King of shooting guards

Chapter 219 Situation

The United States attaches so much importance to the World Youth Championship. As a team participating in the World Youth Championship, the United States has always maintained an arrogant and indifferent attitude towards the World Youth Championship.Not only the World Youth Championship, even the Olympics and World Championships, the highest honors in basketball in the world, may not represent the United States with their top players.

"American basketball is the best in the world. Even if the best players are not sent, the United States can win." This has always been the thinking of Americans.But in the past ten years, European basketball, which has achieved considerable development, has gradually shown a tendency to compete with American basketball. The South American upstart Argentina has completely overwhelmed the American Dream Team in the past few years.The United States is no longer "alone".Losing the world championship at home, the Olympic Games once again encountered Waterloo, the performance of the Dream Team made the United States Ball lose face, this World Youth Championship is held at home, the Americans have to earn back this face, plus "recover lost ground first" One step", the US team is going all out for this World Youth Championship.In this World Youth Championship, they almost summoned the top players of this age group.The first favorite to win the championship is of course the US team.

The record of European basketball in the world in the past ten years is enough to illustrate the strength of European basketball.World champion Serbia and Montenegro, European champion Lithuania, old European powerhouse Spain, and Germany are naturally strong contenders for the championship.

Olympic champion Argentina will naturally not give up the opportunity to add icing on the cake. In the U2017 World Youth Championship held in Greece in 19, Australia won the championship with a single horse. Today, two years later, you said that they did not have the strength to win the championship?
The other teams participating in the World Youth Championship gathered in the United States. At the same time as us, the media and experts made predictions about the situation of this World Youth Championship. Major gaming companies in the United States also offered odds for each team to win the championship.

Having said so many popular teams to win the championship, why is there no US National Youth Team?
Youth team?Counting the quarter-finals, no one thought about whether it was possible to reserve a seat for the China Youth Team.Even in the United States, most of the media did not calculate the possibility of the Chinese youth team breaking into the quarterfinals as usual (except for the "Sports Weekly" Min Hangyu column).Since the establishment of the World Youth Championship, the best result of the Chinese youth team is No.9.Two years ago, the U19 national youth team with the "Twin Towers" as the core was considered the most likely to make history and break into the quarter-finals, but the final result surprised everyone: a record of six losses and two wins Ranked third from last.The only two victories were won by a team like Malaysia, and the other was won back in the second confrontation with the opponent!The Chinese youth team, which has always been regarded as the number one in Asia, lost a net loss of 25 points in the game against the South Korean team.

Two years later, it was still the same Chinese youth team, but the absolute core "Twin Towers" were knocked down by injuries, and the Chinese youth team lost their generals before going out. How can such a team give people confidence?Sima Shenji and Li Zheng are the new generation of stars who have grown up in the past two years. They have not experienced the test of international competitions. In particular, there is Li Changgeng who was promoted from the league. With such a lineup, no matter how the media hype, The fans are still looking at this World Youth Championship with the mentality of: don't lose too badly.

As the protagonists of the competition, the members of the China Youth Team don't think about anything other than "playing every game seriously".

If someone in the national youth team said: "We are going for the championship." What kind of reaction will the media and fans have?
"Madman!", "Idiot!", a little more tactful would touch the speaker's head and say, "Are you having a fever and talking nonsense?"

No one would believe such words without common sense.At the press conference before the China Youth Team's departure, Sima Shenji's right hand was tightly clutching Li Changgeng's left hand next to him, because he knew that the boy next to him would definitely say such ignorant words.

Li Changgeng, who firmly believes that "a soldier who does not want to be a general is not a good soldier", believes that a team that does not want to win a championship is not a good team.Working towards the championship and striving for victory is the belief that every team should have, and it has nothing to do with strength.Young and energetic, he didn't pay much attention to the gap in strength, and there were not many examples of the weak defeating the strong.Didn't his own University of California, Los Angeles beat the amateur department?Li Changgeng was very disapproving of the stability of his teammates. He had a secret thought in his heart: In addition to seeing the strength of the world's masters, he also had to prove to everyone that it was possible for the Americans to defeat those world's powerful enemies.Championship is not that far away.

Naturally, Li Changgeng's little things couldn't hide from Geng Xiangzhi's sharp eyes, he didn't express anything other than a slight smile.

No matter how you think about the upcoming World Youth Championship, the US National Youth Team has finally arrived in the city where the competition will be held.As a third-rate team in the world, the U.S. national youth team is not qualified to attract too much attention. Except for some domestic reporters accompanying the team, the arrival of the national youth team did not attract more media attention.Silently and quietly, the National Youth Team has arrived at us.

