Broadcasting conditions were restricted in 1996, but fortunately, the attention to NCAA games has always been high.
Li You played an eye-catching performance in the game against Eastern Michigan University and refreshed the impressions of some scouts.
After all, basketball is about sending the ball into the basket. Although the opponent is not very talented, Li You's breakthrough in the first half of the game was too efficient.
Dave Wall, a senior scout for the Lakers, is primarily responsible for observing and evaluating players in the college league and international leagues.
He played for many teams such as the Washington Bullets and Philadelphia 76ers in the 1960s. He won the NBA championship in 1969 and coached some teams after retiring.
I just joined the Lakers management team in 1995. I went to watch the University of Connecticut game tonight mainly to observe Ray Allen, but I was attracted by Li You's performance after the first half.
"Extremely disciplined, good at using his body, not afraid of confrontation, and very good at finishing at the basket!"
"The explosive power seems to be lacking. Yellow race, 18 years old?"
Dave Wall drew a question mark on his notebook. He thought Li You was very interesting. Combined with the data he had collected before, it seemed that he had found a treasure.
At 32:40 of the half, UConn led by 8 points.
Many fans at the scene are still recalling Li You's performance. Young people always prefer fancy dribbling!
Although Ray Allen also performed well, Li You's several wonderful dribbles with the ball in hand left a deeper impression on the fans.
During the halftime break, Ray Allen couldn't stand it anymore. This was completely different from the Li You he had in mind:
"Lee, how did you do that, I mean, that crooked lob, how did you get the ball into the basket?"
The teammates also pricked up their ears, and they were able to score the ball after deforming their movements. This was indeed a bit magical.
Li You did not hold anything back and said seriously:
"Keep your center of gravity, and then throw the ball toward the basket. Be careful not to throw it crookedly!"
"Shhh!!"
Everyone booed and booed, and then everyone discussed Li You's sudden outburst.
"Flight service! It must be flight service!"
"Get through Jinmai! Just like those Hong Kong movies!"
"..."
Influenced by Li You, everyone will also watch some martial arts movies when they are bored. Apart from Bruce Lee's classic movies, the ones they watch most are Jackie Chan's movies... The second half
5 of 6 in the half, 11 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists and 1 steal. After coming on as a substitute, Li You exploded the opponent's small backcourt.
After coach Calhoun returned to the locker room, he was a little confused when he heard a bunch of "empty uniforms", but he didn't care about it. He took the initiative to pat Li You on the shoulder, and then continued to warn:
"To maintain the lead, we have to protect the rebounds. The opponent will continue to strengthen their shooting. That is their only effective offensive method."
"Nate, increase the defensive range!"
Following the instructions from the head coach, everyone became quiet again, and the players who heard the instructions nodded seriously.
When Li You heard that coach Calhoun was slowing down in the second half, he knew that his playing time would not increase.
At present, he is still a little uncomfortable with the NCAA's game rhythm. Whenever the team takes a lead, the coaching staff always chooses to hold on.
...
After the second half of the game started, Dave Wall, who was sitting in the front row of the audience, was a little disappointed. He noticed that Li You was sitting on the bench.
He quickly realized that Li You was still a sophomore.
"The style of play does not match his age. He is more mature than his peers!"
After writing down a feature again, Dave Wall smiled. He suddenly remembered the comments of his peers, and couldn't help but mutter in his heart:
“It’s definitely more like a high school student!”
Ray Allen's talent is blindingly obvious. His bounce speed, bounce, and shot height are not comparable to other players on the court.
Although he felt that the Lakers would not get the top five picks, Dave Wall still marked Ray Allen, and then he also marked Li You.
In the second half of the game, when Li You came on as a substitute, he returned to his regular point-control style.
After dribbling across half the court, he gives the ball to the inside player in the blocking area, and then follows his teammates to cover and run.
Each offense took close to 30 seconds to complete. Except for transition offenses at certain times, the Eastern Michigan Eagles were completely suppressed throughout the second half.
Seeing Li You making several interspersed runs and hitting an open three-pointer from the right wing outside the three-point line, Dave Wall nodded again.
Completely different from the data collected, although sophomore Li You doesn't have many opportunities, his influence on the team is not small.
There were no very exciting goals in the second half. They ran tactics, appeared open, completed shots, attacked in the low post, scored 2 points, and committed fouls in transition attacks. Both sides chose to let their opponents take free throws.
The enthusiasm of the audience is not diminished, as is the case in NCAA games, and the fans of the University of Connecticut continue to cheer, they are going to advance again!
In the end, the Connecticut Huskies successfully eliminated the Eastern Michigan Eagles at 65:74 and once again reached the Sweet 16.
After the game, Li You and his teammates waved to the University of Connecticut fans in attendance.
In 18 minutes of playing time, he made 6 of 9, including 1 of 3 three-pointers, 3 of 3 free throws, 16 points, 3 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 steal, and 2 turnovers. Li You's data increased a little.
Dave Wall glanced at his colleagues beside him, tidied his clothes and left quickly. As the draft approached, he needed to give feedback to the management on the players he was optimistic about as soon as possible.
The RCA Dome was still very noisy at the end of the game, and disappointed Eastern Michigan University fans were spitting...
Ray Allen enjoys this atmosphere very much. When he thinks that after entering the league, he will have to be the younger brother, he feels a little uneasy.
At the end, when he was about to enter the player tunnel, Ray Allen suddenly whispered:
"I don't know what the atmosphere is like in the locker room of an NBA team. Do rookies have to carry bags for veterans?"
Li You didn't expect that Ray Allen would also worry about this kind of problem. After all, high-ranking rookies are treated differently:
"Don't worry about this at all. The team that selects you regards you as the cornerstone of its team."
"One shoulder carries one head, and everyone just plays ball and earns a living. Don't worry about those old guys."
Ray Allen grinned when he heard Li You's words. He just needed some psychological comfort:
"Li, you will definitely succeed. God will always favor players who train hard. Hard training will eventually pay off!"
Li You just smiled in response, and the two of them walked quickly to the tunnel.
Back in the locker room, Li You cheered and celebrated with his teammates again. Coach Calhoun was also very happy, but when he thought about his subsequent opponents, he immediately reminded him:
"Take care of your body. We should change places tomorrow. Don't be stressed. We have achieved our goal this year!"
