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12th man to Cricket legend. It's a cricket book for cricket lovers only.
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***
On Monday, July 24th, a large number of sports reporters flocked to Las Vegas as the United States Mens National Basketball Team began its open training session, allowing media to film.
By the end of the month, the 12-man roster for the World Championship would be officially announced.
In early August, the United States Mens National Basketball Team would have an internal scrimmage, followed by a series of warm-up games.
For the players participating in the training camp, joining the Men's National Basketball Team was also an honor, and everyone performed diligently in the training camp.
Gilbert Arenas had been trying to curry favor with the coaching staff, and Washington sports media had been reporting on his desire to join the United States Mens National Basketball Team, but Coach K showed no reaction.
The Champion Coach seemed to look down on the Washington Wizards' core player, which greatly displeased a Washington Post reporter.
Towards the end of the morning training session, he proactively interviewed the coaching staff again.
What was called a training session was actually just players warming up, playing one-on-one, and posing for the media, with Coach K responsible for striking poses and answering relevant questions.
"Mike, we believe there are some issues with this team's configuration. The guard line is too weak. Why not call up Gilbert Arenas?"
At the Thomas & Mack Center, there were not only reporters but also a considerable number of onlookers.
Coach K noticed the reporter's identity, frowned slightly, and replied in a gentle tone:
"Kirk Hinrich is a tough kid. He can provide everything the team needs. Chris Paul, though young, has excellent tactical awareness."
"We already have our point guard selections. Both of them complement Dwyane Wade. Gilbert Arenas is excellent, but the current roster is more suitable for international play."
Some agreed, while others disagreed, as these two players didn't have many accolades and seemed to be lacking in strength.
Coach K knew what these sports reporters were thinking and took the opportunity to boast about Dwight Howard's growth.
In the Eastern Conference Semifinals, he led his team to a 59-point loss, which, though a record, didn't affect Dwight Howard's happy basketball.
At this moment in the arena, the most active Rookie was him, laughing and joking around with everyone.
Dwight Howard even imitated LeBron James's dribbling moves:
"LeBron is like this. His crossover dribbles are all for accumulating strength. Even if you know this, you can't stop him. He is a beast!"
Loudly praising his teammates, Dwight Howard had a great time, occasionally showing off his dunks and displaying his muscles to the surrounding sports reporters.
After a few months, Dwight Howard seemed to have been inflated.
His physique had grown stronger, and his muscle definition was visibly clear.
LeBron James, wearing a blue training uniform, didn't mind his teammate's teasing.
Instead, he pulled everyone along to "play," and the atmosphere of happy basketball swept through the entire team.
At LeBron James's call, Dwyane Wade also smiled happily.
This was much more interesting than the Heat's training camp.
Without Pat Riley's shouting, he felt exceptionally refreshed.
"Hey, Melo, teaming up with Allen Iverson, you guys will definitely succeed. We also wanted to recruit him, but unfortunately, you got him first."
Carmelo Anthony was currently doing one-on-one drills with a trainer.
Hearing Dwight Howard's words from the sidelines, he felt a bit smug.
After easily scoring with a pull-up jumper, he also boasted:
"You're right. Next season, we might appear in the Finals. Allen Iverson lacked help before, but now he doesn't have to worry about that."
"With two scoring champions teaming up, no one in the league can stop us!"
Wearing a blue headband, Carmelo Anthony stood with his hands on his hips on the sidelines, deliberately raising his voice, engaging in commercial flattery with Dwight Howard.
Unfortunately, most sports reporters didn't care about this trade.
In the minds of many reporters, Allen Iverson was synonymous with failure, a stat-padder driven out of the Eastern Conference by Clay Lee.
Having just won an ESPY award, Chris Paul was also a focus of media attention.
This Rookie didn't show off his skills like his teammates but instead held a basketball and seriously explained:
"Over the weekend, we played two scrimmages, and I've fully adapted to this super elastic two-tone basketball."
