Chapter 6: Is Being Young Also a Problem?
In 1996, broadcasting conditions were limited, but fortunately, NCAA games always attracted a lot of attention.
Li You's eye-catching performance in the game against Eastern Michigan University refreshed the impressions of some scouts.
Basketball, after all, is about putting the ball into the hoop. Although the opponent's talent wasn't strong, Li You's finishing on drives in the first half was incredibly efficient.
Dave Wohl, a senior scout for the Los Angeles Lakers, was primarily responsible for observing and evaluating players in the college and international leagues.
He played for several teams, including the Washington Bullets and the 76ers, in the 1960s, won an NBA championship in 1969, and coached some teams after retirement.
He had just joined the Los Angeles Lakers' management team in 1995 and came to watch the University of Connecticut game tonight mainly to observe Ray Allen, but was attracted by Li You's performance after the first half.
“Extremely disciplined, skilled at using his body, not afraid of contact, and excellent at finishing at the rim!”
“His explosiveness seems to be lacking, he’s Asian, 18 years old?”
He drew a question mark in his notebook. Dave Wohl found Li You very interesting, and combining this with the data he had collected before, it seemed he had found a treasure.
At halftime, the University of Connecticut led by 8 points, 32-40.
Many fans at the venue were still savoring Li You's performance; young people always prefer flashy dribbling!
Although Ray Allen also played well, Li You's several spectacular dribbles with the ball in his hands left a deeper impression on the fans.
During halftime, Ray Allen couldn't hold back anymore; this was completely different from the Li You he remembered:
“Li, how did you do that? I mean, that twisted body layup, how did you get the ball into the hoop?”
His teammates also pricked up their ears; making a shot after distorting one's body was indeed somewhat magical.
Li You didn't hold back, saying seriously and earnestly:
“Maintain your body's center of gravity, and then just throw the ball towards the basket. Be careful not to throw it crooked!”
“Boo!!”
Everyone booed in unison, and then they started discussing Li You's sudden outburst.
“Chi! It must be Chi!”
“He opened his meridians! Just like in those Hong Kong movies!”
“…”
Influenced by Li You, everyone would watch some wuxia movies when they were bored. Besides Bruce Lee's classic films, they watched Jackie Chan's movies the most.
5-of-6 shooting, 11 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal in the half. After coming off the bench, Li You completely blew up the opponent's small guards.
Coach Calhoun returned to the locker room and heard a bunch of “Chi,” which was somewhat baffling, but he didn't care about that. He patted Li You on the shoulder and continued to instruct:
“Maintain the lead. We need to do a good job protecting the rebounds. The opponent will continue to intensify their shooting; that's their only effective offensive method.”
“Nate, expand your Defense range!”
As the Head Coach instructed, everyone quieted down again, and the players who received instructions nodded seriously in response.
Li You heard that Coach Calhoun was going to slow down in the second half, so he knew his playing time wouldn't increase.
He was still somewhat unaccustomed to the NCAA game rhythm; whenever the team had a lead, the coaching staff would always choose to stabilize.
After the second half began, Dave Wohl, sitting in the front row of the audience, was somewhat disappointed; he noticed Li You was sitting on the bench.
He quickly realized that Li You was still a sophomore.
“His playing style doesn't match his age; he's more mature than his peers!”
After jotting down another characteristic, Dave Wohl smiled. He suddenly recalled the evaluation from a colleague and couldn't help but mutter to himself:
“He really does look more like a high schooler!”
Ray Allen's talent was obvious to the naked eye; his quickness, vertical leap, and release height were unmatched by any other player on the court.
Although he felt the Los Angeles Lakers wouldn't get a top 5 pick, Dave Wohl still heavily marked Ray Allen, and then also made a key mark next to Li You's name.
When Li You came off the bench in the second half, he reverted to the conventional, steady play of a point guard.
After dribbling past half-court, he would pass the ball to the interior players in the block, and then follow his teammates for screens and cuts.
Each possession took nearly 30 seconds to complete. Except for occasional fast breaks, Eastern Michigan Atlanta Hawks was completely suppressed throughout the second half.
Seeing Li You make several cuts and hit open three-pointers from the right wing outside the arc, Dave Wohl nodded again.
Completely different from the data collected, sophomore Li You, although he didn't have many opportunities, had a significant impact on the team.
There were no overly spectacular scores in the second half. Running plays, getting open shots, making baskets, low-post strong attacks for 2 points, and all fast breaks resulting in fouls, with both sides opting for free throws.
The audience's enthusiasm didn't wane; that's how NCAA games are. The University of Connecticut fans cheered constantly, as they were advancing again!
Ultimately, 65-74, the Connecticut Huskies successfully eliminated the Eastern Michigan Atlanta Hawks and advanced to the Sweet Sixteen again.
After the game, Li You and his teammates waved to the University of Connecticut fans who were present.
Playing 18 minutes, 6-of-9 shooting, including 1-of-3 from three, 3-of-3 from the free throw line, 16 points, 3 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 steal, 2 turnovers. Li You's stats improved a tiny bit again.
Dave Wohl glanced at his colleague next to him, tidied his clothes, and quickly left. As the draft approached, he needed to report the players he liked to management as soon as possible.
The RCA Dome stadium was still very noisy after the game, with disappointed Eastern Michigan University fans cursing.
Ray Allen enjoyed this atmosphere. When he thought about entering the league, he would have to be a rookie, and he felt a little uneasy.
Trailing at the back, just as he was about to enter the player tunnel, Ray Allen suddenly whispered:
“I wonder what the atmosphere in NBA locker rooms is like. Do rookies have to carry veterans' bags?”
Li You didn't expect Ray Allen to worry about such issues, especially since high-draft picks receive different treatment:
“You don't have to worry about any of that. The team that drafts you will see you as a cornerstone player.”
“Everyone's got a head on their shoulders, and we're all playing to make a living. Don't worry about those old guys.”
Ray Allen grinned when he heard Li You's words; he just needed some psychological comfort:
“Li, you'll definitely succeed. God always favors players who train hard; hard work will always pay off!”
Li You simply smiled in response, and the two walked quickly towards the player tunnel.
Back in the locker room, Li You cheered and celebrated with his teammates. Coach Calhoun was also very happy, but thinking about the subsequent opponents, he immediately reminded them:
“Take care of yourselves. We'll be changing locations tomorrow. Don't feel any pressure; we've already achieved our goal this year!”
QAQ I set the time wrong, fortunately I found it early.