Basketball: The Path to the Extraordinary

Chapter 27: Commentary Perspective: The Demonstration of Lian Dao

Lian Dao isn't too worried about the lineup he just analyzed. Although his opponents' strength has declined slightly this year, he still has great respect for their historic achievement of winning consecutive championships.

"Players graduate and enter the draft every year. Winning consecutive championships is extremely difficult, but they did it," Lindau recalled. "From 1967 to 1973, they won seven consecutive championships, just like the Celtics in college basketball!"

During his high school years, Lian Dao was drawn to the illustrious history of the University of Southern California. However, he is now determined to challenge and overcome the arrogance of this prestigious university's sports team through his own abilities.

Before the game, head coach Tim rallied the team, demonstrating his unwavering determination:

"Kids, we have to win this game. USC has been quiet for too long, so long that the outside world has forgotten that we still have a great basketball team! We need to use this victory to remind them of our strength."

"Let's focus on defense. We have a unique advantage inside, so we also need to strengthen our perimeter defense!"

"Sicker, DeRozan, you two keep a close eye on Darren Collison on the other side, and provide extra support if necessary!"

"Don't worry, Coach, I'm fine," DeRozan nodded seriously, assuring her.

Captain Gibson adjusted his headband, straightened his posture, and addressed his teammates: "Victory belongs to Troy!"

Lian Dao joined in, resolutely stepping forward, shouting, "Victory!"

The players clapped their hands in unison before stepping onto the court. As the USC players appeared, the entire arena erupted in thunderous cheers, filled with excitement and anticipation.

The enthusiastic support from the fans greatly inspired the USC players, reminiscent of the frenzied atmosphere during last season's "March Madness." They hadn't expected to receive so much attention during the regular season, which only fueled their determination to win.

The game officially began, and Vucevic showcased his mid-range jump shot, demonstrating the advantage that height can bring in basketball.

It's worth noting that Vucevic's recent progress is remarkable, largely thanks to the influence of Liandao on his development trajectory. Unlike his previous struggles as a substitute player, Vucevic is now developing much more rapidly. Inspired by Liandao's rigorous training, he even made his first major career change in order to emulate their hard work.

This focused training program accelerated Vucevic's growth, fully unleashed his talent, and promises remarkable achievements. His weight gain to 115 kg improved his efficiency on the court, particularly in interior defense.

The referee blew the whistle, and Vucevic, with his towering height, leaped up and easily swatted the ball away from where Alfred Abaya couldn't reach it—his 2.25-meter wingspan proved its power.

Alfred Abaya tried to contest the ball, but at 206 cm tall and 111 kg, he couldn't match Vucevic's wingspan and agility, highlighting Vucevic's dominance.

Without hesitation, Lian Dao received the serve and tossed the ball high into the air from the backcourt.

DeRozan shook off his defender and charged toward the basket, leaping into the air and slamming the ball into the hoop with both hands.

Catching, passing, alley-oop, dunking—all actions are completed smoothly within 5 seconds.

This spectacular alley-oop ignited the entire Galen Center, eliciting whistles and cheers that echoed throughout the stadium.

"Wow, this guy's passing feels a bit like Magic Johnson's!" commentator Van Gundy exclaimed, his admiration for Lian Dao evident. Van Gundy himself had coached in the league and greatly appreciated Lian Dao's combination of scoring ability and team spirit.

"Sicker's passing vision is truly exceptional. I believe that with his vision, he could even become a top point guard in the NBA!" Van Gundy said enthusiastically, his excitement evident in his words.

"His vision is indeed impressive," his commentator Mike Brin responded cautiously. "But Jeff, are you overestimating Sicker? His passing isn't quite refined enough. Calling him a magician now might be premature."

"Yes, his passing is very accurate, but agility is the key to making those magical moves," Brin added.

“That’s right, but he’s only 19 and he’s already shown leadership qualities,” Van Gundy retorted without backing down. “Insight is fundamental; agility can be honed.”

As they were discussing, Jrue Holiday used Josh Shipp's screen to break through DeRozan's defense and headed straight for the basket. Holiday was completely unaware; Lian Dao had already anticipated his move and quickly cut in to intercept. Holiday attempted a layup, but Lian Dao cleanly and decisively swatted the ball against the backboard.

With his exceptional wingspan, Lian Dao grabbed a rebound and quickly launched a fast break, delivering a precise long pass straight to the frontcourt. His teammates, already accustomed to his playmaking abilities, easily passed the ball to the basket for a score.

Daniel Hackett seized the opportunity, sprinting from the outside to receive a pass from the right and scoring a layup.

Glancing at Holiday, who was still recovering from the earlier confrontation, he muttered to himself, "Welcome to the NCAA, rookie!"

These words stunned Holiday, who muttered to himself in disbelief.

"Is this person serious? Who would say something like that?"

His teammates laughed at Lian Dao's words, but Holiday refocused on the game and got rid of the distraction.

The opposing coach, Ben Holland, was clearly dissatisfied with his team's performance on both offense and defense.

"Are you sleepwalking on the perimeter? Wake up and focus on defense!" he shouted sternly.

Lian Dao stepped forward, taking on the responsibility of defending Josh Shipp and helping defend Darren Collison.

"Daniel can't guard Collison alone on the perimeter. I have to help," Liandon thought, anticipating Collison's actions after the pick-and-roll with Nikola Dragovic.

Collison rushed into the penalty area, but Lian Dao quickly cut off his path, forcing him to pass the ball to Josh Shipp.

He took a three-pointer.

Swish.

Score: 3 to 4.

This goal ignited the passion of a small group of away fans, who cheered loudly and waved their jerseys in the air.

Daniel Hackett passed the ball across the midfield.

Facing Josh Shipp, who is 196 cm tall, weighs 99 kg, and has a strong physique, Lian Dao calmly dribbled the ball on the outside.

Before the match, Coach Holland believed that Shipp's physical strength would limit Lian Dao. But he underestimated the young player's power.

Although Lian Dao is rather thin, his strength rating is as high as 79—which is considered formidable in college leagues and would be quite good even in the NBA.

Josh Shipp tried to put physical pressure on Lian Dao, but was caught off guard.

With a quick dribbling move and a body feint, Lian Dao easily shook off Shipp.

As he approached the basket, Alfred Abaya stepped forward to block, but Lian Dao skillfully adjusted in mid-air and dodged the block with a difficult reverse layup.

Considering his jumping ability of only 60, it was a risky move, but the ball still went into the net.

Upon witnessing this, Gibson rushed over and bumped chests with Lian Dao in celebration.

"Well done, Sickle!" he shouted. "Nobody can stop us!"

The team pressed their advantage and was determined to control the game.