"It is indeed a bit different, but I'm confident I can put it in the hoop."
The World Championship game ball was slightly different from the NBA's.
After a brief introduction, Chris Paul also discussed the rules of international play until a Fox Sports reporter asked about the roster:
"Chris, we noticed that Clay Lee looked in good shape when he attended the awards ceremony. Do you think he should answer the call? Our backcourt currently seems to lack experience."
Recently, sports media had been short on news.
Ever since the Seattle SuperSonics were sold and Ray Allen confirmed he was staying, the offseason's hot topics had plummeted.
Chris Paul looked at the expectant gaze of the reporter and didn't give the desired answer.
Instead, he shrugged and quipped:
"Actually, Lee had makeup on before he went on stage. Entering the Finals for 9 consecutive years, anyone who understands basketball should know how much that takes out of him."
"If he participates in the Men's National Basketball Team, it means he would only have less than three months of rest time this year. So, I support his decision. He needs to take care of his family."
"Lee started a training camp this year, sharing his Champion experience with young players, which is a good thing!"
"âŠ"
As the morning training session was about to end, LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Carmelo Anthony also accepted interviews.
Among this Men's National Basketball Team, they had the largest contracts, so they naturally enjoyed leader treatment.
Facing the media, all three had smiles on their faces and seemed very happy.
The feeling of being in charge was excellent:
"I know what you want to ask, but we are not worried about this year's World Championship. The talent on this team is enough to win the gold medal, and LeBron should agree with that view."
After Carmelo Anthony inflatedly said this, he smiled and patted LeBron James on the shoulder.
The latter also appeared very confident, pointing at Dwyane Wade and confidently saying:
"You know, Dwyane's basketball skills are actually no less than Clay Lee's. Now he has help. We've formed the strongest team, there's no reason to lose."
Hearing LeBron James's words, Dwyane Wade seemed a bit embarrassed, lowering his head and smiling, but he greatly enjoyed such praise.
Pat Riley would never say such things.
The Champion Coach would only "motivate" him:
"I am one of the best guards in the league. In this competition, we will get our revenge, and everyone is ready for it!"
With the three leaders vigorously boasting together, the atmosphere on site became even more joyful.
On the other side, Dwight Howard pulled everyone along, occasionally shouting, and vaguely, one could still hear:
"We can crush any opponent!"
On tuesday, July 25th, after half a month of Nike's promotion, Lee's brand event at New York University proceeded as scheduled.
Washington Square is near New York University's main campus, so onlookers in Greenwich Village could participate in the event, and New York University students could also swipe their cards to watch at the south gym.
To promote this training camp, Nike directly invited popular Rookies.
Participating in the event not only allowed them to exchange experiences with Lee but also to receive G.O.A.T. Lee series basketball gear.
Signature shoes, athletic suits, running shoes co-branded with Apple, arm sleeves for showing off, newly launched shapewear, and other products would all be featured at the event.
Greg Oden of Ohio State University, who had already made a name for himself, and his teammate Mike Conley recently flew to New York.
Greg Oden was famous across America, known by everyone in the basketball world, and Mike Conley, thanks to his teammate's exposure, also gained more attention.
The two, one tall and one short, after nearly a year of extensive exposure, had become well-known NCAA stars, but upon arriving in New York, they were still tormented by the terrible traffic and proud fans.
"We should have driven here, damn it! That driver kept talking the whole way, all about Lee and the championship."
Already at Washington Square, the big-headed Greg Oden, in a loose training suit and carrying a bag, complained incessantly.
Mike Conley could only give a wry smile.
New York's basketball atmosphere seemed overly enthusiastic:
"My mistake. We really shouldn't have taken a taxi, but this is also a good experience."
Kevin Durant, a prospective University of Texas student, attracted onlookers with his charming demeanor and "bamboo pole physique."
Young people gathered around Kevin Durant, comparing their heights.
