Rekindling the dream of becoming a star

Chapter 153 Louis Hawks

"Hello, would you like to register here?"

Philip Morton looked up and saw a tall Asian man. He thought the accent was strange. He had an Asian friend, but the accent was wrong.

So he replied, “Yes, do you want to sign up?”

"Are there any restrictions? Or, do you need any documents or something like that?"

"Of course we need your birth certificate, your registered school, and your current home address." Philip answered quickly. As a registrar, this was his job.

Chen Fang took off his schoolbag. In fact, before he came, he had already searched for relevant registration information on the Internet.

The Rummy League, a local AAU league in St. Louis, also has a basic EYBL-qualified team.

The two complement each other and serve as a link between the preceding and the following.

分别招收15、16、17岁，男女一共6支球队，总共80个名额。

For the entire St. Louis area. (I need to apologize here. It’s my ignorance. Baidu search shows that the population of St. Louis is only 30, but this refers to the city center, which is equivalent to the CBD. In 24 years, the population of St. Louis is 260 million.)
The so-called initial team is the one that can participate in the Missouri EYBL qualifiers. After a series of games, the best 15 players are voted out to form an intercontinental team to represent Missouri in the Midwest League. (Missouri has two initial teams, Mokan and Team Ramey)

The EYBL is divided into 5 divisions. (If you are good at English, please help translate. Some of the names of the teams are difficult to understand for non-natives and contain slang.)
Starting in April every year, the regular season will be played in three cities for three stages. The top 4 teams will go to the fourth stop, Peach Jam, to compete for the championship in an elimination system. (In 3, Rex Rabbit led Team Ramey to the finals, but was eliminated in the semifinals.)
The 24 teams in the finals area include all the best 17-year-old players in the United States, without any omissions.

All rating agencies will use the EYBL as a focus to rank the top 100 high school students in the United States. (Zeng Fanbo has not played in the EYBL, which not only affects his rating, but also loses the opportunity to be recognized by scouts across the United States. In short, he lost a very important promotion channel.)
Before April, each state's EYBL participating teams had to go through a series of qualifying team competitions to determine the participants for the year. This work began in the fall of last year.

Therefore, the EYBL in the state is also known as the Fall and Winter League.

There are 12 qualified teams from various cities in Missouri, and the one Chen Fang is going to join is the St. Louis Hawks.

Of course, to join the Eagles, you have to sign up first, then pass rounds of screening, and finally be selected.

Philip checked carefully and checked the state education system through the computer. After confirming that everything was correct, he slapped the table and said, "Get a form and fill it out and give it to me."

Chen Fang took a quick look at it. It was basically just a personal profile data and the location of the injection. It wasn't difficult, and Chen Fang finished it in a few steps and handed it back.

Philip took a look and was shocked. He stood up, and with a height of 1.85 meters, he felt much shorter in front of this Asian.

"201? 217 wingspan?" He couldn't believe it.

“Yes, this is hard to fake.”

That's not true. Philip had seen too many fraudsters who inflated their scores, but out of politeness, he didn't sneer. After scanning the form and before entering it into the system, Philip said, "Pay the registration fee of $300."

Yes, participating in EYBL requires a lot of money, so much that most people cannot afford it.

These include equipment fees, registration fees, travel fees, coach and referee fees, and meals. Because the nature of EYBL is traveling to play games and going everywhere, the cost is quite high.

EYBL explicitly requires that all team equipment must be Nike products, accommodation must start from a three-star hotel (and the nearest gym and arena must be within a fifteen-minute walk), three meals a day must have clear food standards and portion sizes (beef, eggs, chicken, fruits and vegetables, etc. are all clearly required), and transportation must be bus-level, including bringing a referee, two coaches, one team doctor, etc.

This is actually a standard amateur club.

(This is a screenshot of the first page of the full text of the EYBL competition system, which clearly states all the required terms.)
"Understood." Chen Fang took out 300 yuan and put it on the table.

As the level rises, the fees paid will increase, and the total will exceed 10,000 US dollars. Of course, if you reach the European EYBL team, there are already corporate sponsors, not only do you not have to pay, but you can also get money. Tatum received a considerable sponsorship fee in the EYBL last year.

"This is your player card." Philip took out a bracelet from the drawer and placed it under a steel stamp. He adjusted the letters and numbers and then pressed down the steel handle.

Just like a stamp, the letters CHEN and the number 110 appeared on the bracelet.

"110?" Chen Fang found it funny.

"Yes, you are the 110th person to register for the Fall League."

"What's next?" Chen Fang asked.

"Please come here this Saturday. There will be a screening for the basic competition. If you perform well, you will be selected into one of the 12 teams. Good luck?"

