Rekindling the dream of becoming a star

Chapter 216: A Man Cannot Stand Firm Without Ruthlessness
When Chen Fang lifted the NCAA16-17 Western Conference Championship trophy, the entire SAP Center roared with unprecedented cheers. This has been the century-old dream of more than Trojans, and today, their wish has come true.

Joy was on everyone's face. Gonzaga fans had left the stadium, and the stage belonged to the brightly colored Roman Legion.

And this was not the climax. When Chen Fang lifted up the second MOP trophy in his life and the Most Valuable Player of the Western Conference Finals, even the reporters cheered.

An undisputed honor, Chen Fang nodded slightly continuously, his dream came into reality, under the spotlight, tears sparkled in his eyes.

The topic was handed to him, and Chen Fang knew that it was time to say something.

"Hey, guys, we really did it." First, Chen Fang looked at all the team members. Each of them was grinning, showing their big white teeth and laughing in their throats.

Then Chen Fang faced the stands of more than 10,000 fans and said, "Two weeks ago, when we became the champions of the Parker League, I told all the Trojan fans that I hope that next, 30,000 people will come to the scene to cheer for us."

"Now I'm looking forward to it. Will there be so many people coming to the scene?"

"YES!" It is hard to describe how shocking the scene of more than 10,000 people shouting yes was.

"Save your joy for now, Trojans, we haven't reached Rome yet!"

"HUHUHUHU!" Everyone was stomping their feet and jumping and shouting.

"Trojans!" Chen Fang picked up the microphone and spoke to the stands.

"WIN!"

"Let us go all out and win unprecedented honor for USC, that is!" Chen Fang handed the microphone to the fans again.

"Overall Champion!"

Inspired by the 10,000 people, Chen Fang turned around and faced the entire team, including the coaching staff.

"Brothers, the real challenge has begun. Let us continue to maintain our high fighting spirit. Now is not the time to relax!" Chen Fang became very serious, which made the whole team at a loss, but soon everyone calmed down from their ecstasy.

And this sentence was heard clearly by tens of thousands of fans in the stadium.

Many reporters looked at each other in bewilderment. Their scalps felt slightly tingling. They had never seen anyone so calmly warn everyone in such an occasion.

A true leader is always calm and wise, and his eyes are focused on the future, not the present.

Some people seemed to have realized something, while others looked doubtful. In short, Chen's words during the award ceremony quickly spread across the United States through the Internet.

Then, Chen Fang walked towards DeRozan who was present.

"Congratulations, my God, your performance today was perfect." DeRozan was indescribably happy. He was not jealous at all. Instead, he liked him more and more. This was USC's true prince charming, without a doubt.

"You must be the top name in USC basketball history," he couldn't help but say.

The two hugged each other, and DeRozan's words were in his ears. Chen Fang laughed out loud. He let go of his hand and looked at the melancholy poet: "Hey, will you come to the next game?"

"I'll definitely come. The NCAA Final Four and the NBA are all on the sidelines. I have plenty of free time."

"Everyone will come, and every step now is a historic moment."

Chen Fang nodded. The "everyone" DeRozan was talking about was every basketball player who came out of USC.

"I won't let you down." Until now, Chen Fang has not hidden his desire for the championship, just as he just said to the whole team and the fans, having come this far, any talk of restraint and humility is hypocritical.

People need to hold the whip and urge themselves to move forward. Now is not the time to be lazy.

Chen Fang couldn't say much because there were still many things waiting for him.

First up was a post-game interview on CBS, where a reporter asked, "How do you feel about USC being the only one left in the Parker League in the Final Four?"

"All eliminated?" Chen Fang asked in surprise.

"Yes, the Ducks were eliminated by North Carolina, the Golden Bears were eliminated by South Carolina, and the Wildcats lost to Kansas!"

"I think USC will shoulder the responsibility of defending the pride of the Parker League." Chen Fang thought for a moment and said slowly.

"Do you have anything to say about the upcoming South Carolina?"

