Chapter 1 Skipping College

Skip college and go straight to the NBA?

And with Kobe and Su Feng together?

"Interesting, interesting."

In the stands, watching Kobe holding up the championship trophy in the center of the capital gymnasium, and Su Feng beside Kobe, Jackson, a scout for the Miami Heat, stroked his chin and smiled.

"I... I say, guys, although I... I know this is... is big news.

But... but we are not... not like those reporters, I... we don't... don't need to rush for news.

Lis... listen to me, wh... why don't we all talk about... ou... our opinions on Kobe and shu... Su Feng?"

Foyman, a scout sitting in the back row of Jackson, who had a bit of a stutter, suddenly suggested.

"Sounds good, who wants to go first?"

"Let Elvin go first, after all, this is his home turf."

"Elvin, remember Sean Bradley from Birmingham University back then? Haha!"

"Why are you guys so mean? What's wrong with Sean Bradley?

It's just... hahaha, I can't make it up, you guys go."

In the stands, the person being ridiculed by his colleagues was the "former" chief scout of the Philadelphia 76ers, now the chief scout's... assistant scout—

Elvin Martinez.

A bunch of nasty bastards!

It's been three years, and they're still bringing it up!

Are you still going to mention it in another three years?

At this moment, Elvin's mentality was collapsing.

Because in the summer of 1993, it was under his strong recommendation that the Philadelphia 76ers, holding the second overall pick, chose a player who was as tall as 229 centimeters...

The bamboo pole nicknamed "Human Highlight Reel of Dunks"—

Sean Bradley.

Well, the 76ers perfectly avoided all the correct options in the 1993 draft.

Because of Bradley's height of 229 centimeters, as well as his humble, low-key, and gentle personality, the 76ers decided to take a gamble on him.

Unfortunately, no matter how hard Bradley worked, with his body that couldn't gain weight no matter how much he ate...

Apart from making countless beautiful girls drool, on the basketball court, it really could only be described with the word "tragic."

Perhaps no one was more popular than Bradley in the NBA of that era.

Because as long as you searched his name on YouTube, what you found were nothing more than "Bradley's Top Ten Classic Dunks," "You Can't Even Call Yourself a Dunker If You Haven't Dunked on Bradley," and other videos.

The "Immortal-like" Bradley, with his thin body, raised the quality of dunks in the NBA of that era by a whole level.

Elvin's judgment had a problem, mainly because he was too superstitious about Bradley's height of 229 centimeters.

ESPN once compiled an interesting set of data in the future.

When Yao Ming retired, there were 15 players in the NBA who were over 221 centimeters tall.

Of these 15 people, 5 played for no more than 2 seasons.

And among these 15 people, only two had a season average of 20+ points, namely Ralph Sampson and Yao Ming.

In addition, among these 15 people, only three had a season average of 10+ rebounds, namely: Arvydas Sabonis, Sampson, and Yao Ming.

Surprising, isn't it?

Unexpected, isn't it?

This may be the best rebuttal to those who think Yao Ming only played basketball because of his height.

The NBA has never lacked giants.

But among players over 221 centimeters, Yao Ming's shoulder width, hip circumference, agility, coordination, and speed were all once-in-a-century occurrences.

Not every little giant is called Yao Ming.

Because the American version of the little giant, Bradley, told the world with practical actions that the NBA isn't a place where you can play just because you are tall, humble, gentle, and polite.

This is a league full of supermen.

It is also a league where the strong prey on the weak.

Therefore, after Bradley brought disappointment to Philadelphia fans time after time, Elvin lost his chief scout position.

If it weren't for the 76ers' boss considering Elvin's years of hard work, he might not have even been able to keep his job as an assistant scout to the chief scout.

And it was from then on that Elvin changed.

He began to do what his heart told him.

He began to like to borrow the evaluations of the media or his colleagues, because he felt that he had lost his judgment as a scout.

In order to make a living, he chose to...

Muddle along.

After all, a job with a stable income was too important for Elvin, who now had a family and children.

But, for some reason...

Ever since he received John Lucas's order to write him three reports on Kobe and Su Feng every week, Elvin felt...

That damn judgment of his...

Was back.

At this moment, looking at his colleagues around him laughing at him, Elvin thought: Just laugh.

I—don't—care!

"I'll start by talking about my opinion of Kobe.

He is technically comprehensive and has outstanding physical talent.

In his freshman and sophomore years, he played all five positions on the court.

In addition, in his senior year, his organizational skills have improved significantly.

Therefore, I think that if Kobe skips college and enters the NBA, his draft pick should not be lower than the top twelve in the first round.

