NBA: Miracle Workers

Chapter 463: Interesting Genius (Daily Chapter)

On Monday, July 7, a large number of sports reporters flocked to Las Vegas, and the US men's basketball team began open training sessions, allowing media filming.

At the end of the month, the 12-man roster for the World Championships will be officially released. In early August, the US men's basketball team will have an internal competition, followed by a series of warm-up matches.

For the players participating in the training camp, participating in the men's basketball team is also an honor, and everyone has worked hard in the training camp.

Arenas had been flirting with the coaching staff, and the Washington sports media had been reporting that he wanted to join the U.S. men's basketball team, but Krzyzewski hadn't said anything.

The Hall of Fame coach seemed to look down on the Wizards' core players, which made the Washington Post reporter very dissatisfied. At the end of the morning training session, he took the initiative to interview the coaching staff.

It was called a training session, but in fact it was just the players warming up, playing one-on-one, and taking photos for the media. Krzyzewski was responsible for posing and answering related questions.

"Mike, we think there are some problems with the configuration of this team. The back line is too weak. Why don't you recruit Arenas?"

There were not only reporters but also many spectators at the Thomas and Mack Center. Krzyzewski noticed the other party's identity, frowned slightly, and replied in a relaxed tone:
"Kirk Hinrich is a tough guy who can provide everything the team needs. Chris Paul is young, but his tactical qualities are excellent."

"We already have a candidate for the No. 1 position. The two can complement Dwyane Wade. Arenas is very good, but the current personnel configuration is more suitable for the international arena."

Some people agree, while others disagree. After all, these two people do not have many honors and their strength is questionable no matter how you look at it.

Krzyzewski knew what these sports reporters were thinking, and took this opportunity to brag about Dwight Howard's growth.

In the Eastern Conference semifinals, he led the team to a 59-point loss. Although it set a record, it did not affect Howard's happy basketball.

At this time, the most active person in the gym was this newbie, laughing and making a fuss with everyone. Howard even imitated LeBron James' dribbling moves:

"LeBron is like this. He dribbles between his legs to accumulate power. Even if you know this, you can't stop him. He is a beast!"

Howard had a lot of fun praising his teammates loudly, and occasionally showed off his dunks to flex his muscles for the surrounding sports reporters.

After not seeing him for a few months, Howard seemed to have been encouraged. He looked stronger and his muscles were visible to the naked eye.

James, wearing a blue training suit, did not care about his teammates' teasing. Instead, he pulled everyone to "play" together. The atmosphere of happy basketball swept the entire team.

At James's greeting, Wade also smiled happily. This was much more interesting than the Heat's training camp. Without Pat Riley's shouting, he felt particularly comfortable.

"Hey, Melo, join forces with Allen Iverson, you will definitely succeed. We also wanted to recruit him, but unfortunately you got him first."

Carmelo Anthony was having a one-on-one with his trainer at the moment. Hearing Howard's words, he felt a little proud. After easily scoring a jump shot, he also boasted:
"You're right. We may appear in the finals in the new season. Iverson lacked help before, but now he doesn't have to worry about it."

"With two scoring champions teaming up, no one in the league can stop us!"

Wearing a blue headband, Anthony stood on the sidelines with his hands on his hips, deliberately raising his voice and bragging about the business deal with Howard. Unfortunately, most sports reporters didn't care about the deal at all.

In the minds of many reporters, Iverson is synonymous with loser, and was kicked out of the Eastern Conference by Li You.
Having just won an ESPY award, Chris Paul was also the focus of media attention. The rookie did not show off his skills like his teammates, but instead held the basketball and introduced it seriously:
"We played two scrimmage games over the weekend, and I've completely adapted to this super-elastic two-color basketball."

“It was definitely a little different, but I had the confidence to get it in the basket.”

The World Championships' game balls are somewhat different from those used in the NBA. After Paul briefly introduced them, he also talked about the rules of international competitions until a Fox Sports reporter asked about the lineup:
"Chris, we noticed that Lee looked in good shape at the awards ceremony. Do you think he should respond to the call-up? Our back line seems to be lacking in experience at the moment."

The sports media has been quiet lately. Ever since the Sonics were sold and Ray Allen was confirmed to stay with the team, the topic of the offseason has plummeted.

Chris Paul looked at the other party's expectant eyes and did not give the answer he wanted. Instead, he shrugged and joked:
"In fact, Lee put on makeup before going on stage. He has been in the finals for nine consecutive years. Anyone who knows about basketball should know how much this takes on him."

"If he joins the men's basketball team, it means he will have less than three months of rest time in a year, so I support his decision. He has to take care of his family."