"Nothing to say!" Chen Fang's words became a classic line and quickly became popular on the Internet across the United States. This expressed Chen Fang's fighting spirit and determination to win.

Jim, the famous CBS commentator, wrote on social media: This is the coolest challenge answer I have ever seen in my 30 years in the industry.

Under his comment, many celebrities left messages saying that they liked Chen Fang's image very much, that he was victorious but not arrogant, and wild but not impatient.

Many people have changed their social media signatures to "nothing to say!"

Chen Fang naturally didn't know about all this. He was accepting the final interview from CCTV, and he didn't dare to offend this person, so his attitude immediately became low-key.

"How do you feel about entering the semi-finals?"

"Haha, very happy, very happy."

"Today, hundreds of millions of Chinese fans are watching this game. What do you want to say to them?"

"Let me share some thoughts. Before the game, our whole team was under a lot of pressure because the whole team had never played in the quarterfinals, and our opponent Gonzaga is a traditional NCAA powerhouse that has made it to the tournament every year."

"But when it comes to the game, we put aside all distractions and just focus on winning."

"I think that's how sports should be. The more you want to win, the closer you will be to victory."

"Thank you!"

The time for the post-match press conference had passed. A staff member had come to the side, urging them with gestures. The CCTV reporter could only reluctantly stop the game. Looking at Chen Fang who was surrounded by a group of people and left, the reporter said to his colleague next to him: "What a good speech. I can't believe he is not even 19 years old yet."

"Yes, there really is a second Yao, the chosen one." A colleague agreed.

They all witnessed Chen Fang's performance with their own eyes. As sports reporters, he has a keen eye. He is strong and cannot cover up any falsehood.

Duan Ran and Yang Yi were not qualified to go forward. They could only watch Chen Fang go away from the sidelines, feeling very regretful.

In this occasion, TX Sports is simply not up to par and is ranked far behind.

"The interview is over like this?" Yang Yi was very disappointed. He originally wanted to get in touch with Chen Fang at close range.

"There's nothing I can do." Duan Ran sighed.

At the press conference, Chen Fang was still able to handle questions from all sides smoothly. Walking in the players' tunnel, Chen Fang smiled bitterly: "Coach, sometimes, I feel more tired than playing the game."

"You have to adapt. Things like this will become routine in the future. The system of the commercial league and the interaction between players and the media are all about cashing in on your hard work in the game." Andy's words surprised Chen Fang.

"Wow, coach, you really understand."

"Hey, I worked as an assistant coach in the league for a long time, so I know this." Andy smiled proudly.

Chen Fang smiled but said nothing. He suddenly asked, "Don't any old friends come to ask you about the talent show?"

Andy was startled and looked at the smiling Chen Fang, knowing that this disciple was teasing him.

"Boy, I have a bottom line. Let's talk about everything after the competition."

"Okay, but let me make this clear first, coach. I care a lot about the draft and my future development. I won't just join any team."

"I know. In fact, I know it without you telling me. I knew it from the moment you chose your university. So I never worry about it. But I want to remind you that the dignity of the alliance cannot be challenged. Sometimes, you have to accept things with a smile even if they don't go your way." Andy warned.

The semi-finals will be on April 4, which means there will be five days to rest. The current plan is to return to school and then disband. After Chen Fang heard the plan announced by Busen, he found that no one cheered, but felt that everyone was looking at him.

He suddenly realized that it was his previous words that affected everyone.

"Relaxing and relaxing are not the same thing. I just want to have a good sleep now." Chen Fang said with a smile.

"That's right! I'm going to sleep all day!" Elijah shouted, and at this time, the others also smiled.

"Gather at Gym No. 30. If I find anyone in poor health, they will be sent to Team Two." Andy warned fiercely, then switched to a smiling face.

"Have fun, boys. Chen Fang is absolutely right. I also want to have a good sleep."

※※※

When he woke up from bed, it was already ten o'clock in the morning. Chen Fang had never slept so comfortably. He got out of bed and walked out to find that the hall was full of people, including the Lu Yun brothers, Wu Zhen, and Sun Lexian.

