NBA, Yao Ming is back!

Li Qiuping was stunned for a moment, and her heart was filled with turmoil.

NBA scouts approached the team in the locker room after the game, specifically to check on the 16-year-old young player – something they never expected.

Although Yao Ming did perform very well in this game.

But it shouldn't warrant an NBA scout coming to watch.

It's just a game.

Is NBA scouting also a question?

He hesitated for a moment, glanced at Yao Ming not far away, then turned to look at Nelson, looked at the documents he showed, and finally nodded.

They stepped aside to make way for them.

However, there was still a hint of consideration in his eyes as he stood silently to the side.

Yao Ming, standing in the crowd, felt his heart sink slightly the moment he saw Nelson.

How could he not recognize him?

Donnie Nelson, and his father Don Nelson Sr., are both very famous figures in the NBA.

One is a top scout with a keen eye for talent and extensive experience in international competitions; the other is a tactical genius and a renowned coach in the league.

Even though he was far away in China, he had already heard about it.

Besides, he had already gained experience in the NBA in his previous life.

I'm becoming more familiar with this face.

He had actually noticed the figure on the sidelines who had been constantly taking notes in a notebook on his lap.

I just didn't expect them to come straight to the locker room.

"Oh, I'm sorry, I forgot. You might not understand English. Could you arrange a translator, Coach Li?"

Li Qiuping was about to respond and arrange for a translator.

Or you can act as the translator yourself.

How would you know?

Yao Ming immediately replied, "No need, Mr. Nelson, my English should be sufficient."

"Oh? You can speak English!?"

"That's great, Yao. I remember English isn't very common here, and what you said sounds rather... Texas-style."

It doesn't matter what accent you have.

The main obstacle for foreign players to enter the NBA is not only the local customs and culture, but also cultural differences, and most importantly, communication.

As long as communication is possible, anything can be overcome.

But what if there are communication barriers?

Even if you are very talented, you may still achieve nothing in the NBA.

Asian players face greater difficulty entering the NBA than European players because they are not native English speakers.

Language alone is a big problem.

For example, Wang Zhizhi is in this situation.

If your English isn't good enough, you have to practice it more. But to be honest, getting athletes to study and memorize is a real headache.

But this problem is something that Yao Ming, who was fluent in English and even told various American jokes in his previous life, couldn't solve...

Not a problem at all.

This is a highlight.

Although it has nothing to do with direct ball skills and strength.

But for a scout, there are many factors to consider.

You could even say that...

This aspect is one of the most important off-field advantages.

With such fluent spoken language, communication becomes much easier...

No problem at all.

This young man has given us quite a few surprises.

Li Qiuping never expected that this 16-year-old boy would be so unassuming.

He speaks fluent English.

Even the fluency.

Not Chinese at all.

It might be much better than mine.

This kid, if he didn't play basketball, he could probably make a living as a translator.

Back in 81, English translation was still a highly sought-after major.

The industry will not be truly impacted until after 2020.

The AI ​​era.

Before the 21st century, that was a symbol of high-paying jobs.

Using a few English phrases makes you seem fashionable and modern.

Yao Ming's parents are both athletes and clearly don't speak English, so there's only one reason: it's him...

Self-taught.

Sure, you have that kind of self-discipline and ability to learn and research on your own.

It's also an advantage on the basketball court.

After all, it's not enough to just rely on talent without challenging yourself and exploring new comfort zones.

It will soon be thoroughly studied by others.

Only by having more comfort zones.

Continuous breakthroughs.

Transform an uncomfortable circle into a comfortable one.

Only in this way can one remain in a situation where one is difficult to understand.

However, this is something that most athletes find difficult to do when they are young.

Although it's just an off-court skill, it shows that Yao Ming, this young athlete, is different from other athletes who came from youth teams.

That kid.

They do have ideas.

Li Qiuping thought to herself.

But Yao Ming, though fully aware of the situation, could not show it on his face.

After all, he is just a rookie in the CBA league, so there is no reason or need for him to show familiarity with NBA scouts.

Yao Ming concealed the knowing look in his eyes, raised his hand to wipe the sweat still dripping from his forehead, and turned his head slightly.

His face showed a slightly bewildered and somewhat reserved boyish expression.

I sat quietly in place, waiting for the other person to continue asking questions.

Nelson walked through the relatively quiet group of team members and went straight to Yao Ming. He looked the tall, composed young man up and down and a smile of approval appeared on his face.

He then extended his right hand and introduced himself: "Hello, let me formally introduce myself. I am Donnie Nelson, an international scout for the NBA."

Yao Ming raised his hand and gently shook hands with him. His palm was broad and his strength was steady and restrained. His face showed the naivety and politeness that a young man should have, but his tone was calm and composed: "Hello, I am Yao Ming from the Great Shark."

The moment they shook hands, his expression was natural, without the slightest hint of anything amiss. He perfectly concealed his inner turmoil, appearing as if they were meeting for the first time and he didn't know the other person very well.

"Yao, your performance tonight really surprised me."

Nelson withdrew his hand, skipping any pleasantries, his gaze turning serious and sharp as he went straight to the point of the conversation:

"I admit I'm interested in you, but one game isn't enough to determine anything; I need you to play more games."

Seeing Yao Ming nod, Nelson continued:

"I have five standard questions for Asian interior players, and I'd like to hear your honest thoughts, is that alright?"

Upon hearing this, Yao Ming sat up slightly, his slight restraint disappearing, and nodded gently: "Yes, you can ask, sir."

