ctnovel Chapter 35 Choose him, choose him, just choose him!
Chapter 35 Choose him, choose him, just choose him!
After his explosive performance in multiple games during the "March Madness" period, Zeng Zhen is now finally worthy of being compared to Derrick Rose.
Before the game, the media hyped up Zeng Zhen's comments about dominating all his opponents, and many people thought that Rose would teach Zeng Zhen a lesson.
Unfortunately, we didn't learn any lessons from this game; instead, Rose was completely outplayed by Zeng Zhen.
Zeng Zhen scored many of his 51 points against Rose's defense, and even in crucial moments, he scored consecutive points against Rose's defense, ultimately helping UCLA win the semifinals.
......
At the post-match press conference.
Zeng Zhen, Westbrook, and Love accompanied Ben Holland to the event.
All three need a lot of exposure before the draft.
ESPN's blond-haired, big-breasted reporter asked Zeng Zhen, "Zeng, I've read some scouting reports. They used to think you were a 3-and-D player, specializing in three-pointers, and projected you'd be a second-round pick. So, I'd like to ask, what are your thoughts on these scouting reports now?"
Zeng Zhen spread his hands and said confidently, "I have never denied their professional ability. They summarized my performance based on the game I played at the time. I think after tonight, their scouting report will add a line: 'This is a freshman who can score 50+ points in a single game in the NCAA. I recommend selecting him with the first overall pick in the first round.'"
The blond, wavy-haired reporter asked, "Where do you think Russell Westbrook and Kevin Love should have been drafted?"
Zeng Zhen laughed and said, "If I'm first, Kevin is second, Russell is third. Sorry, Russell, if you bring me breakfast sometime, I'll put you second."
Hahaha!!
Westbrook, Love, and the reporters all laughed.
Zeng Zhen's confidence is not the kind of blind confidence; it seems like he is using these statements to deliberately increase his exposure.
.......
This match also sparked heated discussions on Chinese social media.
Many fans learned through foreign media reports that a Chinese player scored 51 points against Derrick Rose, the projected number 1 pick, in the NCAA semifinals.
After the news was reposted on Hupu forum, the post received a lot of comments.
I watched the game, and Zeng Zhen's performance absolutely surpassed Rose's; he completely dominated every player he was matched up against.
Rose only knows how to drive to the basket, while Zeng Zhen is an all-rounder; his scoring explosiveness is incredible!
Is he really that amazing? I don't think there are any guards in China strong enough to make it in the NCAA.
[It's probably just media hype; they've only played a few games and they're already exaggerating.]
Zeng Zhen is really awesome; those who haven't watched the matches shouldn't argue with him.
After watching the match, you'll realize how amazing Zeng Zhen is.
Yes, Zeng Zhen will definitely be selected in the first round this year; his immediate impact is simply too incredible.
Is he really that good? How does he compare to CBA point guards?
[Haha, the person upstairs probably doesn't know what the NCAA semifinal teams represent, they can't even beat UCLA on the national team.]
...
On the Chinese internet, fans are roughly divided into two camps. One camp has not watched the game and uses the preconceived notion that "China cannot produce guards" to define Zeng Zhen. They believe that Zeng Zhen is just a powerful figure created by domestic and foreign media, and that he is a flash in the pan who will not last long. They even believe that during the draft, NBA teams will at most select him in the second round.
Another group consists of fans who watched Zeng Zhen's games on broadcast and were captivated by him. They saw a clear difference between Zeng Zhen and other domestic guards and believed that Zeng Zhen was a sure lottery pick.
.......
Auckland.
The next morning, the newly appointed Warriors general manager Larry Riley turned on his computer on his desk and pressed the power button.
Then he picked up the newspaper that his assistant had prepared. The first page of the newspaper featured a black-haired, well-proportioned Asian face, with the caption "51 points scored in the semifinals."
Larry Riley naturally recognized Zeng Zhen. He opened the website, then clicked on the video of last night's game. After watching for a while, he made a call to Warriors head coach Don Nelson: "Don, come to my office."
The 2007-08 NBA regular season is coming to an end. The Warriors won their 44th game of the season last night. If they were in the Eastern Conference, they would be guaranteed a playoff spot. But this is the Western Conference, where 50 wins are needed to secure a playoff berth. They have a high probability of missing the playoffs.
Regardless of whether they make the playoffs or not, the Warriors' rebuilding strategy will not change. Baron Davis, who led the Warriors to a historic upset last season, proved that he cannot take the Warriors any further.
The Warriors' near-playoff record suggests their draft position will likely be between 13 and 16.
Larry Riley wanted to draft a guard for the Warriors, and Zeng Zhen, a rising Chinese talent, had already caught his eye.
Meanwhile, Don Nelson, who was studying the tactics of the next regular season opponent, received a call from Larry Riley and rushed to the general manager's office immediately.
To be honest, Don Nelson didn't have much affection for the newly appointed general manager; he lacked a certain respect for him.
If you need to contact me, why don't you come over yourself instead of just making a phone call?
"Tang, what do you think about us picking a guard this year? This Chinese guy scored 51 points last night," Larry Riley said decisively, pointing to the video.
"We already have Baron Davis and Monta Ellis, we don't need a defender, we need a forward," Don Nelson retorted.
"Don, are you going to miss out on the next Reggie Miller?" Larry Riley said, ignoring Don Nelson's emotions, and pulled Don Nelson to the computer.
Reggie Miller?
Don Nelson didn't quite believe Larry Riley's nonsense. If Reggie Miller really existed, the Warriors wouldn't have had a chance to draft him.
However, when Don Nelson saw Zeng Zhen's highlights from last night's game, he couldn't take his eyes off him.
Don Nelson also knew Zeng Zhen, but he didn't have a very deep impression of him.
In the video, Zeng Zhen appears to be a Ferrari carrying a sniper rifle.
With lightning-fast transition speed, they launched a series of rapid attacks.
What's most terrifying is this guy's shooting.
Every shot he takes seems to be aimed through a scope, and most of these shots are opportunities he creates by dribbling.
"His dribbling and shooting talent are outstanding, I'll pick him!!"
"Larry, we absolutely must get him; he fits our run-and-gun system perfectly."
"We need to use our draft picks to get him."
"We need him in the backcourt."
Don Nelson shouted rapidly and enthusiastically, no longer caring about his own emotions.
As an experienced head coach, Don Nelson saw more than just Zeng Zhen's three-pointers.
He also saw a great many tactical approaches built around top shooters like Zeng Zhen.
What's even more frightening is that Zeng Zhen isn't just a pure shooter; he can also be used as a point guard, making him a one-man show on both offense and defense.
The starting lineup will be given to Baron Davis and Monta Ellis, and he will be the sixth man off the bench.
Don Nelson can already imagine how much the Warriors' firepower would be boosted if Zeng Zhen joined them.
Seeing Don Nelson's expression, Larry Riley smiled; he knew the choice he had made in June.
Larry Riley thought, with Zeng Zhen projected to be at the end of the first round, the Warriors' draft position should be secure...?