"What's going on?" Chen Fang stretched.

"I came here to eat for free, but you go to play the game and you don't care about us strangers?" Lu Yun said.

"Fuck, you sound so wronged."

"Where are your trophy and basketball nets?" Lu Yun couldn't help but ask.

"The trophy is in the room." Chen Fang's face turned red. "The school wanted to collect the Nets, but I didn't take it."

(This is a picture of coach Frank Martin cutting the nets after South Carolina won the Eastern Conference championship in the 2017 quarterfinals.)
"You're sleeping with the trophy in your arms?" Lu Yun asked in surprise.

"Well, actually I'm worried about it being stolen." Chen Fang argued.

"Haha!" Several people laughed.

Chen Fang walked to the dining table as if nothing had happened and found that there was a plate covered. He reached out and lifted it up and asked, "Who bought it?"

"Me!" Sun Lexian raised his hand.

"Sure, where did you buy the buns and fried dough sticks?" He took the opportunity to change the subject.

"Chinatown, I guess you want to eat."

"Indeed, I have an appetite now." Chen Fang was very happy. He held the fried dough sticks in one hand and the soy milk in the other, dipping them in the water, and said with emotion: "It would be nice if there were green onions and meat patties."

"I'll go look for it." Sun Lexian replied immediately.

Chen Fang took a look and asked curiously: "What's wrong with you today? Where's your Jie Ao?"

Sun Lexian was embarrassed. As Chen Fang climbed higher and higher, everyone around him was actually changing. Although Chen Fang did not change, others would change.

Only Lu Yun is left, and he is still the same as before. Perhaps this is the confidence of the young master of a noble family.

Chen Fang had just woken up and his mind was still unclear. After finishing his meal, he glanced at Wu Zi and asked, "Where's Wu Zi?"

"She went to buy groceries. She insisted on cooking for you today." Wu Zhen replied. "That's terrible!" Chen Fang's face changed.

"Everyone, you must find something for her to do later. Don't let her cook, seriously."

"Is it so scary?" Wu Zhen, the younger brother, was a little skeptical.

"Yes." Chen Fang nodded heavily. "She's been trying to combine Chinese and Western elements lately. It's so sweet, it's killing me."

Several people in the hall changed their expressions. Northerners don't like sweets. They can accept snacks, but they don't want to eat meals. It's just like the people from Hunan who will lose their appetite when they see no peppers when they go to Guangdong.

As they were talking, Wu Zi came in with a lot of bags. She was delighted to see Chen Fang: "You're up?"

"Wow, you bought so much, haha!" Chen Fang rushed over and said without hesitation: "I'm going to make a delicious meal for everyone today. Sun Lexian, come and help me."

"No, I'll do it today!" Wu Zi dodged Chen Fang.

"Uh...!" Several people broke out in sweat.

"Wu Zi, I have something to tell you." Wu Zhen felt that everyone was looking at him with pleading eyes, and he gritted his teeth.

"What's the urgent matter?" Wu Zi was puzzled. Her brother never talked much to her. As long as he opened his mouth, there must be something wrong.

"Let's talk in the backyard." Wu Zhen had no choice but to stand up.

"Don't do it. Go to the sofa." Wu Zi ordered Chen Fang, who obediently slipped to the sofa. As soon as Wu Zi left, Chen Fang slid quickly, picked up the ingredients and rushed to the kitchen, locking the door along the way.

"I haven't come in yet!" Sun Lexian was anxious.

"Oh oh oh, I forgot, forgot!" Chen Fang was also afraid. You know, he had diarrhea for two days after eating, which affected his training for two days. He felt like he was going to ejaculate as soon as he exerted force. Family, who would understand!
But he didn't dare say these things. Chen Fang could only try his best to avoid Wu Zi from cooking.

Entering the kitchen, Chen Fang skillfully began to divide the ingredients, saying, "Did you read the message I sent you?"

"I've checked it out. It's ready. Some preliminary stuff has been produced. When do you want to see it?"