There is still one week before the opening of the World Youth Championship, jet lag, team training to maintain state, Geng Xiangzhi still has not arranged any warm-up match in seven days.During this period, the national youth team was still under closed management, especially for Li Changgeng, Geng Xiangzhi secretly put an end to all possible interference with him.

On the first night of our arrival, the national youth team members who had not adjusted to the jet lag were chatting, and Li Changgeng continued his homework in his room with the books and notebooks he brought from China.

Aspirational room.

A person gently knocked on Geng Xiangzhi's door, opened the door, and Geng Xiangzhi appeared inside the door.Seeing the visitor, Geng Xiangzhi smiled and welcomed the visitor into the room.

Two cups of coffee were gently put down in front of the two of them, and the waiter opened the door and walked in.Two people sit facing each other in the room.

The conversation began with light pleasantries.

"Have you always been so punctual, old Smith?"

"Hehe, punctuality is one of my many strengths!" Lai said with a smile.

Smith?Yes, it is indeed Smith, the head coach of the University of Missouri basketball team, an old friend of Geng Xiangzhi, the Smith who has been paying close attention to Li Changgeng after watching the NCAA finals in the United States.

It has been more than two months since the final match. Within two months, Smith obtained the most detailed information about Li Changgeng.From his first league match to now being called by Geng Xiangzhi to the China Youth Team to participate in this World Youth Championship, including his family background, academic performance, teacher comments... In short, it is absolutely detailed.Within two months, Smith used absolutely convincing evidence to persuade the school's senior management to fully introduce Li Changgeng.

In two months, Smith, who had completed all this, had not had the opportunity to go to the United States to meet Li Changgeng and his uncle and aunt.

The World Youth Championship is about to begin, and Smith naturally knows what it means.

Sure enough, after a brief exchange of pleasantries, the two of them got down to business.

Geng Xiangzhi took the lead to end the greeting: "Li Changgeng thinks that your late-night visit is not just to cheer Li Changgeng up. Please tell me if you have anything to say."

"Of course I can't hide my intention from you." Smith smiled and took out a document from his briefcase and handed it to Geng Xiangzhi.

Geng Xiangzhi reached out to pick it up, and asked at the same time, "Li Changgeng?"

Smith nodded.

Geng Xiangzhi took the document, opened it, looked down, and asked, "Invitation to study abroad? Does the University of Missouri plan to introduce him to the basketball team?"

"That's right. I hope you can help persuade Li Changgeng to accept this invitation."

Geng Xiangzhi didn't answer the call immediately, he looked at the terms in the document carefully, and said in surprise: "Full scholarship, accommodation included, the best subject major... The conditions are very good! With this contract You can recruit any All-American star player."

Smith shook his head and said, "We don't have the terms of 'choose the best majors' to recruit stars. It is definitely the first time in the history of the University of Missouri to offer such favorable conditions."

Geng Xiangzhi read the contract, put it down gently together, picked up the coffee and took a sip, thought for a while and said: "It's lucky that you can persuade the school's leadership to recruit an Asian student with such generous conditions. He really Is it worth the price you pay?"

Smith smiled and said: "Is there anyone who understands his ability and potential better than you? Otherwise, why did you push him to participate in the World Youth Championship against all odds?"

Geng Xiangzhi blushed slightly, and changed the subject, "Why don't you talk to him or their uncles and aunts directly? Studying abroad is still very attractive to ordinary Americans. The coach Li Changgeng can't influence them Is it unnecessary for you to find Li Changgeng?"

"Geng Xiangzhi, my old friend, is it so difficult between you and me that you can't save your American twists and turns? Li Changgeng was introduced to me by you, and now you are his coach. Say hello to you and ask for your consent. And I hope you will support Li Changgeng and help Li Changgeng persuade Li Changgeng and his uncle and aunt to accept this contract."

Geng Xiangzhi held the coffee and tasted the coffee in the cup unhurriedly.It seemed that he was attracted by this exotic coffee, and he didn't answer Smith's words. The meaning was obvious-you should convince Li Changgeng first.

Smith looked at Geng Xiangzhi and said, "As a basketball coach, besides leading the team to achieve good results, the greatest honor is to create a world-class superstar. I and he have the potential to become a world superstar. He His talent is absolutely rare in our decades of basketball career. You and I cannot be tempted by such a talent.