Nelson nodded slightly, finding the young man's demeanor quite good for their first meeting. He wasn't shy around him, a foreigner, and displayed confidence without being arrogant or servile.

Ok.

It's a great start.

Because in America.

We don't need players who are too mild-mannered, polite, frugal, or unassuming.

Especially interior players.

Ruthlessness is more effective than gentleness and kindness.

Little Nelson clearly and deliberately posed the first question:

"First, how long do you think it will take you to lead the Shanghai Sharks to the CBA championship?"

The first question is so pointed because it's still the era of the Bayi Rockets, and almost no team can challenge them. The Big Sharks are still a very ordinary team.

I never even thought about winning the championship.

And then he asked this kind of question right away.

Li Qiuping wanted to help answer the question and get the young man out of that awkward situation.

Little did anyone know that Yao Ming was completely unfazed by this question and naturally began to speak:

"Two years, two years at most, or even one year, I will definitely lead the Big Shark to the CBA championship podium."

Li Qiuping paused.

The rest of the Sharks were also stunned.

Two years?

You need to understand that winning a game against the Bayi team doesn't mean you're superior to them. They were clearly stunned and didn't make any detailed adjustments or tactical studies.

If they face each other in the playoffs, can they win?

Two years is one thing, but you're even saying one year? Could it be...?

Do you want to win the championship this year?

It's fair to say that none of the Big Sharks players present had the confidence to say such a thing.

But upon hearing this, Nelson didn't frown; instead, he nodded slightly and continued writing in his notebook:

"My second question is, do you think you can dominate the CBA's domestic league's frontcourt in the future?"

"Yes." Yao Ming looked up, his gaze clear yet unwavering, his answer crisp and concise.

Like a clear-headed college student.

No, he should be described as a clear-headed high school student.

"As long as I'm on the court, I can dominate the CBA's interior."

"I think tonight is a good example."

"Although it's only one game, I will use more games to prove my point."

Li Qiuping watched.

Saying this means that you are saying...

I am stronger than the current top potential center, and even the league's top domestic center, Wang Zhizhi.

Or rather, he will be better than him in the future.

Otherwise, how can we talk about dominating the CBA's interior?

"My third question is, do you think you can perform at your best on the international stage?"

This is a question that almost every NBA scout asks.

Let alone a 16-year-old teenage athlete, even a veteran star who is still famous in major European leagues.

They can dominate on the international stage, but in the NBA...

I'm still not used to the new environment; I can't adapt to anything.

They simply couldn't play to their full potential.

Therefore, this is a question that almost every NBA scout will ask.

You could say scouts have their own yardstick, but they also want to hear the players' own voices.

"able."

"How do you prove it?"

"The international competition will prove it."

Yao Ming smiled and said:

"Although I still don't know when my first international match will be."

Yao Ming's humorous response made the atmosphere even more relaxed.

Even the rest of the Shanghai Sharks, watching from a distance, felt...

If I were the one conducting the interview, I might not be able to give a better answer than this young man.

"My fourth question is, do you think you can put on a basic level of performance against the US team's interior players?"

These days, American basketball is far ahead of the rest of the world.

After 92, they even brought NBA professional players to the games, which was a complete game-changer.

The current US team is the true basketball powerhouse.

A promise is a promise.

"My basic competitive performance is certainly not a problem, but if you ask me to put on a particularly good performance now, I'm not sure."

"After all, I'm still a minor."

"I'll think about this when I'm an adult."

Nelson was generally satisfied with Yao Ming's answers to the first four questions.

But the most important one is the last one.

"Fifth question: Who is your player role model in the future?"

"I...I don't know."

"Maybe."

Yao Ming thought for a moment, maybe he could become Wilt Chamberlain?

That's a good option.

Anyway, the newbie benefits I chose were related to him.

Of course, Chamberlain was a man of perseverance, focused on basketball, and dedicated to basketball training.

Instead of Zhang Liangwan, who historically focused more on off-field activities.

"Wilhelm Chamberlain?"

"You mean Wilt Chamberlain?"

Little Nils showed some emotion this time.

He never expected that a young Chinese athlete would know about Chamberlain.

I never expected that.

He actually wants to become this guy.

Let's not talk about the champion.

The data can reach this level.

They're all superhuman.

Besides, they also have two championships.

No, it isn't.

International players are lucky to even have one professional career.

Moreover, the data is terrifying.

Is it that easy?

He originally wanted to ask if he didn't know who Chamberlain was, but judging from his expression, he clearly did.

This piqued little Nils's interest, and he asked this impromptu extra question.

He didn't ask anyone else this question.

Including Wang Zhizhi.

"Alright, I'll ask you a sixth question."

"Yao".

"Since you're talking about Wilt, you should know about his life, not just his NBA career."

"Let me ask you this: in the CBA, do you have a chance to become like him?"

"Based on my observations of European and Asian leagues, if you can reach Wilt's level in these domestic leagues, then you're basically qualified to enter the NBA."

"You could even say that you have it completely."

"so……"

"Do you think you have a chance, Yao?"

"Yes, I have."

Little did anyone know, Yao Ming remained completely unfazed.

Answering this question is both easy and pleasant.

"In the CBA."

"It should be done soon."

This was said to Nelson Jr.

Li Qiuping.

There are also the rest of the Big Sharks players.

They all choked quite a bit.

P.S.: Please vote! Please vote! My new book needs your support!

It won't take too long to get into the NBA. I'm currently preparing for a year and will finish that, then participate in the NBA draft the following year.

Therefore, Yao Ming joined the fray in the 90s.

It will definitely cause a different kind of turmoil.

Do you all agree? Hehe.