Chapter 10 Preseason Begins(1/2)
Time passed quickly, and a week passed in the blink of an eye, and it was the day of the Wildcats' warm-up match against the University of Oklahoma.
All members of the Wildcats came out of their hotel and got on the bus to the University of Oklahoma Stadium.
Yesterday afternoon, head coach McClop took the Wildcats players to Oklahoma City by plane and was fully prepared for this warm-up match.
On the bus, Whiteside anxiously asked Sun Yi beside him.
"Sun, I feel a little nervous. Do you think I can guard Griffin?"
"Hassan, you have to have confidence in yourself. Besides, basketball is a team sport. We are teammates and we will definitely come to help you." Sun Yi reassured.
"But I watched the tape of that guy's game, and he was a beast. I felt a little stressed and worried that I wouldn't be able to do the tasks assigned to me by the coach." Whiteside said worriedly.
"Relax, don't worry too much. As long as you follow the information I compiled for you before, you can still get a tie even if you have an advantage."
In order to perform perfectly in his first show, Sun Yi recalled the analysis of Griffin's playing characteristics he had seen in various sports forums in his previous life, and then compiled the information and gave it to Whiteside, in exchange for a few friendship points.
After chatting for a few more words, Sun Yi finally gave Dabai Bian some reassurance and stared boredly at the speeding scenery outside the window.
Ten minutes later, the bus stopped in front of the University of Oklahoma Arena gate.
Under the leadership of the staff, the Wildcats entered the arena.
After entering, McClop took his disciples to the visiting team's locker room.
While the disciples were changing their uniforms, McClop began to instill chicken soup for the soul.
"Boys, cheer up! This is our first game of the season. We don't want to lose the game and go back in despair like a prodigal dog!"
"Then show your indomitable fighting spirit and win this damn game!"
"The Wildcats must win!" All the Wildcats players shouted in unison.
McClop nodded with satisfaction. The team's spirit was very good.
Immediately, he pushed open the door of the locker room, led the disciples who had finished their chicken blood injection, and walked towards the arena with their heads held high.
Memorial Stadium, home of the University of Oklahoma Sooners.
At this time, tens of thousands of fans have already taken their seats, patiently waiting for the game to start.
This warm-up match can be said to have attracted much attention.
A large number of scouts and media reporters flocked to the game, and it also attracted some NBA players to watch the game.
It happened to be a rest day and the Thunder did not have a game, so the Thunder's three young players Durant, Westbrook and Jeff Green met to watch the game together.
Since the Thunder's goal this year is to train Durant and others, they don't have to worry about performance and can get high draft picks by doing well.
Therefore, Blake Griffin, the protagonist of this game, is the key subject of the Thunder team's investigation.
"I heard that Blake Griffin is an amazing jumper and can take off from the free throw line and dunk. I don't know if that's true."
"Although it's a bit exaggerated, the fact that this guy can be called a White Demonic Beast shows that he is indeed powerful."
"I like Griffin's style of play. If he can join the Thunder, I think my assists will skyrocket."
While the three Thunder Young Masters were having a heated discussion, the audience suddenly burst into warm applause and cheers.
On the field, Oklahoma Sooners star Blake Griffin ran out of the tunnel and waved to the enthusiastic fans.
"Blake! Blake! Blake!"
The fans at the scene burst into cheers and shouts.
In the player tunnel on the other side, Sun Yi looked at the popular Griffin and felt a little envious.
"It won't be long before I can be so popular."
Sun Yi is very motivated and can't wait to play the game.
After a while, it was the turn of the Wildcats players to enter.
When Sun Yi came to the court, he felt the NCAA basketball atmosphere for the first time. It was really scary!
Tens of thousands of people cheered and shouted in a semi-enclosed space, and the atmosphere was explosive, making people's adrenaline rush.
Sun Yi looked around and saw the crowded auditorium, feeling a little nervous.
Is this the stage I've been waiting for so long?!
It’s great to be able to stand on such a court and play basketball!
