I really can't handle the ball

Chapter 28 Prospect of Elite 8

After the three knockout rounds, as Marquette University killed the top seed of the tournament, the dark horse's posture was unstoppable, which also made the NCAA tournament organizing committee re-evaluate the strength of the teams that entered the elite eight.

After re-evaluation, the overall strength of the Marquette Golden Eagles ranks second in the Elite 8, second only to Duke University, which has four NBA-level players.

Coincidentally, these two teams happen to be facing each other in the next round.

So the media reporters started to make trouble again, warming up for this strong showdown.

"The sword points to the championship, a mountain that the Marquette Golden Eagles must climb!" "

The two strongest teams in the NCAA Tournament are about to meet! "

"The strongest dark horse VS traditional giants, who will win the game, we will stay tuned! "

These news are very attractive just by looking at the headlines, and it is difficult not to let fans click in to watch them.

After word of mouth among the fans, this elite 8 knockout match was advertised as the battle of the century.

******
In the tactical conference room of Marquette University, since the head coach Kline hadn't arrived yet, the players who had nothing to do were whispering and discussing the news reports about the Marquette Golden Eagles in the past few days.

"Our schedule is really unlucky. We defeated the top seed in the tournament, and then we will face the second seed in the tournament." Dinard couldn't help complaining.

"I read the news reports. Some well-known experts and celebrities publicly stated that Duke University has a high chance of winning, and they are not optimistic about us." Center Maynard said.

"Actually, we are not weak. We just killed the number one seed in the tournament, and now we have to face No.1, who has been re-evaluated by the organizing committee. If we kill them, we can become the number one again."

Since getting acquainted with Li Xuan and Wade, Novak has become bolder, and dared to speak out some remarks that he would not normally dare to express.

"Steve, I can't see that your self-confidence will be so strong. I agree with your statement. We have already defeated the top seed of the University of Kentucky. Will we still be afraid of the second seed of Duke University?" Dinar was confident. full of answers.

"Duke University may be the strongest team we have encountered before, and we must not take it lightly." Wade, the team leader, interjected in a timely manner, properly reminding his teammates not to be arrogant and arrogant, and to be careful in the gutter. Capsize.

After all, there are many examples of capsized boats in the gutter of competitive sports, not to mention that Duke is not a gutter, but a big ditch.

At this moment, the head coach Klein opened the door and entered the meeting room. Hearing the topics discussed by the players, he was a little worried that they would be influenced by outside public opinion, and said: "I have read almost all the news from the outside world these days. Yes, there are also those who look down on us, but these are not important."

"Don't be disturbed by outside public opinion, we just have to be ourselves, no matter what the result of the game is, I am proud of your performance."

After the players of the Golden Eagles heard the words of the head coach Klein, they all stopped talking and sat upright, listening to his next speech.

"Now, let's analyze the opponent in the next game-Duke University."

Klein asked his assistant to distribute the collected information, and then began to analyze the technical characteristics of the opponent's main players for his disciples.

"Duke University has always been a traditional giant in the NCAA and has trained many excellent players.

This year they are no exception, with 4 NBA-level players in the team lineup.

Power forward Sheldon Williams is 202cm tall and weighs 115kg.

Although not tall enough, this person's wingspan has reached an astonishing 224CM, and his static talent is terrifying.

As a freshman, he grew very quickly, and became the core inside of Duke University in less than half a season.

He has good mobility, can help defend the entire three-second zone, and has a very good ability to protect the penalty area.

Small forward Deng Tai-Jones is 198cm tall and weighs 95kg.

He has very good athletic ability, often staged explosive dunk performances, strong physical fitness and NCAA's top defensive ability make him the perimeter defense gate of Duke University.

Shooting guard JJ-Redick is 193cm tall and weighs 83kg.

Also as a freshman, he won a lot of honors in high school, and he was known all over the United States before entering college.

His three-pointer is Duke's deadliest weapon on the perimeter.

In this championship, he averaged 14.5 points per game, and his three-point shooting percentage reached 45%.

The last one is point guard Chris Duhon with a height of 185CM.

He was elected to the McDonald's All-Star Three-Point Contest and was one of the contributors to Duke University's 2001 NCAA Championship.

As a traditional point guard, Duhon resolutely implements the tactical intentions arranged by the head coach, controls mistakes very well, defends fiercely but is too conservative, and rarely risks stealing the ball. "

"The analysis of the technical characteristics of the opponent's players is over. Now let's explain the offensive and defensive tactics and assign you corresponding offensive and defensive tasks."

Crane began to assign tasks to the starting five.

"Lee, in the next game, I don't think Duke University will allow you to play in the low post easily, so you should mainly run without the ball and use your outside shooting ability to open up space for the team."

"Okay, coach!"

"Dwyane, your task is to connect the teams, create opportunities for Lee, and limit the opponent's shooting guard. When Duke University's defensive attention is all focused on Lee, you must resolutely break through the basket and cause damage. "

"No problem, coach!"

"Travis, your mission is to..."

After Klein finished assigning tasks and arranged tactics, he disbanded the team on the spot, asked the players to have dinner, and then returned to the dormitory to rest.

After the disbandment, Li Xuan and Wade did not leave the training hall, but found Novak and asked the tool man to bring them meals, while the two stayed and continued to practice.

"Let's go, let's go to the stadium to fight!"

"That's exactly what I mean. In other words, if I don't abuse you for a day, I will feel uncomfortable all over."

"Dwyane, stop bragging, we are about the same strength now, it's not certain who abuses the other."

"Li, you can't beat me if you don't improve your ball-handling skills."

"How will you know if you don't try?"

Immediately, the two rushed to the court with basketballs and protective gear, and began to fight one-on-one.

******
As time goes by, the elite 8 finals are about to begin.

Under the hype of the news media, it is difficult not to attract the attention of the outside world for this strong matchup between Marquette University and Duke University.

After the venue was determined, Battier, Maggette, Boozer and many other NBA players expressed on social media that they would find time to come to the scene to cheer for their alma mater, Duke University.

Among these NBA players, the most famous is Grant Hill, who is known as Jordan's successor.

Hill said he would bring his teammates McGrady and Mike Miller to the scene to cheer for his alma mater.

On the other hand, there are only a handful of NBA players that Marquette University can take, and there is no star with the same status as Duke University. Maybe Li Xuan and Wade will be Marquette University's front line in the future.

However, Li Xuan didn't care about these outside news. He spent every day in the training hall with Wade to improve his own strength and maintain a good competitive state.

Elite Eight, the Marquette Golden Eagles are bound to win!

(End of this chapter)