After returning to his office, Chen Yilun spent quite some time scrolling through his contacts before finally finding the number he wanted.
A few seconds after dialing, the call connected.
"Ha ha ha ha! What's this? President Chen actually has time to call me today?"
Before Chen Yilun could even say a word, a cheerful, exaggerated voice came through the line.
"What else would I be calling you for? To bring you out of retirement, my dear Mike."
Hearing that bright, good-natured tone instantly lifted Chen Yilun's mood.
The person he had called was none other than the veteran coach Mike Brown, currently between jobs.
Of course, Mike Brown wasn't exactly an outsider—he was part of the same Spurs coaching tree as Chen Yilun.
Mike Brown had been grinding in the league since 1993. From 2000 to 2003, he served under the old man as an assistant coach for the Spurs. In 2005, he took the Cavaliers' head coaching job, teaming up with a young LeBron James to reach the Finals in 2007.
Then the Spurs swept them 4–0, leaving behind those famous words: "The future is yours."
In the years that followed, Brown bounced between head coaching positions before finally being left without a team in 2014.
If not for Chen Yilun, Mike Brown would eventually take over the Sacramento Kings in 2022, leading them back to the playoffs for the first time in sixteen years.
"You're offering me a job? Did that guy Malone quit?"
Brown's excited voice boomed from the receiver.
"No, no—he's doing great."
Seeing that his easygoing mentor couldn't keep his mouth shut, Chen Yilun quickly cut in.
"I'm just asking if you'd be interested in joining us as an assistant coach. We're short on staff. Uncle Chip's old bones still have to help with strength training, so I figured I'd call you in to lend a hand to your junior."
"Damn! You should've led with that—you got me all worked up for nothing."
Though Brown complained, there wasn't a trace of annoyance in his tone.
"Alright, alright. I've been sitting around doing nothing anyway. I'll come help you out. But let's make one thing clear—I'm family, so you'd better not be stingy with the paycheck, big boss."
"Of course not. If I shortchange anyone, it's not going to be my own mentor."
After a few more laughs, the two quickly worked out a rough contract. Chen Yilun then casually packed up his materials and left his office.
"Tang!"
He walked through the workspace until he found Tang Zhou's office tucked away in the corner.
"What are you up to?"
"Sir? What brings you here?"
Tang Zhou looked up, surprised to see him.
"Nothing much—just finishing up some team analysis and putting together the summer league roster."
"Those little tasks can be handled on the road."
Chen Yilun waved his hand dismissively.
"Pack your things. We're heading out. We're flying to Philadelphia for a bit."
"Just the two of us?"
Tang Zhou blinked, confused.
Usually, if Chen Yilun went somewhere for minor business, he brought Peja; for major things, he brought Malone. Taking him along was rare.
"What are we going there for?"
Tang Zhou asked curiously while packing his bag.
"To meet some new friends."
Chen Yilun chuckled.
"You can't rely on my connections forever, Little Tang. If you want to make it in this league, you've got to start building your own network."
Tang Zhou didn't quite understand what that meant, but he obediently packed his things and followed him out.
...
At Villanova University in Philadelphia, Chen Yilun and Tang Zhou strolled casually across the green campus lawn.
With finals approaching, students bustled everywhere.
Chen Yilun glanced at two passing female students with amused interest.
"College life sure is nice. Makes me want to come back and study for another couple of years."
"Sir, could you please stop being so creepy?"
Tang Zhou couldn't take his teacher's antics anymore and couldn't help but call him out.
But just as he spoke, he noticed Chen Yilun's expression suddenly turn serious.
"Jay! Hello!"
Chen Yilun grinned, quickening his steps to shake hands with the man approaching them.
The newcomer was none other than Jay Wright, Villanova's legendary coach and the soul of the program.
With his Hollywood looks and a passing resemblance to George Clooney, Wright still wore a crisp suit even in the summer heat, his hair neatly combed without a strand out of place.
"Welcome to Villanova," Wright greeted with a polite smile.
"Our team's got a practice this afternoon—you're welcome to come watch."
"No need, no need," Chen Yilun said casually. "We're just here to walk around and catch up a bit."
Inside a campus coffee shop, the three of them sat by the window after ordering their drinks.
"Ryan from your team came to our tryouts a few days ago—he did great. Thought I'd stop by and take a look myself."
Chen Yilun broke the ice.
At the mention of his prized student, Wright's eyes lit up.
"Right? Ryan's one of my best Protégé. Mature game, great vision, smart as they come."
He sighed softly.
"It's just a shame—he's a bit too old now. And you know how it is, white point guards like him don't get much love in the league."
Though Ryan had dominated in the NCAA, the NBA draft was all about potential.
A player with a fixed style and limited upside rarely lasted long.
"But I've got plenty of good players on the team right now. You'll definitely find a few interesting prospects."
Wright wasn't particularly fond of dealing with basketball executives like Chen Yilun. As a pure basketball man, he had little patience for the league's commercial side.
But for the sake of his players' futures, he worked hard to maintain good relationships with NBA teams—anything to help his kids earn more down the line.
"I know. I've got my eye on a few of them already."
Seeing Wright open up, Chen Yilun relaxed, crossing one leg over the other.
"Of course," Wright said proudly. "My kids are the best! After Ryan graduated, the oldest guy on the team is Jalen Brunson—he's heading into his senior year. That kid's a beast, always full of energy, never stops moving."
"Yeah, he's impressive."
As a cornerstone of Villanova's roster, Brunson had always earned Chen Yilun's respect.
A true ironman—never resting, not even in the playoffs.
"But honestly, the main reason I came here today…"
Chen Yilun leaned forward slightly.
"That Bridges kid on your team—I really like him."
...
(40 Chapters Ahead)
p@treon com / GhostParser