NBA: Be the GOAT starting today!

When the news about the draft pick predictions was released, Curry's envy was beyond words.

Zhou's ranking has actually moved up to ahead of his. Why is that?

So what if they're taller, stronger, and can jump better than me?

Zhou Yi was in a good mood as he stroked Curry's fluffy head.

The most obvious change in draft order is the contract value, as the contract amounts for each draft position in the NBA are roughly fixed.

In 2009, the second overall pick could get a contract worth about 11.5 million, while the first overall pick could get a contract worth 12.9 million.

This amount is not completely fixed; there is a maximum of 120% that can be received. For example, Blake Griffin, the number one draft pick in 2009, received a rookie contract worth 16 million.

Besides the actual benefits, draft order also affects a rookie's status on the team and in terms of tactics.

Not all coaches are like Larry Brown; most NBA teams focus on developing high draft picks.

This represents significant playing time and ample shot attempts, and also indicates that the team has more patience with its players.

Looking at Curry's envious eyes, Zhou Yi could only express his sympathy.

Back in 09, not everyone was optimistic about Curry. The prevailing view was that Curry was at best a decent NBA shooter/point guard who averaged a dozen points per game.

In the draft, forwards have a clear advantage over guards.

This can be seen from a large amount of data. Since the 1970s, 70% of the number one draft picks in the NBA have been forwards, with centers being the most numerous.

After finishing their morning meal, the Wildcats packed up and headed to their next city.

Detroit, the city where the semifinals and finals of March Madness 09 took place, will also be the final two games of Zhou Yi and Curry's college careers.

After defeating North Carolina last night, the Wildcats will face their semifinal opponent – ​​the Villanova Wildcats.

This future NCAA powerhouse was only considered a near-elite team in 09.

Like the Wildcats, they also fought their way to the semifinals through upsets and last-minute victories.

The matchup between these two dark horse Wildcats teams has once again attracted the attention of media and fans across the United States.

......

Ford Stadium, home of the NFL Lions in Detroit.

The stadium, with a capacity of 72922, was completely filled with excitement.

In the CCTV-5 live broadcast team, commentators Ke Weiping and Yu Jia sat in the broadcast room on the second floor of the stadium.

"Wow! The Villanova Wildcats couldn't stop the Davidson Wildcats at all in this game."

"Their forwards are too short, Zhou Yi can make every shot, he's just messing with them."

Teacher Wei Ping spoke excitedly while turning to look at Yu Jia.

Yu Jia's lips twitched. "You've already said all the words, what am I supposed to say?"

All I could add was, "Yes, Zhou Yi was on fire in this game, and the Villanova Wildcats are practically surrendering."

The camera pans to the field, where there are now five minutes left in the second half.

The score is 80-63, with the Davidson Wildcats in the lead.

Facing Villanova University's forwards who averaged less than two meters tall, Zhou Yi was completely on fire.

This team is considered one of the shortest teams in NCAA Major Madness, with Reggie Redding, the small forward who is matched up against Zhou Yi, being only 196cm tall.

Their power forward Dwyane Anderson and center Dante Cunningham are 198cm and 203cm respectively.

With Zhou Yi hitting another mid-range jumper over Zhou Yi's head, Reggie Redding, who was guarding him, had completely opted for eye-based defense.

How do you defend against it? They're taller than you, have a longer wingspan, and when you jump, you can only touch their arm.

Reggie Redding looked at Zhou Yi, who had leaped high into the air to make his move, and a hint of envy flashed in his eyes.

The physical gifts that this prodigy possesses are something many people dream of.

"Goal! Zhou, the prodigy, scores his 30th point of the game!"

As the commentary began, Davidson Wildcats fans throughout the arena erupted in wild celebration.

After Zhou Yi scored 30 points, veteran coach McGillop chose to substitute him, as the game was already completely decided.

As Zhou Yi walked back to the bench, his game statistics were already displayed on the stadium's big screen.

Facing the unusually short Villanova University, Zhou Yi had a hot hand in this game, making 9 out of 11 mid-range shots, 2 out of 3 three-pointers, and all six of his free throws.

His incredibly high-scoring efficiency sent the entire arena into a frenzy of chants of "Weekly MVP!"

The Wildcats fans continued chanting until the final whistle of the game.

Villanova University's players fled the stadium as if they were escaping; the game had been an ordeal for them.

With his exceptional athleticism and ability to drive and shoot, Zhou Yi is a nightmare for Villanova University's forwards.

"We won! We won! We're in the finals!"

Teacher Wei Ping's cheers reached thousands of households watching the game as CCTV-5 broadcast the match.

Across the ocean, more and more people are beginning to know about this young man who is striving for his dreams at an American university—Zhou Yi.

......

The following evening, Zhou Yi and Curry watched another semifinal match together in their hotel room.

This matchup is Michigan State University versus Duke University, a familiar face to Zhou Yi.

Regardless of which side wins, they will be a formidable opponent for the Wildcats in the finals.

Both of these NCAA powerhouses are composed of a large number of players with NBA draft prospects, and are also led by renowned NCAA coaches.

However, with Michigan State University suddenly unleashing a barrage of three-pointers in the second half, Duke still succumbed to defeat.

Curry turned off the TV as he watched the Michigan State Spartans players cheering and celebrating on the court.

"Zhou, do you think we can win tomorrow's game?"

Curry's words carried a hint of tension and anxiety; for him, this would be the most important game of his life so far.

In the world of basketball, second place is the number one loser.

This season, thanks to Zhou Yi and Curry's explosive performances, the Wildcats remain undefeated.

This also made them the eighth team in U.S. history to reach the finals undefeated.

Look at the names of these star players leading their teams: Bill Russell, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Bill Walton, KC Jones, Jamal Wilkes...

These are all shining stars in basketball history, and soon Zhou Yi will be listed alongside Curry.

But before the victory, the 21-year-old Curry was a little nervous.

......

"ESPN: After defeating their opponents, the Davidson College Wildcats and the Michigan State University Spartans have advanced to the final, marking the 73rd time in history that the Davidson Wildcats have reached the March Madness final. The game begins at 9:20 p.m. on the 6th. Who will emerge victorious?" —ESPN

"CCTV-5 Sports News: On the evening of the 6th, US time, the NCAA finals began. Chinese player Zhou Yi led the Davidson Wildcats to the finals stage, becoming the first Chinese player in history to stand on the NCAA finals stage as a starter. We look forward to his good results."