"Defying all opinions, he was called into the National Youth Team to participate in the World Youth Championship. It can be seen that you also hope to train him yourself. You and I have known each other for more than ten years. Of course I know your ability. If he is entrusted to you to teach, A few years later, he will at least be another Yao Ming. But after the World Youth Championship, you will become the head coach of the U.S. national team without accident, and how many opportunities will you have to guide him like now?"

Geng Xiangzhi gently stirred the coffee, noncommittal to Smith's words.The spoon in his hand stopped stirring, looked up at Smith, and signaled him to continue talking.

"These are not the most important." Smith said and handed another document to Geng Xiangzhi.Geng Xiangzhi took it and opened it, which contained detailed information about Li Changgeng's family background, and even Li Changgeng's grades in elementary school were recorded in the record.Geng Xiangzhi smiled and said, "It's a pity that you didn't become an intelligence officer."

Smith didn't seem to understand the slight sarcasm in Geng Xiangzhi's words. His tone became deeper and he continued: "As the sole heir to a huge family business, his uncle and aunt will never support him on the road of basketball. Li Changgeng himself He has not yet become a professional player. Before he decides to become a professional player and has the ability to resist the decision of his uncle and aunt, it is very likely that his talent has been squandered by himself. Two years is enough for a Li Changgeng Reduced to mediocrity."

The smirk at the corner of Geng Xiangzhi's mouth disappeared instantly, and his face became solemn in an instant, "Crack!" Geng Xiangzhi lit a cigarette, and a curl of green smoke rose in front of Geng Xiangzhi, Smith's words also stopped at this time.

The room fell into silence, and a dignified atmosphere quietly rose.

After a long time, there was another smile on the corner of Geng Xiangzhi’s mouth—a wry smile, and Geng Xiangzhi said with a wry smile, “I’ve almost convinced you. Old friend Smith, the World Youth Championship is about to start, why can’t you wait until the World Youth Championship is over before meeting Li Changgeng?” That is, his uncle and aunt sat down to discuss this matter? Li Changgeng does not want any situation to disturb our preparation for the World Youth Championship. You know that Li Changgeng has put an end to all possible interference to him."

Smith also smiled bitterly: "If you didn't call him into the World Youth Championship, I would have no problem even if I waited another month. You should also know how many scouts are paying attention to these young players participating in the competition. I have no doubt that this Li Changgeng will have a wonderful performance in the competition, and you can imagine how many eyes will be on him. In the words of you Americans, I should probably call this a 'snapshot'. In fact, I have no choice but to drive out of Missouri There are not a few universities with the same qualifications, and the only advantage I have left is to get in touch with him first."

Geng Xiangzhi nodded thoughtfully. From Smith's standpoint, his actions are understandable.The two have known each other for more than ten years, and Geng Xiangzhi has a deep friendship and deep understanding of Smith. He is indeed a very good coach and a coach who really cares about the players.If Li Changgeng had to be entrusted to others to teach, Geng Xiangzhi would also like to be this Smith.

In fact, Geng Xiangzhi also knew that Smith still had some things to say. If Li Changgeng performed well, after the World Youth Championship, not only scouts from American college teams would be recruited, but there must also be some NBA scouts among them.At that time, they would bypass the National Youth Team and go directly to Li Changgeng.Geng Xiangzhi has no doubts about what kind of waves the news will cause if it spreads across the country.Enthusiastic fans and the media will definitely clamor "American Li Changgeng joins the NBA!" Under the pressure of huge public opinion, Li Changgeng's uncle and aunt may make concessions.People of the yellow race are inherently inferior to whites and blacks in terms of physical fitness, and their physical development is even slower than that of Westerners. The 16-year-old Li Changgeng is not yet mature in physical development.It would definitely be a disaster for him to join the NBA in a short period of time.

Studying abroad at the University of Missouri is not without its drawbacks.After all, Li Changgeng is only 16 years old, and studying in the United States alone will definitely encounter many difficulties.Although he has already won the championship, he is not a real college student. Now that there is such an invitation from such a university, he has to help Li Changgeng think about it, but it is impossible for him to directly make a decision.

After weighing the pros and cons, Geng Xiangzhi quickly made a decision.Raising his head, Geng Xiangzhi smiled at Smith who was watching him: "I just realized that the most suitable job for you should be a diplomat. You are really a good lobbyist. I am completely convinced by you."

Smith was overjoyed and said, "That's really great! You promised to help me convince Li Changgeng?"

"I'm just his coach. I have limited influence on him in this kind of matter. Don't have too much hope. And the final decision on this matter is still in the hands of his uncle and aunt."

Smith laughed and said, "Hehe, you are both his friend and his teacher (teacher and friend). No one can convince him better than you. As for his uncle and aunt, that will be a matter of future."