"Are you ready after lunch? I'm not talking about a video recording." Chen Fang expressed doubt.

"Twenty games, this year's South Carolina games, I have included all the important ones, including wins and losses. However, when it comes to analysis, everyone has their own opinions." Sun Lexian suddenly became confident when talking about his profession.

"Now that we have some free time, you can talk first." Chen Fang started cutting vegetables.

"Frank Martin is a very passionate man with good on-the-spot command, but his team performance is average. This is his second time in the tournament, and it's his best performance."

"His style focuses on defense. We relied on defense to beat UCLA. He used forced zone defense against Lonzo and Leaf." Sun Lexian listed the details while washing vegetables.

"You keep talking, I'm listening."

"We don't win by a lot of points, and we don't lose by a lot of points. South Carolina is a team that looks mediocre, but is very resilient."

"The star player is Sindarius Thornwell, who is 198cm tall and is currently in the middle of the second round of the draft."

"Wait, you started researching the draft?" Chen Fang was surprised.

"Everyone is studying it, so I'll join in." Sun Lexian felt a little embarrassed.

"We'll have a chance to have a good chat, so go on."

"Thornwell is a defensive strong point that stands out in South Carolina. His defensive skills are good, but his frame is limited, which makes him lack mobility when facing players of the same height or taller. To put it bluntly, others can break through him with force."

"But he's got a very good physique and a strong defense. He's currently on the Eastern Conference's defensive first team and the All-NBA first team."

"He should be your opponent. If you can defeat him, South Carolina will basically lose half the battle."

"You analyze his defensive tendencies and habitual movements, and we'll figure out what strategies can best disrupt him."

"It's already being worked on, and it might not be released until tomorrow."

"No rush, there's enough time." Chen Fang said.

"But I want to add one more thing. Why do you want me to do this job? Shouldn't I be the school coach?"

"They are also doing it, but I feel that it is not detailed enough. The analysis of the first few games was biased." Chen Fang did not think that Andy's team was not good, but he felt that there was always something wrong with their vision.

Just like the previous two games, both Matthews and Trevin were tested by themselves on the court, which took some time.

Chen Fang wanted to get into the game state as soon as possible. He didn't have that much physical energy to consume. The further he went, the more he needed to refine his physical fitness.

"I understand." Sun Lexian continued, "Sangweier's shooting is not very strong. His scoring is often based on the transition between offense and defense. His semi-transition level is mediocre. In fact, South Carolina is not a good scoring team. Their victory is based on defense, especially Coach Martin's on-the-spot performance."

"In my judgment, your biggest trouble comes from the interaction between South Carolina coaches and players."

"Why do you say that?" Chen Fang had already started cutting the beef.

"It's easier to see clearly than to be a bystander. Martin may keep moving people around the court and give you a unique on-site whistle defense."

Chen Fang imagined this scene and felt a bit of a headache.

"Is there anyone else?"

"Yes, Chris Silva, 203cm, power forward, very mobile, can shoot three-pointers, can pull out to the wing, and is very aggressive on defense, a pillar of help defense in the paint."

"Yesterday, he beat Liv until he cried."

"198, 203?" Chen Fang muttered to himself, and then felt bitter.

Life is full of ups and downs.

In the last game, there was no one of the same height, but now there are two.

"They all have draft stock, but they are all second-round picks, the kind that can fight right away. They don't need any training once they enter the league, they can just play right away."

"Well, how's their point guard?"

"Duan is a mediocre point guard, but very strong. He's 188cm tall and 99kg, all muscle! His defense is fierce, so you have to pay attention."

"Really?" Chen Fang sighed.

In the United States, you will always encounter opponents as strong as bulls, and playing basketball is really difficult.

"I have to remind you that even though South Carolina looks ordinary, they not only eliminated UCLA, but also Duke!"

"Your good brother, Tatum, only scored 15 points but committed 5 turnovers. I'll show you the statistics of the two teams later. Although the difference in the two-point and three-point shooting percentages was almost 1 percentage point, South Carolina only had 11 turnovers and Duke had 18."

