Basketball trainer, I created a super giant

Chapter 205 Your Shadow Is Within Me

Inside the training center.

Eddie Robinson grips a hexagonal barbell and pushes forward with the weight.

He would pause after every two steps, then lunge into a half-squat.

As he continued walking, the 80-kilogram barbell felt like a mountain, making his calves tremble.

But we are still far from the finish line.

Brittenham clapped his hands beside him, loudly and sternly reprimanding him.

"No!"

Eddie Robinson dropped the barbell with a thud and plopped down on the ground, panting heavily.

"Let me rest for a moment, just 5 seconds, just 5 seconds."

He raised one hand, pleading for just five seconds of rest.

Brittenham roared, "Damn it, who told you to put it down? Get up and start over!"

Eddie Robinson gritted his teeth, took a few deep breaths, and struggled to his feet.

Similar scenes continued to occur in other areas of the training ground.

Tang Sen stood on the sidelines with his arms crossed, silently observing everyone's performance.

The week-long training camp has been going on for five days.

Tang Sen knew in his heart that it was almost time to make a decision.

"Tang, isn't the current training intensity too high?"

Cheney, who was right next to him, lowered his voice and asked with some concern.

Logically, the preseason training camp should have two main tasks.

Firstly, after a long off-season, many players inevitably indulge themselves and need time to gradually regain their physical condition.

Secondly, the team lineup may change, requiring some tactical drills, lineup integration, and assessment of each player's condition.

When it came to Tang Sen, technical training was completely canceled, and only physical training was conducted.

Moreover, the intensity of each day is much higher than the previous day.

Today, the training intensity was so high that Cheney was somewhat taken aback.

He was somewhat puzzled, and even more worried.

The question is why Tang Sen chose to train this way.

The concern is that while this kind of training might be okay in the short term, it will definitely take a toll on the players' bodies in the long run.

Tang Sen glanced at Cheney.

This question has probably been weighing on his mind for several days.

He had been wanting to ask, but since the team's training was entirely in his hands, he was torn about whether or not to ask.

Now, I still couldn't resist.

Tangsen explained, "Donald, we now have a total of 17 players, and we have to cut 4 before the season starts."

There are 15 people with existing contracts.

But they are not without worries either.

If it doesn't work out, it will be traded or bought out and phased out.

Leiden's attitude was clear: he didn't care about this loss.

Therefore, players with four training camp contracts also have the opportunity to have their contracts converted to permanent status and make the roster.

"But we don't have time to take our time to evaluate players, or rather, I don't want to waste too much time evaluating players."

The sooner the roster is finalized, the sooner we can focus on training.

"I don't care about their skills or their talent anymore."

Every team has a scouting network, and basic physical talent is readily apparent.

"The fact that Leiden brought in these players means they must possess considerable talent in certain areas."

"Now I only look at their self-discipline, obedience, and attitude towards training."

Skills can be practiced gradually, and even if one lacks physical talent, one can make up for it to some extent through skill.

Only attitude.

Without sufficient self-discipline and perseverance, he wouldn't be able to persist.

"So I want to increase the intensity and see how they cope with this enormous pressure."

Many people keep saying they want to work hard and that they can persevere, but when they encounter difficulties, they back down.

You think you can persevere, but when it really comes down to it, some people just can't.

"If you can persevere, then stay; if you can't, then be eliminated."

Tang Sen didn't want to keep someone, spend several months evaluating them, only to find they weren't good enough and then eliminate them.

What a waste of time.

Cheney paused for a moment, then understood and asked Tang Sen if there were already targets to be eliminated.

Tang Sen nodded. Several people were already on the list of those who had given up.

For example, Eddie Robinson.

He is exactly the kind of person Tang Sen was talking about.

He seems to be working hard and training very seriously, but when he really reaches his limit, he tends to back down.

It feels like something's missing.

Cheney nodded, wanting to ask who was in the group.

He observed for a few days and didn't find anyone who wasn't training hard enough; they all seemed to be doing well.

Myers' experience really scared these young players, who were afraid they would be the next one.

Remembering Miles, Cheney said, "Then it's no wonder you insisted on eliminating Darius."

Tang Sen nodded.

That's the truth.

Others at least tried, but when faced with too many difficulties, they couldn't persevere and might have given up.

Miles, on the other hand, never made any effort in the first place.

Players like that, why not eliminate them? Why keep them around for the New Year?