“Lee launched a training camp this year to share his championship experience with young players, which is a good thing!”

"."

As the morning training session was about to end, James, Wade and Anthony also accepted interviews. Among this men's basketball team, they have the biggest contracts and naturally enjoy leadership treatment.

Facing the media, the three of them all had smiles on their faces and looked very happy. It felt great to be the boss:

"I know what you guys want to ask, but we are not worried about this year's World Championships. This team has enough talent to win a gold medal. LeBron should agree with this view."

After Anthony said this inflatedly, he smiled and patted James on the shoulder. James also seemed very confident and pointed at Wade and said confidently:

"You know, Dwyane's basketball ability is actually not inferior to Lee. Now he has helpers. We have formed the strongest team. There is no reason for us to lose."

Wade was a little embarrassed when he heard James' words. He lowered his head and smiled, but he enjoyed such compliments very much. Pat Riley would not say this. The championship coach would only "motivate" him:

"I am one of the best defenders in the league. In this game, we will get revenge. Everyone is ready for it!"

The three leaders blew the whistle together, and the atmosphere became even more joyful. Howard on the other side led the crowd and shouted from time to time. You could vaguely hear:

"We can beat any opponent!"

On Tuesday, July 7th, after more than half a month of promotion, Li You’s brand event at New York University also started as scheduled.

The main campus of New York University is near Washington Square. People in nearby Greenwich Village can participate in the event, and students of New York University can also swipe their cards to watch at the stadium in the south.

In order to promote this training camp, Hook directly invited popular rookies. Participants can not only exchange experiences with Li You, but also obtain GOAT Lee series basketball equipment.

Signature shoes, sports suits, running shoes co-branded with Apple, arm guards for showing off, newly launched body shaping clothes and other products will appear at the event.

Greg Oden of Ohio State University, who has already made a name for himself, and his teammate Mike Conley recently flew to New York.

Oden is popular all over the United States and is known to everyone in the basketball circle. Mike Conley has also received more attention thanks to the exposure of his teammates.

The two men, one tall and one short, have become well-known NCAA stars after nearly a year of extensive exposure. However, after arriving in New York, they were still tortured by the poor traffic and proud fans.

"We should have just driven over here, damn it! The driver was babbling the whole way, all about Lee and the champion."

Arriving at Washington Square, Oden, wearing a baggy training suit and carrying a bag, kept complaining. Conley beside him could only smile bitterly. The basketball atmosphere in New York seemed to be too enthusiastic:

"My bad, we really shouldn't have taken a taxi, but it was a nice experience."

Kevin Durant, a prospective student at the University of Texas, attracted a lot of attention with his charming temperament and "stick-like body". Young people gathered around Durant and compared their heights.

He is taller than reported. A high school student who looks like this is simply a basketball monster.
Wearing a hat and carrying a backpack, Durant was a little uncomfortable with the enthusiastic crowd. He noticed two people not far away and waved to ease his embarrassment:
"Are you guys here for training camp too? Man, you're stronger than ever!"

As a well-known high school student in the United States, everyone is familiar with his face. Durant wanted to say "more mature", but finally glanced at the girls watching and changed the subject.
The two are almost the same height, but their playing styles are completely different. Jeffrey Jordan and his followers, who came here early, couldn't get a word in. At this time, it was useless to "rely on dads" because the gap in talent was too big.

Li You had just come out of the non-academic activity center building of New York University, followed by a group of little friends. Many clubs were actively participating in activities held at the university.

Half an hour before 9 o'clock, the staff of Hook noticed that the young people had arrived and quickly invited everyone to go to the indoor gymnasium together.

Jeffrey Jordan wanted to take off his "Jordan" gear. He was armed to the teeth today, but he was afraid of losing face for his father.
Kyrie Irving was also a little timid. Looking at those "giants", the little guy, who was just over 1 meters tall, was confused.

Drederick Irving drove his son here from the Bronx early in the morning. As a former basketball player, he naturally saw that his son was a little timid at this time:

"Don't you like Li? This is a rare opportunity!"

"Remember, Kyrie, you don't need to be afraid of any challenge. You will become the best guard in New Jersey and then enter the NBA. You will definitely become a big star in the future!"

In order for his son to receive the best education, Drederick Irving chose MKA.

As one of the best academic high schools in New Jersey, with a tuition fee of more than 3 US dollars, its basketball strength is not very good.

Irving has basically never encountered an opponent over 190cm tall. People of his peers are of normal body shape, completely different from the "monster" he saw today.