"The two sides fought hard until the end, and the winner was decided in overtime. After this game, South Carolina's morale was boosted and they were full of confidence, winning the Eastern Conference championship all the way."

(All of the above are facts. Duke was completely defeated by South Carolina. In overtime, it collapsed!)

Speaking of Tatum, Chen Fang remembered that he had forgotten to greet him during this period. As he was singing all the way, he must have been embarrassed. Alas, Tatum just has too strong self-esteem and likes to compare. There is really no need to compare academically, otherwise he will have fewer and fewer friends.

No, with this kind of mentality, there will be estrangement.

"I have to go ask him and learn from him."

Chen Fang is not relaxed anymore. It is definitely not easy to defeat Duke's South Carolina.

Nanka looks honest, but maybe his true face is that of a beast.

Both teams have reached the semi-finals for the first time. This is truly a clash of titans, and no one will give up easily.

"Is this a dark horse fight?" Chen Fang asked.

"Well, this topic is already being hyped up, and your odds are the most exaggerated, and the two sides are evenly matched," said Sun Lexian.

"Are you looking at the odds too?" Chen Fang was surprised.

"Of course, a video analyst who doesn't watch the odds is not a good analyst. This is common sense among American colleagues. Don't you know?" Sun Lexian chuckled.

"Well, maybe you're right." This fits Chen Fang's imagination of the NBA. In fact, like other sports, in a country where gambling is legalized, how could it not exist?

This in itself is illogical.

So don't think too highly of the NBA. They just don't allow players to gamble with each other, it doesn't mean they don't gamble. They're all about making money, so why not expand the pie and make more money? No one will mind.

Chen Fang has always felt that gambling might be the biggest dark rule beneath the glamorous appearance of the NBA.

"Don't worry about these things. The NCAA is still clean. I've looked at so many handicaps and they are all normal." Sun Lexian saw Chen Fang in deep thought and misunderstood what he was worried about, so he hurried to comfort him.

"Of course, I believe that at this time, no one in the team dares to do anything behind the scenes."

"Continue analyzing. I've made up my mind to make it to the finals. No matter what the process, the result can only be this!" Chen Fang chopped the ribs fiercely.

"Even if the King of Heaven comes, I will kill him!" There was murderous intent in his eyes, which made Sun Lexian shrink his neck.

"After this period of time, I will assign people to you and we will set up a basketball analysis association." Chen Fang suddenly said to Sun Lexian. He was very satisfied with Sun Lexian's efforts during this period of time, and it was time to give him some sweet rewards.

"Association?" Sun Lexian was stunned.

"Yes, a semi-underground one, specifically for my service. I need real-time dynamic analysis reports, combined with the team's. I want to make sure that in every game, I have a deep understanding of the opponent's operations. I want to predict all the predictions. Knowing myself and the enemy, I can win every battle."

Chen Fang expressed what was in his heart.

"If you want people, I will give them to you. If you want money, I will give it to you. You should first attract them through the association, use the royalties and the bounties for immediate release to screen out the real basketball talents, and then hire them with high salaries. Whether they are full-time or part-time, you should pocket all the money."

"But I won't show up. You can do analysis of all leagues in the league, and even the United States, just like when we first met, selling intelligence."

There was light in Sun Lexian's eyes, and he immediately found the feeling.

"Doing it all over the United States?"

"Yes, go in the direction of the largest and most authoritative one, and through this, spread our tentacles throughout the entire basketball field. By then, no one will have any secrets from us." Chen Fang is very ambitious. When you are in a foreign country, you must not be a dove, you must be black-bellied and ruthless.

If you are not ruthless, you cannot stand firm. This is very applicable in the United States.

　First of all, I want to apologize to everyone. Because my writing time is very fragmented and not much, I often update it in a hurry. This leads to many typos. Although I will correct them afterwards, it does cause a bad reading. Please forgive me. This may be a big shortcoming of this book.

　　
　
(End of this chapter)