After the training ended, everyone was exhausted and felt lightheaded.

Training starts at 8:00 AM and lasts for three hours. We can have lunch at the training center and then go home to rest.

Townsend followed Houston and the other players as they walked out.

Tang Sen has something to do and is planning to go to Greenwich.

Tang Sen was planning to buy a property in Greenwich, just like Houston, and become a tax resident of Connecticut.

This way, you can pay significantly less personal tax.

After all, I am now a high-income earner.

Perfect timing! It's close to the training center, and I have some spare cash on hand. It would be a waste to leave it lying around, so I might as well invest it in real estate.

Many wealthy people in New York buy properties in Greenwich to avoid taxes, and the properties there also have investment value.

Today, through a referral from Houston, I made an appointment with a real estate agent to view several properties.

I'll just move in then.

Tang Sen still prefers to live alone. Living with his mother was fine at first, but as time went on, she got annoyed with him, and he felt uncomfortable too.

Not to mention that I have my own personal needs, and it's really inconvenient to live with my family.

As soon as I stepped out of the training center, I saw Miles in the distance.

He was dressed neatly and standing in the parking lot outside the entrance, accompanied by a middle-aged woman who had gained weight.

"Don."

Houston offered a reminder.

The players, who had come out with the uniformed group, all slowed down and looked over curiously.

Upon seeing Tang Sen, Ethel pulled Miles along to greet him.

Tang Sen stopped and looked at the person who had come.

Judging by the woman's age, is she Miles' mother?

Tang Sen shook his head secretly.

I'm in my early twenties, an adult, and I made a mistake, yet my mother still has to worry about me...

"Hello, Mr. Tang."

She humbly lowered her stance, greeted Tang Sen politely, and then introduced herself as Miles' mother.

"Hello, Ms. Miles."

Since others are polite, Tang Sen will naturally be polite as well.

Ethel, pulling her son along, said, "Sir, I'm very sorry, my foolish son has caused you trouble. Whether you forgive him or not, he needs to sincerely apologize to you." She then tugged at Miles.

Miles quickly bowed his head: "Sir, I was wrong."

Tang Sen nodded slightly.

This guy has already apologized, but that's not the problem.

Ethel continued, "Sir, I understand that in the adult world, mistakes have consequences, so I don't expect you to forgive Darius."

"This child needs to face the consequences and then make changes on his own."

She glanced at her son with some regret and said, "I believe there is still hope for him to change. He can prove it to you, so could you give him a chance to prove it?"

She looked at Tang Sen with a sincere and expectant expression.

Tang Sen couldn't help but feel a sense of感慨 (gǎnkǎi, mixed feelings).

Poor parents in the world.

But you keep talking about children, children, so when will this child ever grow up?

Tang Sen noticed the players who had stopped around him.

Everyone is looking at themselves.

Tangsen thought Ethel was a good person and undoubtedly a good mother.

But I feel she's a bit too smart.

Choosing to stop yourself from apologizing at this moment—is this an attempt to use other people's sympathy to put pressure on yourself?
Let others see just how cold-blooded and ruthless I really am.

From her perspective, doing so might be acceptable, as it could secure a good outcome for her son.

But Tang Sen was feeling a little uncomfortable.

Of course, it's not something to care about that much.

So what if I fire you? So what if I'm cold-hearted? You earn your living through your own abilities, why would you care about these things?
However, after thinking about it, Tang Sen felt that this was indeed an opportunity.

Miles is definitely going to be eliminated.

But we can make the most of his value one last time before he is disposed of.

His case tells all players that success is not easy, but giving up is very easy.

Thinking of this, Tang Sen said, "Ms. Miles, how about this, I can give Darius a chance. Starting tomorrow, he can come to the gym at five o'clock every morning to train on his own, three times a day, for a month. If he can stick to it, I will reconsider."

Ethel's eyes lit up, and she quickly said, "Thank you, sir. You are kind, you did the right thing, and this child should correct his attitude."

"I assure you, he will learn his lesson."

As he spoke, he pulled Miles to thank Tangsen.

Miles looked as if he had been granted a pardon.

Tang Sen nodded, indicating that the two could go back.

Ethel thanked him repeatedly before pulling Miles away.

Watching the two leave, Houston thought for a moment and asked, "Don, after this experience, this kid should have learned his lesson, right?"

"impossible."

Tang Sen shook his head. Self-discipline is something that you can't just have whenever you want.