Now let's talk about my opinion of Su.

Su has an enviable pair of big hands and long arms.

His outstanding static talent allows him to defend from the point guard to the center position in high school leagues.

In addition, he is an excellent shooter and recently had a performance where he hit 10 three-pointers in a single game.

At the same time, he is also the leading scorer in Pennsylvania this season. It can be seen that he has worked hard on many offensive skills in the summer.

Therefore, I think that if Su skips college and enters the NBA...

I am willing to bet on his future with the 24th pick in the first round." Elvin looked at his colleagues and said.

"One in the top twelve of the first round, one in the top twenty-four of the first round, Elvin, do you know what you are saying?

This is not 1993, this is 1996!

Do you know how many excellent young talents will participate in this year's draft?"

Scout Adams shook his head and then gave his opinion:

"I admit that Su and Kobe both have many advantages.

But take Su as an example. Although he is the leading scorer in Pennsylvania this season...

I have observed his offensive methods, which are mainly catch-and-shoot jumpers, pull-ups, and turnaround jumpers.

In high school leagues, Su can crush his peers with his physical talent, but what about in the NBA?

He lacks offensive methods and lacks the ability to attack with the ball as a guard.

Therefore, I think Su is worth a mid-second round pick at most."

"I agree with Adams's opinion."

"I second that."

"But..." Elvin originally wanted to argue, but Jackson pulled him aside.

"Adams is right," Jackson said with a smile.

"But, I have some interesting information that I want to share with you here," Jackson suddenly said mysteriously.

Foyman next to him was anxious, "You... you... ha... have so... something to sa... say it qu... quickly!"

"Do you know that in late November, John Lucas, the head coach of the Philadelphia 76ers, went to Lower Merion," Jackson said.

Tch!

I thought it was some big news!

John Lucas lives in Philadelphia, so it's normal for him to watch Kobe and Su Feng play, right?

"Don't worry, listen to me, do you know that Jerry Stackhouse accompanied John Lucas on this trip," Jackson added.

"Is that the genius from North Carolina? Michael's junior?"

"I've seen him play in person. He's a very talented young man."

"But what does this have to do with Su and Kobe?"

Jackson spread his hands. "It has a lot to do with it, because in Lower Merion, Jerry invited Su and Kobe to play one-on-one against him separately.

Guess what happened?"

"..."

Looking at Jackson's mysterious face, almost all the scouts cursed the American national curse in their hearts.

"Su and Kobe both won against Jerry!" Jackson smiled.

"That's impossible! How could Jerry..."

"Where did you get this information from?"

"Is the information accurate? Is there a video?"

"There's nothing impossible, and the information is of course accurate.

As for the video, I don't have it," Jackson said to everyone.

Huh?

No video, then how can you say...

"Don't believe it? If you don't believe it, you can ask Elvin.

And you can go and read the Chinese media reports," Jackson said with a smile, patting Elvin on the shoulder.

"Chinese media? Could it be that they want to use this method to promote Su?" a scout speculated curiously.

"Is there any need for that? You can also ask the players from Lower Merion in private. They were all there that day," Jackson added.

"But this is also..."

"Elvin, is this true?"

"Su and Kobe really beat Jerry?"

In the stands, Elvin was a little confused as he watched everyone look at him again.

No, don't be surprised. Elvin was confused not because everyone was looking at him, but...

How did this get out?

On the other side, Martin, a scout for the Los Angeles Lakers, was also stunned. What the hell, where did Jackson get this news?

Could there be a mole among us?

You know, the reason why Martin knew that Su Feng and Kobe had won against Stackhouse in a one-on-one was because his nephew, Swartz...

Was studying at Lower Merion and was a teammate of Su Feng and Kobe.

It was normal for Elvin to know this news in Martin's opinion, after all, he was a scout for the 76ers.

But how did Jackson know?

Chinese media?

What the f**k?

Martin subconsciously blurted out a curse.

Because he was very worried...

That this news would disrupt Jerry West's arrangements for the upcoming draft.

In the stands, Elvin's default was almost an admission.

"This is unbelievable, they are just high school students."

"Although it's just a normal one-on-one, and Jerry is likely just playing with them..."

"Interesting, so interesting, it's a pity there's no video, it's such a pity."

"But guys, I don't think we can make judgments based solely on this kind of news.

And there's also the McDonald's All-American Game coming up.

So I think we still have time to revise our judgments." Scout Adams also felt that he had to observe Su Feng again after hearing this news.

It would be best if he could invite Su Feng to Phoenix for a tryout in the future.

"I... I..."

Foyman, who was sitting in the back row of Jackson, seemed to be about to say something, but the stuttering made him feel like something was stuck in his throat.