People were coming and going near Washington Square, and no one noticed the father and son. Owen looked up at his father's determined eyes, and finally nodded and moved his feet, and by the way, he said to himself:

"No big deal, they're just taller and stronger"

Durant didn't notice the little guy behind him. When he was about to enter the gym, the newbie stood there in a daze, staring straight ahead, his heartbeat starting to accelerate.

Hunter has grown to 190cm, almost as tall as Li You, but at this time he was almost bent over by his sister's scolding. Scarlett, with her blonde hair combed up, was wearing slim jeans and a Knicks sweater. Her voice was a little hoarse, and she tilted her head and spoke to her brother:
"Why don't you bring that girl to see me? I know Clay informed you in advance, don't try to trick me today!"

Although Scarlett, who is very conscious of being a hostess, has not made many movies in recent years, she has a large sum of US dollars in her wallet. Counting her son's future assets, the young mother feels that she is already a rich woman.

Naturally, she has to help her twin brother, and Scarlett naturally doesn't like those vases who want to cheat her money.

Hugging his sister, Hunter looked around with an embarrassed look on his face. He breathed a sigh of relief when he found no familiar friends. Then he started to speak kindly:

"I swear, this is definitely a good girl. When the time is right, I will bring her to Peninsula Manor to meet you."

Durant, who was far away, felt that the real person was more beautiful than the photo, and wanted to go up and say hello, but he saw Scarlett running to Li You and standing on tiptoe to kiss him.

Watching the three of them talking and laughing as they entered the gymnasium, Durant suddenly remembered that the other party already had a child, and he couldn't help but feel heartbroken again:

"God! How could this happen!"

The process of the training camp is to change equipment, warm up, complete a series of basic training, and then Li You answers the students' questions and imparts some tips and competition experience.

Except for the nationally renowned basketball star, most of the other young people are fans of Li You, and their participation in the event is more for entertainment, which can be regarded as a "fan meeting."

Family members and friends were on the sidelines, and the arena was packed with media reporters and Nike staff.

While doing ball control training, Mike Conley noticed the little guy next to him. Kyrie Irving, who had relaxed, was deliberately showing off his dribbling with a smile on his face.

"Dribble the ball with all your strength. I want to see the ball fly high after it leaves your hands!"

Li You, who was at the front, was dribbling the ball to warm up. After a brief instruction, he began to lead everyone in completing basic training.

It was a simple group competition, with Li You acting as coach and referee. The extremely talented Oden and Durant were particularly eye-catching. Their basketball talents were visible to the naked eye, and all the Hook staff were dazzled.

Although the intensity was not high, Irving, the youngest player, still couldn't keep up with the rhythm. Fortunately, there was a sharing session afterwards and he didn't make a fool of himself, so he breathed a sigh of relief again.

Everyone was sitting in the middle of the court. Conley, who will compete in the NCAA next year, raised his head and asked curiously:
"Lee, how do you deal with those big guys? I've been watching the game, and every time you switch to the frontcourt players, you are able to play effective defense."

Wearing a gray shaping shirt on the upper body and loose sweatpants on the lower body, Li You stood on the free throw line. After hearing the question, he smiled and said while holding the ball:

"I can't handle the big guys in the paint. Greg is so talented that he's a beast under the basket. No one can stop him."

Oden next to Conley showed a "mature man's smile". Li You noticed that everyone was still looking at him curiously and added again:

"More teams in the league are starting to switch defenses. Facing forwards, the first thing we have to do is to make ourselves strong, but don't force it. Remember to maintain our advantage."

“Small guys also have a lot of defensive skills, for example, starting with defending the catch and the drop.”

"Kevin, you can come and demonstrate to everyone. His current basketball skills are very mature."

Durant was eager to try and wanted to show himself. He was not interested in bullying the kids, but was more interested in defeating Li You. He subconsciously looked towards the sidelines with a smile on his face.
The crowd of onlookers started to make a noise. Looking at Durant who was actively showing off, Li You asked the usual question:
"Kevin, which star in the league do you like the most?"

As if he hadn't recovered yet, Durant instinctively opened his mouth and answered after hearing the question:
"Tracy McGrady, um, actually I have always been following the Knicks, and Lee is also my idol."

Seeing Durant's embarrassed expression, the crowd started to boo even louder. Li You waved his hand, looked at the "bamboo pole" in front of him kindly, and then said seriously:

"Choose a position you are best at to ask for the ball. I want to remind you that I will start by defending the ball. Don't be careless. Height can sometimes be a disadvantage."

Durant scratched his head, gave a dry laugh, and chose to ask for the ball with his back to the basket at the right elbow area. Outside the three-point line, Michael Conley was responsible for passing the ball.

