The most eye-catching NCAA player in 1996 was Allen Iverson.
Although after the fight in the bowling alley in 1993, academic basketball did not like this unruly little player, and none of the famous basketball schools gave invitations.
But when Georgetown University really acquired Iverson, many famous schools secretly took advantage of it.
Even if Iverson suffered some injuries when he came to college, his draft prospects would not be affected in any way.
It was a pity that Iverson lost the championship. He did not shed tears. After the game, at the press conference, Iverson was still the focus of the media.
"Even if we lose, as the No. 2 seed, we will reach the finals, not the Eastern Conference finals, but the finals. I will bring a championship to Georgetown University!"
No one cared about Iverson's bragging, and all the media reporters at the scene liked this statement.
Unlike Ray Allen's modest and cautious answer, Iverson was obviously more emotional. Coupled with his big eyes that showed emotion, many media also cheered in low voices for a while.
"Allen, can you talk about the last attack? Did Lee's defense interfere with your shooting?"
Most people in the media expect Iverson to complete the buzzer-beating game, and this championship game script is in line with everyone's taste.
Iverson didn't want to recall this round. Fortunately, he noticed that none of the sports media at the scene noticed that he had been blocked, so he immediately pretended not to care:
"The defense didn't do anything to me, I just didn't commit, and obviously God wasn't on our side tonight."
"As for Lee, maybe he should get a job in Hollywood and act in some kung fu movies. By the way, his fists are too soft!"
Seeing the slightly swollen right side of Iverson's face on the stage, Iverson made a joking gesture, and the media in the audience laughed in good faith.
They were too embarrassed to ask about the conflict, but Iverson took the initiative to mention it. Some media reporters whispered among themselves and quickly gave their comments:
"Allen Iverson has really matured!"
"..."
When head coach Jim Calhoun brought Ray Allen back to the locker room, everyone was already packing their bags.
Some black reporters are not very fond of the talented Ray Allen, thinking that he behaves more like a white man and speaks more like a British man.
"British Boy" is a reference to Ray Allen.
But both high school coaches and current coach Calhoun particularly like the self-disciplined and mature Ray Allen, believing that he can become a real leader.
"Well done, Li! I finally won a championship in college."
After taking the bag, Ray Allen smiled and patted Li You on the shoulder. This was his most compatible friend in college.
Li You just smiled. He was not satisfied with such results. After joining the team, he was on the bench in his freshman year and became a substitute in his sophomore year.
The stubbornness of academic basketball makes people unable to use it. Even a genius like Ray Allen started from the bench in his freshman year.
"Have a night's rest. We have to set off tomorrow. After arriving in Indianapolis, everyone will adjust to their condition."
“I don’t want to lose to Colgate University!”
Jim Calhoun is definitely the well-deserved boss of the team. He has coached at the University of Connecticut for 10 years. As long as he makes requests, the players must obey.
"Okay, coach, we're ready!"
The white big man Travis Knight hurriedly made a guarantee on behalf of his teammates. After becoming a junior, he is now considered the leader of the team.
Everyone responded, and coach Calhoun nodded with satisfaction. No matter what the final result was, winning the Big East Conference championship was considered an explanation.
Last year, the Healthy University women's basketball team won the NCAA championship, but the men's basketball team stopped in the top 8. This situation is somewhat embarrassing.
The lack of talented players is no longer an excuse, and Coach Calhoun is looking forward to even better results this year.
...
Cross-state flying is not pleasant, and the players are not big stars, so they naturally do not enjoy the benefits of NBA team charter flights.
In this era of scarce entertainment, the only entertainment options available are playing cards and reading magazines.
Ray Allen flipped through the magazine in his hand, and then said excitedly:
"The Bulls have a chance to break the regular season record. This year Michael Jordan will win his fourth championship. No one can match him!"
In 1996, 9 out of 10 people who liked basketball were fans of Jordan. Li You was not as enthusiastic as Ray Allen. For him, making money is the most important thing at the moment:
"I bet the Bulls will win 72!"
Li You held his chin and raised his eyebrows at Ray Allen. This kind of information was common sense to him.
"72 wins? That's an exaggeration, but maybe Michael Jordan can actually do it!"
"If it weren't for family, I would definitely enter the draft as a senior like Jordan. Lee, I suggest you play for another year and the head coach will give you more playing time next year."
Seeing Ray Allen turning into a crazy fan, Li You secretly curled his lips:
"It has nothing to do with statistics, it's just that those damn scouts look at people with a colored eye. I just have smaller muscles. These guys describe me as a middle school student!"
"Data can't change the bias. I need a job that makes money. I have to pay off my student loans. There are so many places where money is needed."
Ray Allen shrugged his shoulders. He has a son and can understand Li You's thoughts, but as a good friend, he finally said honestly:
"You may not know Kevin Ollie. He is about the same height as you, but his explosiveness may be better."
"He went undrafted in the 1995 draft. I remember his college data at that time was 6.3 points per game."
"There are too many center backs in the league. You have to be mentally prepared to participate in the draft this year."
Li You nodded helplessly, which is why he doesn't like academic basketball. He was in the atmosphere group last year and averaged 4.7 points per game. He was considered the ace player in the atmosphere group.
This year's average points per game have reached 9.8 points, 4.3 rebounds and 4.1 assists. This number ranks fourth in the team, but he can still only play as a substitute.
Coach Calhoun takes good care of him, but most of the main positions are occupied by a few juniors.
Except for Ray Allen, who has a few privileges, everyone has to run tactics step by step and grind out the attack time.
Thinking of the uncertain future, Li You also felt a little hesitation in his heart, and then he threw these thoughts of retreat behind his mind.
As a hanging ratio, he needs to go to a more talented league!
...
On March 14, the RCA Dome in Indianapolis was packed with seats, and the cheers of nearly 40,000 spectators filled the arena.
In the first round of the NCCA Championship, the game between Colgate University and the University of Connecticut lasted 7 minutes and 43 seconds.
After Ray Allen hit a three-pointer from the right wing outside the three-point line, the score reached 21:5.
After the opening of the game, the University of Connecticut suddenly went 15-0. Looking at Ray Allen celebrating his goal with one finger in the sky, many fans shouted happily.
Coach Calhoun is very satisfied with the team's performance. Maybe they can make a breakthrough this year.
Li You on the bench waved his towel and returned to his seat, sighing helplessly:
"When it comes to the downwind situation, everyone is brave..."