Houston was taken aback and said in surprise, "It can't be that bad, can it? It's already like this, doesn't he learn his lesson?"

Tang Sen smiled and said, "How about we make a bet?"

Houston perked up and nodded, "Let's bet, what should we bet on?"

Tang Sen glanced at him and said, "If you lose, how about you try to shoot 500 three-pointers every day this season, except for game days?"

Houston paused for a moment, his competitive spirit ignited, and nodded in agreement, then asked him what would happen if he won.

Tang Sen said, "If I lose, I will sacrifice my time and accompany you to shoot 500 three-pointers every day."

Houston immediately realized what was happening and gave Tang Sen a resentful look.

If you want me to shoot a three-pointer, just say so. You don't have to do this.

"Tang, I won't lose."

Houston is full of confidence.

"Then we'll see."

the other side.

Ethel took Miles back to the apartment, helping him tidy up while saying, "Darius, I've secured this opportunity for you. Don't let me down. It'll only take a month, very quickly."

Miles nodded vigorously, promising that he would definitely get up on time for training tomorrow.

That evening, Miles set several alarms for 4 a.m.

The next day, urged on by several alarm clocks, I got up on time.

When I went outside, I found that my mother was also awake.

"Good boy."

Ethel nodded in satisfaction and sent Miles off to train.

Tangsen had already contacted the training center and granted Miles permission to enter.

Of course, he can practice by himself at five o'clock, and no one will bother him.

Normal training still starts at eight o'clock.

When Tang Sen arrived at 7:30 a.m., the security guard at the entrance specifically told him about Miles' situation, saying that he had timed it perfectly and Miles had arrived at 4:42 a.m.

"Richard, then you can help me calculate the time for the next month."

Tang Sen had no time to worry about Miles.

Upon arriving at the office, Tang Sen first contacted Leiden and informed him of the first player who would be eliminated.

Eddie Robinson.

After observing him in two training sessions yesterday afternoon, Tang Sen finally decided to give up on him.

On the other end of the phone, Leiden had a headache.

It's not that they're reluctant to part with Robinson, but rather that Robinson still has a four-year, nearly $30 million contract.

Most teams might not be willing to take it on.

Even if we take it over, we won't get anything good in return.

"Ok."

Since it had already been said that Tang Sen would decide who to eliminate, Leiden could only support him. Then, after a pause, he asked who could take over after Robinson was eliminated.

"Tang, what do you think of a player named Donnell Harvey? He was a first-round pick in 01 and is currently playing in Denver. Last season, he averaged 5.7 points and 4.8 rebounds per game."

"He is very athletic. He was the number one high school player in the United States in 99 and won the dunk contest at the McDonald's All-Star Game. The media called him the next Rodman."

Tang Sen felt a wave of embarrassment.

It's no wonder that Leiden brought him up.

The next Rodman, perhaps.

The team already has the next Jordan, so how can they be without the next Rodman?

"By the way, he should be considered your junior, also from the University of Florida," Leiden added.

"Oh?"

Tang Sen perked up and said, "Then I'll ask Billy."

Even if they decide to eliminate Robinson, they still need to slowly find a trading partner.

After hanging up, Tang Sen called Donovan.

Donovan was very enthusiastic on the phone.

In the summer, he went to Townsend's training camp in Los Angeles and earned some extra money.

"Donnell?"

Donovan was clearly impressed with his protégé, saying he still keeps in touch with Donnell.

"He has really great physical talent. He can rebound and is also excellent at blocking shots. During the tournament, he once had 8 blocks in a single game."

"I had already made plans to hone and improve his skills, but unfortunately his family situation has held him back."

“During his freshman season, he often asked for leave to go home. Later, because of money, he had no choice but to choose to enter the draft early.”

“Really, Tang, if he had played two more years in college, he might have achieved even more now.”

He was drafted by the Mavericks, but was traded to the Nuggets after only one and a half seasons, which was a waste of development time.

Tang Sen wasn't too concerned about his talent; he was more interested in his training attitude, ambition, and self-discipline.

Speaking of this, Donovan paused for a moment, then said without hesitation, "Let me put it this way, he has a bit of you in him."

His impression of Donil Harvey was that although he was somewhat introverted, he was just like Tang Sen, with a strong fighting spirit and extreme self-discipline in training.

"Is there a shadow of mine?"

Tang Sen became interested.

(End of this chapter)