Taller than reported, a high schooler growing like this was simply a basketball monster.
Kevin Durant, wearing a hat and carrying a backpack, was a bit unaccustomed to the enthusiastic onlookers.
Noticing the two people not far away, he quickly waved to ease his awkwardness:
"Are you guys also here for the training camp? Man, uh, you're stronger than before!"
As nationally known high school students, everyone was familiar with their faces.
Kevin Durant originally wanted to say "more mature," but after glancing at the girls watching, he changed his words.
The two were similar in height, but their playing styles were completely different.
Jeffrey Jordan, who had arrived early, and his entourage couldn't join the conversation.
At this point, "daddy's connections" were useless.
The talent gap was too wide.
Lee had just emerged from New York University's non-academic activities center building, followed by a group of eager participants.
Many student clubs actively participated in the event held at the university.
With half an hour left until 9 AM, Nike staff noticed that the young people had arrived and quickly ushered everyone to the indoor gym.
Jeffrey Jordan at this moment wanted to shed all his "Jordan" gear.
Today, he was armed to the teeth, but at this moment, he feared embarrassing his father.
Equally timid was Kyrie Irving.
Looking at those "giants," the little guy, barely over 1.7 meters tall, was already stunned.
Dredrick Irving drove his son from Bronx early in the morning.
As a former basketball player himself, he naturally noticed his son's timidity at the moment:
"Don't you like Clay Lee? This is a rare opportunity!"
"Remember, Kyrie, you don't need to fear any challenge. You will become the best guard in New Jersey, then enter the NBA. In the future, you will definitely become a big star!"
To ensure his son received the best education, Dredrick Irving chose MKA.
As one of the best high schools in New Jersey academically, with tuition exceeding 30,000 dollars, its basketball prowess was not impressive.
Kyrie Irving had almost never encountered opponents taller than 6'3", and his peers were all of normal build, completely different from the "monsters" he saw today.
People came and went near Washington Square, and no one noticed the father and son.
Kyrie Irving looked up at his father's determined eyes, finally nodded and moved his feet, while cheering himself on:
"It's nothing big, they are just taller and stronger."
Kevin Durant didn't notice the short guy behind him.
As he was about to enter stadium, the Rookie froze in place, staring straight ahead, his heart starting to race.
Hunter had grown to 6'3", almost as tall as Lee, but at this moment, he was being scolded by his sister, nearly bending over.
Scarlett, with her blonde hair tied up, wore slim-fit jeans and an oversized New York Knicks hoodie.
Her voice was a bit hoarse as she looked up and lectured her brother:
"Why didn't you bring that girl to see me? I know Clay told you in advance, don't even think about fooling me today!"
Although Scarlett, with her strong sense of being the lady of the house, hadn't made many movies in recent years, she had a large sum of money in her wallet.
Including her son's future assets, this young mother felt she was already a rich woman.
She naturally had to support her twin brother, and Scarlett naturally disliked those gold-digging women.
Quickly embracing his sister, Hunter discreetly glanced around with a troubled expression.
He didn't find any familiar friends, which made him sigh in relief, and then he started to sweet-talk her:
"I swear, she is definitely a good girl. When the time is right, I'll take her to Peninsula Manor to see you."
From a distance, Kevin Durant only thought that she was even more beautiful in person than in photos.
He had intended to go say hello, but then he saw Scarlett run to Lee's side, tiptoeing to give him a kiss.
Watching the three of them enter the stadium, chatting and laughing, Kevin Durant then remembered that the other party already had a child, and his heart broke again:
"God! How can this be?!"
(A/N: Poor guy đđ)
The training camp process involved changing into gear, warming up, completing a series of basic drills, and then Lee answering the trainees' questions, imparting some small tips and game experience.
Aside from nationally renowned basketball stars, most of the other youngsters were Lee's fans, participating in the event primarily for entertainment, akin to a "fan meeting."
