquette's surprising victory over the traditionally strong UConn was a testament to their strategic planning and individual talent, particularly the standout performance of Wang Chong.
The game was not only a showcase of Marquette's unexpected prowess but also a confirmation of Wang Chong's potential. The combination of his accurate shooting, solid fundamentals, and the potential for growth left a lasting impression on scouts and reporters alike. Wang Chong's performance was a clear indicator that he had the makings of an NBA star, setting the stage for his future in professional basketball.
End of this chapter