Chapter 3: Collegiate Basketball
In 1996, Allen Iverson was the most noticeable player in the NCAA.
Despite the brawl at the American Airlines Arena in '93, collegiate basketball did not favor this unruly small player, and no invitations were extended by prestigious basketball schools.
But when Georgetown University truly brought Allen Iverson into its fold, many famous schools secretly felt envious.
Even with some injuries Allen Iverson sustained after coming to college, his draft prospects remained unaffected.
Having regrettably lost the championship, Allen Iverson did not shed tears. After the game, at the press conference, he remained the focus of media attention.
“Even if we lose, as the No. 2 seed, we will make it to the Finals, not the Eastern Finals, but the Finals. I will bring a championship to Georgetown University!”
No one cared about Allen Iverson's bragging; the media reporters present liked such a statement.
Unlike Ray Allen's conservative and cautious answers, Allen Iverson was clearly more emotional, and coupled with those expressive big eyes, many media outlets quietly applauded.
“Allen, can you talk about the last possession? Did Li You's Defense interfere with your shot?”
Most media personnel hoped Allen Iverson would make the game-winning shot, as such a championship script would suit everyone's taste.
Allen Iverson did not want to recall this possession. Fortunately, he noticed that the sports media present had not discovered he was blocked. Therefore, he immediately put on a nonchalant expression:
“The Defense did not cause me any interference; I just missed the shot. Obviously, God was not on our side tonight.”
“As for Li You, perhaps he should go to Hollywood to find a job, to act in some kung fu movies. By the way, his fist is too soft!”
Watching Allen Iverson, whose right cheek was slightly swollen, jokingly strike a starting pose on stage, the media below let out a good-natured chuckle.
They all gave him face by not asking about the conflict, but Allen Iverson proactively brought it up. Some media reporters whispered to each other and quickly gave their assessment:
“Allen Iverson has truly matured!”
“...”
When Coach Calhoun returned to the locker room with Ray Allen, everyone had already packed their bags.
Some Black reporters did not particularly like the talented Ray Allen, believing his demeanor was more like a white person and his speaking tone more like an Englishman.
“English Boy” was a jibe at Ray Allen.
But whether it was his high school coach or his current Coach Calhoun, both particularly liked the disciplined and mature Ray Allen, believing he could become a true leader.
“Good job, Li You! You finally got a championship in college.”
Ray Allen, taking his bag, smiled and patted Li You on the shoulder. This was his best friend in college.
Li You just smiled. He was not satisfied with such an achievement. After joining the team, he was a benchwarmer in his freshman year and a substitute in his sophomore year.
The stubbornness of collegiate basketball made people feel helpless. Even a genius like Ray Allen started as a substitute in his freshman year.
“After a night's rest, we have to set off tomorrow. Once we arrive in Indiana, everyone needs to adjust their state.”
“I don't want to lose to Colgate University!”
Coach Calhoun was absolutely the undisputed leader of the team. He had been coaching at the University of Connecticut for 10 years. As long as he made a demand, the players had to obey.
“Okay, Coach, we are all ready!”
The white big man Travis Knight quickly guaranteed on behalf of his teammates. After advancing to his junior year, he was now also considered a leader of the team.
Everyone followed suit, and Coach Calhoun nodded with satisfaction. Regardless of the final outcome, winning the Big East Conference championship was considered a decent showing.
Last year, the University of Connecticut women's basketball team won the NCAA championship, while the men's basketball team only reached the quarterfinals, which was somewhat embarrassing.
Lack of talented players was no longer an excuse; Coach Calhoun expected better results this year.
Cross-state flights were not easy, and players were not big stars, so they naturally did not enjoy the treatment of NBA teams' chartered flights.
In this era of entertainment scarcity, the only options for pastime were playing cards and reading magazines.
Ray Allen flipped through the magazine in his hand and then excitedly said:
“The Chicago Bulls have a chance to break the regular season record. This year, Michael Jordan will win his 4th individual championship. No one is his opponent!”
In 1996, 9 out of 10 basketball fans were Jordan's fans. Li You was not as fanatical as Ray Allen. For him, making money was the most important thing at the moment:
“I bet the Chicago Bulls will get 72 wins!”
Li You, chin in hand, raised an eyebrow at Ray Allen. This kind of information was common knowledge to him.
“72 wins? That's too exaggerated, but Michael Jordan might really be able to do it!”
“Entering the draft in your junior year, like Jordan, is definitely the right choice. Li You, I suggest you play one more year. Next year, the Head Coach will give you more playing time.”
Seeing Ray Allen turn into a fanboy, Li You secretly pouted:
“It has nothing to do with stats; it's just those damn scouts looking at people with biased eyes. I just have slightly smaller muscle dimensions, and these guys describe me as a middle schooler!”
“Stats also can't change prejudice. I need a job that can make money. I have to repay student loans, and there are too many places where I need money.”
Ray Allen shrugged. He had a son, so he could understand Li You's thoughts, but as a good friend, he finally said honestly:
“You might not know Kevin Nate. He is about the same height as you, but perhaps his explosiveness is better.”
“He went undrafted in the 1995 draft. I remember his college stats at the time were 6.3 points per game.”
“There are too many guards in the league. If you enter the draft this year, you need to be mentally prepared.”
Li You nodded helplessly. This was also why he disliked collegiate basketball. Last year, as a morale booster, he averaged 4.7 points, which was considered the ace of the morale boosters.
This year, his scoring average reached 9.8 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 4.1 assists. These stats ranked fourth on the team, but he could still only play as a substitute.
Coach Calhoun took good care of him, but most of the starting positions were occupied by juniors.
Except for Ray Allen, who had a tiny bit of privilege, everyone had to follow the tactics step by step and grind out offensive time.
Thinking of the uncertain future, a hint of hesitation appeared in Li You's heart, and then these retreating thoughts were thrown to the back of his mind.
As a cheater, he needed to go to a more talented league!
On March 14th, the RCA Dome American Airlines Arena in Indianapolis was packed, and the cheers from nearly 40,000 spectators echoed throughout the arena.
7 minutes and 43 seconds into the first round of the NCCA Tournament, Colgate University vs. University of Connecticut.
After Ray Allen made a three-pointer from the right wing outside the arc, the score reached 21:5.
The University of Connecticut suddenly started with a 15:0 run. Watching Ray Allen celebrate his shot with one hand pointing to the sky, many fans cheered happily.
Coach Calhoun was very satisfied with the team's performance. Perhaps they could make a breakthrough this year.
Li You, on the bench, waved his towel and returned to his seat, sighing helplessly in his heart:
“When the tide is with you, everyone is brave.”
Thanks for the support of my readers~