Family members and friends were all on the sidelines, plus media reporters and Nike staff, and the stadium was packed.
During ball-handling drills, Mike Conley finally noticed the short guy beside him.
A relaxed Kyrie Irving deliberately showed off his dribbling, a smile on his face.
"Use your strength, your maximum strength, to dribble the ball! I want to see the ball fly high after it leaves your hands!"
Lee, at the very front, was warming up with dribbling.
After a simple instruction, he began to lead everyone through basic drills.
In the simple group scrimmage, Lee acted as coach and referee.
The incredibly talented Greg Oden and Kevin Durant were particularly eye-catching, their basketball talent evident to the naked eye, making the Nike staff's eyes light up.
Although the intensity wasn't high, the youngest, Kyrie Irving, still struggled to keep up with the rhythm.
Fortunately, the sharing session followed, and he didn't embarrass himself, letting out another sigh of relief.
Everyone sat in a circle at midcourt.
Mike Conley, who would be playing in the NCAA next year, raised his head and asked curiously:
"Clay, how do you deal with those big guys? I've always watched your games, and every time you switch to guard a frontcourt player, you're able to make effective Defense."
Wearing a gray compression shirt on his upper body and loose sweatpants on his lower body, Lee stood at the free-throw line, holding the ball and smiling as he replied after hearing the question:
"I can't handle the big guys in the paint. Talent like Greg Oden is a beast under the basket. No one can stop him."
Greg Oden, next to Mike Conley, showed a "mature man's smile."
Lee noticed everyone was still looking at him curiously and added:
"More teams in the league are starting to switch. When facing wing players, the first thing we need to do is make ourselves stronger, but don't force it. Remember to maintain our advantages."
"Short guys also have many Defense techniques, for example, starting with denying the catch and denying the drive."
"Kevin, you can demonstrate for everyone. His basketball skills are already very mature."
Kevin Durant, eager to show off, had long wanted to perform.
He wasn't interested in bullying kids.
His interest in defeating Lee was greater.
He subconsciously glanced at the sidelines, a smile on his face.
The onlookers started to jeer.
Watching Kevin Durant actively show off, Clay Lee asked a customary question:
"Kevin, in the league, which star do you like the most?"
Seemingly still not fully recovered, Kevin Durant instinctively opened his mouth and replied after hearing the question:
"Tracy McGrady. Uh, actually, I've also been following the New York Knicks, and Clay Lee is also my idol."
Watching Kevin Durant's embarrassed expression, the jeering grew louder.
Lee waved his hand, looked kindly at the "bamboo pole" in front of him, and then said seriously:
"Choose the position where you are best at calling for the ball. I need to remind you, I will start by denying the catch. Don't be careless. Sometimes height can also be a disadvantage."
Kevin Durant scratched his head, chuckled dryly, and chose to post up for the ball in the right elbow area.
Beyond the three-point line, Mike Conley was responsible for passing the ball.
Under everyone's gaze, Kevin Durant, preparing to receive the ball, was full of confidence.
Then he felt a strong force from behind, his torso exerting strength, but he was pushed outside.
Under the pull, he was almost squeezed to the three-point line.
A wobbly Kevin Durant finally managed to catch Mike Conley's pass.
"When switching, shorter players won't let you receive the ball easily. They will use their lower body to deny you, and there will be various small movements when you try to catch the ball."
Hearing Lee's words, Kevin Durant, who had tried several times, embarrassingly lost his sweet spot each time, which made the crowd jeer even louder.
Sitting on the sidelines, Kyrie Irving couldn't help but stand up and clap along, cheering.
Perhaps it was because he was imagining himself defending a "big bamboo pole," but Kyrie Irving was exceptionally excited.
"You also need to be careful after receiving the ball. When attacking face-up, be sure to protect the basketball in your hands and don't let it be easily exposed."
As Lee spoke, he swiftly chopped the basketball out of Kevin Durant's hands.