"Can I come in?" Chen Fang heard the sound of basketballs hitting each other in the gym.

"Do you want to visit?" Philip asked.

"Yes." Chen Fang thought about it and felt that this was a good reason.

"Okay, but don't do anything that would disturb others, otherwise security will ask you to leave." Philip warned seriously.

Chen Fang nodded, then put on the bracelet and walked inside.

The journey was smooth. A security guard saw Chen Fang's bracelet and shifted his attention. Soon, Chen Fang arrived inside the stadium.

It is unexpectedly large here, with three courts and the surrounding stands packed with seats, making it feel no smaller than the previous arena.

There were people playing full court in the middle of the field, and people were training on both sides. It was obvious that there were special trainers providing guidance.

There were spectators in the bottom rows, but they looked more like coaches. They were watching very seriously. Chen Fang did not dare to disturb them and just sat in the back and watched quietly.

Someone's cell phone rang. He was about to go out to answer it. He stood up and passed by Chen Fang, looking at him a few more times.

Then he hung up the phone and asked tentatively: "Number 21?"

Chen Fang was surprised, it turned out that this person knew him.

"Yes." Chen Fang stood up. When he stood like this, Vaughn Benitez confirmed that he had made no mistake.

"Let me introduce myself. I am one of the persons in charge here, Vaughn Benitez."

"Hello, sir." Chen Fang became interested and explained, "I just signed up for EYBL and came in to take a look."

"WOW, this news is like gospel." Vaughn shook his head excitedly and shouted to the crowd: "Rami!"

A black man turned his head. He was bald and had a gray beard. He looked at his partner in confusion.

"Let's go down. He has been suffering from gout recently." Vaughn took Chen Fang downstairs.

"Look, who is this?" Vaughn walked to the bottom floor, which is the row next to the court, and pointed at Chen Fang and said.

It was obvious that Ramy didn't recognize it, which was a little awkward, but Vaughn quickly dispelled it.

"Chen, No. 21, the new core of Chaminade, the MOP of the Quick Prescription Invitational. My God, we were talking about him yesterday. Is your gout in your head?"

Rami suddenly realized something. He patted his shiny head, extended his hand and apologized, "Hi, I've been thinking about something. Nice to meet you. My name is Rami, and I'm the founder of the Rami League."

(This is the EYBL league poster for the end of the Midwest Division in 24 years. This screenshot comes from the official website of the Ramy League. Ramy is the founder of the league.)
Chen Fang humbly shook hands with him, and then said, "I heard Jason mention you, and I admire what you have done very much."

"Jason, haha, he's a real Missouri star, and of course, you are now too." Jason was very happy. He pointed to the seat next to him and said, "I'm sorry, my legs and feet are a little inconvenient. Please sit down and talk."

At the same time, he also saw Chen Fang's white bracelet.

"It seems that Philip doesn't know you, otherwise he wouldn't have given you this bracelet. Sorry, this doesn't suit your identity. I will replace it for you as soon as possible." As he said that, Rami glanced at the black man next to him, who immediately walked out.

Chen Fang sat down. He didn't expect to meet the big boss today. He had indeed heard Tatum mention this black man. He was considered a big shot in the local area and had good relations with both the black and white worlds.

"You're going to participate in the EYBL?" Rami asked.

"Yeah, like Jason did, improve yourself."

"This is a clear choice. If you don't mind, come and take a look at the league this week. It will help you understand the upcoming journey." "Not playing? The registrar just said." Chen Fang said.

Ramey and Vaughan both laughed.

"Your level is unquestionable. If you participate in the basic trials again, everyone will think we are targeting you," Vaughn explained.

"Yes, that's right. We have been talking about you before and hope to invite you through Jason."

"It seems we have the same idea." Chen Fang said with a smile.

"This is God's will. You don't have to take any tests and can directly become one of the 15 members of the Eagles." Rami's attitude was firm, which made Chen Fang feel respected.

"Thank you." Chen Fang was also very straightforward. He gradually learned how to deal with Americans. Politeness did not exist here.

As they were talking, the black man who had just left came back with a golden bracelet in his hand.

Rami personally handed it to Chen Fang and said seriously, "Welcome to the St. Louis Hawks."

"I will do my best for the progress of this team, just like Jason did." Chen Fang also replied solemnly.

He took the bracelet, looked at it, and then smiled.

21 number.

The number is back.

"Gold represents the starting lineup. It's symbolic. You don't need to wear it normally. Of course, I'll be happier if you're willing to wear it."

Chen Fang had the habit of wearing a bracelet while dribbling the ball when he was young. After his rebirth, he basically did not wear any equipment except the arm guard given by Wu Zi. After all, the idea that the more equipment one has, the worse one becomes still influenced him.