Geng Xiangzhi picked up Smith's invitation to study abroad on the table again, looked at it again, and said: "From the perspective of his family background, scholarships and the like are not very attractive to him. I'm afraid the payment was added because of this, right?"

Smith picked up the coffee in front of him and took a sip comfortably, without answering.

Picking up the phone on the table, Geng Xiangzhi made an internal call: "Li Changgeng? Come to my room!"

After a while, the doorbell rang and the door was opened, and Li Changgeng appeared outside.

Li Changgeng naturally couldn't fail to see Smith inside after entering the door.He asked Geng Xiangzhi in astonishment, "Do you have guests?"

"No, it's your guest!" Geng Xiangzhi introduced him with a smile: "Mr. Smith, the head coach of the University of Missouri basketball team."

"Hello!" The two shook hands and looked at each other at the same time.

In Li Changgeng's eyes, the white man in front of him is about the same age as Geng Xiangzhi and belongs to the level of "old man". His eyes flashed brightly, and he was staring at himself.The eyes are sharp but not offensive, on the contrary, it gives me a very friendly feeling.

Li Changgeng stared at Smith, and Smith was also sizing up his favorite Li Changgeng player. This was the first time he observed him so closely.Sunshine and handsomeness are his recent and long-standing impressions. After observing Smith from a close distance, he found that this sunny and handsome Li Changgeng is actually just a boy!The childish face clearly told Smith the age of the boy in front of him - 16 years old. 16 years old, I have enough time to train him into a
After exchanging pleasantries, Geng Xiangzhi, who was the host, relayed Smith's intentions aside.

"Study abroad?" Li Changgeng pointed at himself in astonishment, "Me?"

"Yeah!" Smith nodded affirmatively.Geng Xiangzhi pointed to the documents on the table and said, "The contract has already been brought. As long as you are willing to sign the contract, you will be an international student at the University of Missouri."

"Contract?" Li Changgeng picked up the documents on the table and flipped through them.

That is an English document!Smith, but Li Changgeng's intently flipping through it made him swallow his words again.

"The conditions are very favorable!" Li Changgeng's reaction was exactly the same as Geng Xiangzhi's after reading the document.

"You understand?" Geng Xiangzhi and Smith were surprised at the same time.

"Except for the slight lack of spoken English, Li Changgeng's English should be at the level of Grade [-]." Li Changgeng replied quite proudly.

The two middle-aged people in the room looked at each other, and a smile appeared in their eyes.

"What do you think?" Smith asked.

"Study abroad or this contract?"

"Both." Smith stared at the boy.Li Changgeng was undoubtedly the most nervous person in the room to answer.

Putting the contract back on the table, Li Changgeng pouted, and said, "The contract is very generous and impeccable; I already have one for studying abroad, and I'm also an NCAA champion."

Geng Xiangzhi picked up the coffee, glanced at Smith, and then lowered his head to take a sip.The expression clearly told him: Well, it's up to you.

Li Changgeng's answer did not come as a surprise to Smith. He never expected Li Changgeng to accept the contract immediately.After collecting his thoughts, Smith said: "Don't worry, it was a fluke for you to win the championship this time. Nearly half of the NCAA teams did not participate in this competition. As for the reason, you know it yourself!"

"Indeed, some people did not participate this time, probably because of money issues."

"But what do you want to express?" Li Changgeng looked sideways at Smith.

"First of all, from your birth family. According to Lao Geng's explanation, I probably know your family background."

Geng Xiangzhi, who was drinking coffee, almost choked the coffee from his nostrils with a "puchi", coughing and glaring at Smith: I told you?

Li Changgeng looked at Geng Xiangzhi strangely, and Smith next to him bowed quietly. Geng Xiangzhi took out a tissue and wiped the coffee from the corner of his mouth, glared hard at Smith, and regained his calm expression.

Smith continued: "Your birth determines that you don't need to sell your talents with a diploma like everyone else. For you who will inherit the family business in the future, a clear diploma is not the first thing, ability is the only thing. It is the most important thing. The University of Missouri may not be as good as your school, but you should believe that the University of Missouri can produce first-class graduates. And we specialize in training fighters, basketball fighters."

Smith looked at him expectantly...

"I..." Li Changgeng's face was firm while speaking, "Let's talk about it in the future! I might skip college and go straight to the NBA, don't you think so!"

The tone changed dramatically, and the two middle-aged people in the room also fell backwards at the same time with their upright bodies like cartoons, and fell on the sofa.

(End of this chapter)