Kevin Durant, who had just completed his turn and was preparing to attack face-up, could only scratch his head again.
"Slap!"
"Oh!"
"Come on! Buddy!"
From receiving the ball to driving, Kevin Durant repeatedly exposed the ball in his hands, and each time, Lee would chop it away.
A bewildered Kevin Durant finally learned to use his physical advantage.
He received the ball, turned, and instantly protected the ball behind his right side, while his left foot quickly took a jab step.
When he dribbled one step and wanted to pull up for a jump shot, Kevin Durant had just raised the basketball to his chest when Clay Lee chopped it away again.
"Pay attention to your shooting motion. Also, don't easily expose the ball in front of me. You can try bringing the ball up from your side. This can help you complete the offense more effectively!"
Lee chopped the ball away, and looking at Kevin Durant, who was already questioning life, he began to explain his anticipation for stealing the ball to the crowd.
When Kevin Durant sat back down near the three-point line, he subconsciously glanced back again.
He noticed that the goddess in the distance seemed to be clapping and laughing sweetly, and his heart broke into several pieces at once.
Mike Conley, on the other hand, felt he had gained a lot, his eyes brightening a bit.
However, when he saw Lee's thick arms and well-defined upper body, he immediately sobered up:
"Uh, it seems very difficult to do that."
At Michael Jordan's request, Lee also had to take care of his grand-nephew.
He waved to Jeffrey Jordan, who came forward with wide eyes.
"When defending the ball-handler, you also need to pay attention to details. We need to anticipate the opponent's psychological changes. Play with your brain!"
Beyond the three-point line, Jeffrey Jordan looked at Lee, who had lowered his center of gravity and was looking at him.
For a moment, he was a bit bewildered, the defensive pressure washing over him.
He barely managed to put the ball down with his left hand, and his crossover dribble was immediately stolen by Lee.
Before Jeffrey Jordan could react, Lee held up the ball and said to everyone:
"You need to manipulate the defender's center of gravity. Your dribbling needs to be quick. Don't jump into the traps set by the defender, and always pay attention to your footwork changes."
A bewildered Jeffrey Jordan understood everything.
This time, facing Lee's side-on Defense, after putting the ball down, he wanted to attack the defender's lead foot through a between-the-legs crossover.
Just as he switched to his right hand, a low-centered Jeffrey Jordan hadn't had time to accelerate when Lee in front of him suddenly changed direction agilely, closing in for Defense and instantly chopping the ball away again.
Amidst the cheers of the crowd, Lee again held up the ball and earnestly instructed:
"This is a trap. You need to react faster than the defender. In this game of wits, don't let your guard down!"
Jeffrey Jordan opened his mouth on the side, but couldn't say a word.
The moment of physical contact, he lost control of the ball. How could he even play a game of wits then?
"Jeffrey, faster!"
"Your offensive intentions are too obvious, Jeffrey, you need to sense the defender's change in center of gravity!"
"Don't make ineffective dribbles. On the court, this is a fatal mistake!"
Constantly being stolen and unable to complete a single offensive play, a bewildered Jeffrey Jordan finally sat back down beyond the three-point line, his face blank.
The atmosphere on site grew even more enthusiastic under Lee's excellent Defense.
Kyrie Irving watched, extremely excited.
He had completely relaxed and even wanted to join in the cheering and shouting.
Soon, he heard his own name:
"Kyrie! Coming to the training camp means you're ready. Your fundamentals are excellent, but you still need to polish your Defense skills. This will help you go further!"
Kyrie Irving, who had arrived at the top of the arc, nervously lunged towards Lee.
As soon as the words fell, he felt a coolness between his legs, and then a gust of wind passed by his side.
"Oh!"
The between-the-legs move made everyone on site cheer.
Watching Lee chase the ball, take three big steps, and then explode into a powerful dunk, shouts instantly echoed throughout the arena.
"Remember, on the court, age doesn't matter! Give your all against any opponent!"
"..."
...
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