Under the gaze of everyone, Durant was full of confidence as he was about to receive the ball. Then he felt a strong force coming from behind him. He used his torso to exert force and was pushed out.

After being pulled, he was almost squeezed to the three-point line. Durant, who was crooked, finally barely received Conley's pass.
"When switching defense, the smaller guys won't let you catch the ball easily. They will use their lower limbs to defend you, and they will also make various small moves when catching the ball."

After hearing what Li You said, Durant tried several times in a row and lost the dessert spot embarrassingly each time, which made the crowd boo even louder.

Kyrie Irving, who was sitting in the stands, couldn't help but stand up and applaud. Perhaps because he was thinking of himself defending the "big bamboo pole", Irving was particularly excited.

"You also need to be careful after catching the ball. When attacking facing the basket, be careful to protect the basketball in your hands and don't let it be exposed easily."

While Li You was speaking, he quickly cut the basketball out of Durant's hands. Durant, who had just turned around and was preparing to face the basket, could only scratch his head again.

"Snapped!"

"Oh!"

"Come on, man!"

From receiving the ball to releasing it, Durant would be cut off by Li You several times as long as he exposed the ball in his hand.

Durant, who was confused, finally learned to use his size advantage. He received the ball and turned around, instantly protecting the ball behind the right side of his body while taking a quick tentative step with his left foot.

When Durant took one step and tried to make a quick stop jump shot, the basketball was just raised to his chest when it was cut away by Li You.
"Pay attention to your ball-lifting movements, and don't expose the ball to me easily. You can try to kick the ball sideways, which can help you complete the attack more effectively!"

Li You cut the ball away and looked at Durant, who had begun to doubt his life, and then explained to everyone his prediction of cutting the ball.

When Durant sat back near the three-point line, he subconsciously glanced back and noticed that the goddess seemed to be clapping and laughing in the distance. His heart broke several petals at once.
Conley felt that he had gained a lot, and his eyes brightened up a bit, but when he saw Li You's sturdy arms and muscular upper body, he suddenly came to his senses:
“Uh, it seems difficult to do this.”

Under the instructions of Michael Snap, Li You also had to take care of his nephew. He waved to Jeffrey Jordan, who came in front of everyone with his eyes wide open.

"We also need to pay attention to details when defending the ball handler. We need to predict the opponent's psychological changes and use our brains when playing!"

Outside the three-point line, Jeffrey Jordan looked at Li You who lowered his center of gravity and looked at him. He was a little confused for a moment, and the feeling of defensive pressure was overwhelming.

He barely let go of the ball with his left hand and dribbled with his crossover step, but Li You stole the ball directly. Before Jeffrey Jordan could react, Li You held up the ball and said to everyone:

"You need to shift the defender's center of gravity, be quick when dribbling, don't fall into the trap set by the defender, and always pay attention to your footwork."

The confused Jeffrey Jordan understood it all. This time, facing Li You's side defense, he wanted to attack the defense's front supporting foot by changing direction under his crotch after releasing the ball.

Jeffrey Jordan, who had just switched to his right hand and lowered his center of gravity, had no time to accelerate when Li You in front of him suddenly changed direction quickly and cut the ball off the moment he stepped forward to defend.

Amid the cheers of the crowd, Li You raised the ball again and said seriously:
"This is a trap. You need to react faster than the defender. Don't take it lightly in the game!"

Jeffrey Jordan opened his mouth but couldn't say a word. The moment the bodies made contact, he lost control of the ball. How could he continue the game?

"Jeffrey, faster!"

"Your offensive intention is too obvious, Jeffrey, you need to sense the defender's center of gravity changes!"

"Don't do ineffective dribbling. It's a fatal mistake on the court!"

Jeffrey Jordan, who was constantly intercepted and unable to complete a single attack, was questioning his life and finally sat back outside the three-point line in a daze. The atmosphere on the scene became even more heated due to Li You's excellent defense.

Kyrie Irving looked so excited that he had completely relaxed. He wanted to cheer and shout a few times, and soon he heard his own name:

"Kyrie! Coming to the training camp means you are ready. Your fundamentals are excellent, but you still need to hone your defensive skills, which will help you take the next step!"

Irving reached the top of the arc and nervously rushed towards Li You. As soon as he finished speaking, he felt a chill in his crotch, and then he felt a gust of wind coming from his side.

"Oh!"

The crowd cheered as they watched Li You chase the ball, take three steps forward and slam dunk. For a moment, the stadium was filled with shouts.

"Remember, there is no age limit on the court! Go all out against any opponent!"

"."

(End of this chapter)