"I'll wear it."

Both of them smiled. Whether the Eagles can continue last year's performance this year depends on whether there are talented players like Jason.

Originally they focused on lobbyist Porter Jr., but were very frustrated after being clearly rejected.

The two took the opportunity of watching the game today to sit together and discuss what to do and whether to recruit outside. Unexpectedly, the new MOP appeared.

Such a great joyful event made the two of them unable to stop smiling.

"The state's EYBL league will start in January. Don't worry, it won't conflict with the state league." Rami introduced: "I'll have someone email you the detailed schedule."

"Okay." Chen Fang stood up. Seeing that the work was almost done, he got up and said goodbye. He should keep a distance from social people and not be overly enthusiastic.

Because it is easy to cause unnecessary trouble.

There is no need to be deliberately enthusiastic if you don’t even know what channel it is.

After exchanging phone numbers, Chen Fang left the gym. At the door, he saw Philip, who looked depressed. The latter subconsciously tried to avoid him when he saw him. Chen Fang did not go up to him to say more. It seemed that this guy had just suffered a lot and was scolded.

I took a taxi back to my residence. Strictly speaking, I was supposed to have classes today, but considering that we had just finished a game, the school allowed the team to have a day off.

Lu Yun was basking in the sun in the backyard. Today was a long-awaited good day. It was already mid-December and the time passed so quickly.

"Is it done?" Lu Yun asked.

"Yes, directly promoted to the starting team."

"Congratulations, that saves a lot of time." Lu Yun looked as if he was used to it.

"When are you leaving?" Chen Fang asked.

"You like me to leave so much?" Lu Yun snorted.

"Nonsense, you light bulb." Chen Fang is in a good mood now. Today may be a lucky day for him.

"Not so fast, I'm just getting into the groove here, stupid me!"

"By the way, have you watched the news? You're a celebrity now. The whole state is talking about you."

"What did you say?"

"Look for yourself!" Lu Yun couldn't help but feel angry when he saw Chen Fang's calm attitude.

"Then don't watch it!" Chen Fang stood up and walked into the house: "This is all fleeting. Wu Zi will be back soon. She hasn't eaten well for a while. I promised to make her a good meal."

"Okay, I get it. You're a love-brained person." Lu Yun shook his head. He was really impressed. This was the first time he had seen someone so clear-headed.

For Chen Fang, who has just started cooking, the remaining half month may be his last leisurely days. When 2016 comes, he may not have a single day of free time.

This is the price of chasing dreams.

But it's worth it. Yesterday, Wang Zhen left a message, complaining that he disappeared as soon as he went to the United States and his account hadn't been updated for a long time. There were all kinds of sarcastic messages, and he deleted hundreds of them with unpleasant words.

Chen Fang asked with a smile, what did you say that made you send a message in the middle of the night.

Wang Zhen took a few screenshots and posted them. Chen Fang glanced at them and comforted Wang Zhen, telling him not to take it seriously. Just as he had just told Lu Yun, these were all passing clouds.

The King of Hype, the King of Self-Entertainment, the Pretentious Immortal, the Little Prince of Bullying, and even more vicious comments and nicknames, Chen Fang will not read them.

Chen Fang knows very well that fans watch the game and care about the results, not you as a person.

When you achieve good results, some people will praise you, but at the same time, there will be others who will sneer at you without saying a word.

One day, you have a problem and the performance goes badly, this group of people will jump out and throw a basin of shit on you, while the people who praised you before will just look like indifferent passers-by.

This is the current situation of football fans in every country.

When he was in school, Chen Fang didn’t understand why some people wanted to criticize such great people like Kobe and James. What was the purpose?

When he started playing street basketball and had fans, he realized that when someone likes you, there must be someone who dislikes you. This is the natural law.

And, depending on your performance, just like the stock market, it will be green for a few days and red for a while.

There is one group of people who praise you to the sky, and there is another group of people who throw you to the ground. Don't expect them to fight, it's already a blessing that they don't betray you.

If you care about these things, you'd better not play basketball, because you are not playing for yourself at all.

Play for yourself, you can make money and please yourself at the same time.

As for the rest, it’s none of my business.

　The last part is meaningful. Today, Cui did not play well, and there were all kinds of sarcastic ridicules. I am not blaming anyone. The person who scolded you may be the one who just praised another star.

　　The world is divided like this. When you perform well, people who don't like you won't come out to speak up. When you perform badly, the fans who praised you before will be disappointed. They won't come out to say anything, but they won't speak up for you either.

　　Because being bad at competitive sports is the original sin, all you have to do is ignore everything, good or bad, don't take it seriously, and just play your game well.

　　I hope Xiao Cui will get better and better.

　　
　
(End of this chapter)