One Year Left to Play-Chapter 70 - 22: Rising Fame
Some players just love playing under the spotlight, like the future Wizards’ top pick John Wall, who lacks motivation without a nationwide broadcast.
Before the game started, the host introduced the 18 participating players, detailing their achievements in high school, mostly focusing on the 94-95 season.
Just as Zhang Hao expected, although they hadn’t compared their high school performances before, nor would anyone be foolish enough to compare school team performances among the same group of talented high school students, all the talented high school players on the scene had either good stats or achievements, or both. Even Corey Benjamin had outstanding high school performance, representing the United States at the Under-19 World Championship at age 15, being the youngest player on that Team USA.
After the players showcased themselves one by one, the two teams gathered for the final pre-game discussion.
In a match featuring players from various teams, the coach’s role is more about providing problem-solving approaches during team training, helping players to better adapt. When it comes to the match stage, the coach’s role is far less critical than that of a school team coach. Even with stronger players, the coach of such a game actually understands very little about how players play on the court, or even not at all.
Bibi and Garnett, the two core players, were very aware of this, so Garnett, the team leader with high basketball IQ and strong organizational offensive skills, led the teammates in the final discussion.
This game was quite professional in its setup, with a technical booth, multiple camera positions, and three referees. The rules were those of the NCAA, with similar alignment.
At 3:28 PM, the starting lineup was announced!
Team B’s starting lineup: Bibi, Corey Benjamin, Zhang Hao, Raheem, Garnett.
Team A’s starting lineup: Marbury, Hamilton, Kobe, Jamison, Odom.
Zhang Hao came to one side of the midline and stood beside Kobe, feeling his excitement was no less than when competing against Carter in the McDonald’s Dunk Contest.
At 3:30 PM, the referee blew the whistle to start the game, tossing the ball into the air. Garnett, using his incredible leap, won the jump ball over Odom’s head, starting the game with Team B’s offense!
The 35-second offense began, Bibi controlled the rhythm, crossing the midline before the 10-second violation, this being their strategy to slow the pace down and play gradually.
When Bibi reached the frontcourt, Kobe guarded him, eager for a one-on-one with Bibi, the strongest opponent on the external lines.
But Bibi was much calmer than Kobe, intending not to challenge Kobe during regular time. He chose to protect the ball, waiting for that guy to move, while also waiting for his opportunity, having two choices.
On the other side, Zhang Hao was closely pursued by Hamilton. Moreover, his running seemed like a headless fly...
Even though Zhang Hao had practiced running positions during his junior and senior years, focusing mainly on how to use his explosive speed and excellent stamina to forcibly shake off opponents, he found it impossible against Hamilton, who excelled further in these aspects. Moreover, training and actual games differ, not to mention only practicing for a little over two days. Faced with such a situation on the court, Zhang Hao truly had no way to shake off Hamilton.
However, Garnett, originally waiting for a pass, after judging Zhang Hao’s running route, seized the opportunity and actively went to help Zhang Hao block Hamilton.
Bibi, constantly observing the game situation on the court, sharply judged Garnett’s intention and the ensuing player movements on the court, then used his skillful dribbling to make a left shift and accelerative breakthrough, causing Kobe to move. Then, seizing the moment, he made a pass, with Zhang Hao just coming off Garnett’s pick, reaching the free throw line position and turning around. Just there, Bibi’s pass came right on time!
Originally panicking internally due to the unfavorable running positions, Zhang Hao’s sense of security instantly returned after receiving the ball. He took the shot without hesitation under Jamison’s rush.
Score!
The first offensive play of the game already made the scouts’ eyes light up!
Zhang Hao was already one of their observation targets. For this Chinese high schooler who suddenly emerged within three weeks with some notoriety across America, several colleges and NBA teams had developed interest.
However, Zhang Hao’s positioning after coming onto the court left the scouts quite disappointed—how could a shooter have such poor positioning?
Nonetheless, Garnett’s timing in off-ball picks and his unseen solid picking strength were excellent.
Bibi’s offensive organization seemed average, but with Garnett using off-ball picks effectively to synchronize the offensive play, Bibi expertly grasped the opportunity. 𝒻𝘳𝘦𝘦𝘸ℯ𝒷𝘯𝘰𝑣ℯ𝑙.𝘤𝑜𝘮
Additionally, Corey Benjamin’s weak-side movement and Raheem’s timely cuts were all commendable.
Finally, Zhang Hao’s shooting helped the scouts understand why he was called the "Invincible High School Mid-range King," truly impressive!