After adjusting his mentality, Sun Yi became very excited and followed his teammates to the bench.
After the entrance ceremony, players from both teams came to their respective half-courts for warm-up activities.
At the same time, in the on-site commentary box, the commentators for this game, Mike Breen and Reggie Miller, were warming up the game in advance.
"Blake Griffin, known as the "White Monster" of the Oklahoma City Rapids.
This guy has great physical fitness, incredible jumping ability, and often performs explosive dunks. He is ranked at the top of the draft website and is the most popular candidate for the NBA No. 1 pick next year.
The Davidson Wildcats have Stephen Curry, a sharpshooter who performed magically in March Madness this year.
It can be said that the peak showdown between the two of them will be the focus of this warm-up match."
After Brin introduced the core players of both sides, he asked his partner what he thought of the game.
“Judging from the starting lineup, the Speedy team has the upper hand.
Most of the Wildcats' main players graduated and left this summer, which greatly reduced the team's strength. Judging from the starting lineup they sent, including two freshmen, I am very unfavorable." Miller expressed his own opinion.
Brin nodded, agreeing with Miller's view.
He had seen the starting lineups of both sides before and checked the detailed information of each player, but found that the introduction of the two newcomers of the Wildcats was very simple, and they were pure passers-by.
"The Speeders have a high probability of winning this game. What kind of surprise will Blake Griffin bring?"
Brin thought this in his mind, and then looked towards the center of the field.
On the other side, on the Wildcats bench, assistant coach Smith looked around and said something emotional.
"There are so many scouts here today. They are all here for Blake and Stephen."
"Most of them are probably for Blake," McClop corrected.
Based on the media reporters, scouts and agents present, he felt that this preseason game was very worthwhile.
"Such a good opportunity should be seized and not missed."
McClop cherishes talents very much, otherwise the tactics would not be all executed around Curry alone.
He didn't know if the Wildcats could achieve another good result in March Madness this year, but there were a lot of scouts here today, so it was definitely a good opportunity.
If Sun Yi and Whiteside perform well in this game, they may be able to get the attention of some scouts and open the door to the NBA.
So, after the warm-up activities were over, McClop gathered the players together and gave them serious instructions.
"Today our main offensive tactics are still executed around Stephen."
The Wildcats players all nodded without any comment.
"Although it is a pre-season game, don't take it lightly. There are many scouts here, so everyone must perform well.
Sun and Hassan, don't be nervous. Just play how you play in training and how you play in games. Adjust to your best condition and bring out your full potential.
Other players completed their tasks according to the assigned tactics and had the opportunity to shoot decisively."
After McClop finished speaking, he asked the players to relax and get ready to play.
After a while, the referee blew the whistle, signaling the starting players from both sides to step into the center circle.
The cheers and shouts in the audience also reached their peak.
Sun Yi kept taking deep breaths, trying to relax himself.
Although he has fought in actual combat in virtual dreams, this is the first time he has faced such a large battle. If he is not nervous, it would be a lie.
At the same time, the system's prompt voice suddenly sounded in Sun Yi's mind.
"Ding! The main mission begins: Dominate the NCAA (1)."
"Job call: Lead the Davidson Wildcats into March Madness."
"Task reward: Bronze gift package."
"Sun, why are you standing there? The game is about to start. Come on the court with me!"
Curry patted Sun Yi's arm and reminded him.
Sensing that Sun Yi was a little nervous, Curry shared his experience in his debut.
Although Curry's own NCAA debut was a disaster, it did not prevent him from fooling the newcomer Sun Yi.
"Thanks, Stephen, I feel better."
Sun Yi came to his senses, replied, and followed Curry to the center circle.
It didn't take long for this much-anticipated game to begin.
In the jump ball session, Griffin overwhelmed Whiteside and gave the Speedy the first opportunity to attack.
Although "Big White" has an advantage in height and wingspan, Griffin's jumping and instant explosive power are too abnormal.
To be continued...