At this time, Philip, who was sitting next to Foyman, smiled and said, "Let me speak for you, old buddy."

Looking at Philip, Foyman nodded.

"I think, no matter what, guys, Kobe and Su are both objects worthy of our investigation.

After all, after they announced that they were skipping college, you also know that we don't have much time to observe them anymore.

I think both Elvin and Adams have made very good points.

Kobe's offensive skills are comprehensive, and in my opinion, he is more mature than many NBA players.

He has a broad vision and is an excellent finisher.

In high school basketball, even when he is double-teamed by three players, he can calmly pass the ball out.

In addition, Kobe has a fanatical desire to win, he is a player who can dominate the game.

But you also know that Kobe has the potential to become Harold Miner, so...

I think Kobe can be considered to be bet on with a mid-first round pick, of course, the lottery is also fine, because he is worth the price.

As for Su, Adams just mentioned that Su lacks offensive methods.

It is true that in high school leagues, Su's physical talent has brought him a huge mismatch advantage.

But please think about it in reverse, doesn't this precisely mean that Su knows how to read the game?

He knows how to use his advantages, and I have also watched many of his games this season...

In addition to the offensive methods that Adams said, Su has obviously added a lot of low-post offense when attacking.

Even his feints and some rhythm changes make me feel that he is already a professional player.

Okay, Adams, don't look at me with that kind of look.

I know that Su's current offensive methods are still very rough, and can even be described as clumsy.

But, doesn't this precisely prove that he has a certain talent on the offensive end?

I don't know what you guys think, but I am very optimistic about Su, and the reason why I am optimistic is not because of his performance on the offensive end.

But because of his performance on the defensive end.

Guys, what is the most valuable talent in the current league?

Is it jumping ability? Is it speed? Is it shooting? Or is it height?

I don't think so, because in my opinion, even if Su only becomes a spot-up shooter in the NBA, I think he is worth a gamble.

Because he is an excellent defender, and defense is precisely something as precious as a diamond in this era.

Su never gives up on the court, perhaps his ceiling is not as high as Kobe's, but his floor will never be too low.

I think he deserves a first-round pick, if I were to choose." Philip concluded.

"Indeed, Philip is right."

"I agree!"

"I second that!"

"Of course, whether it's Kobe or Su, they are both pieces of gold of unknown purity.

But, guys, isn't this precisely the most interesting thing?

If they were all Tim Duncan, then what would we be arguing about here today?" Philip added.

"That makes sense, hey, although this year's draft is called the Golden Generation...

I always feel that the competition in next year's draft will be very fierce!"

"Just kidding, I'm not bragging, Tim has no shortcomings except for being young."

"Anyway, my template for Tim is Hakeem (Olajuwon)."

"I think Tim might be the most technically proficient rookie in the NBA in the last ten years."

"Yeah..."

In the stands, watching his colleagues who were talking about Duncan again, Elvin quietly approached Jackson.

Just like players have their own circles, coaches have their own circles, scouts also have their own circles.

During this period, because information was not as easy to collect as it would be in the future, most NBA scouts would share some information and data with their colleagues.

Some scouts would even borrow media reports.

But in Elvin's opinion, information like Su Feng and Kobe having defeated Stackhouse in a one-on-one was already classified information...

For the 90s, which had no social networks, whoever mastered these secrets of the rookies first would have the absolute upper hand in the draft.

So Elvin really couldn't understand why Jackson would...

"I know what you're thinking, Elvin.

But the fact that Su and Kobe defeated Jerry will be known to everyone before the draft sooner or later," Jackson patted Elvin on the shoulder and said quietly.

"Is it because of the Chinese media?" Elvin said somewhat helplessly.

"I know you are very optimistic about Su and Kobe, after all, you are in Philadelphia," Jackson said with a smile.

"But buddy, don't you think..." Before Elvin could finish speaking, Jackson interrupted him.

"You are too honest, buddy."

Jackson spread his hands. "Back in '93, I thought you were an honest man.

But I didn't expect that after 3 years, you still haven't learned anything."

Elvin: "..."

"Do you really think Adams was deliberately picking on Su just now?

I already have reliable information that Phoenix is very interested in Su.

Believe me, they will definitely be one of the first teams to send Su a tryout invitation.

Elvin, sharing information is correct.

But as scouts, what we are responsible for is not just providing information to the team.

If it were a time of war, and each NBA team was regarded as a country, then we would be special agents, you understand?" Jackson said with a smile.

"This... Phoenix is very interested in Su?" The honest Elvin was stunned.

"You're not really a chief scout because you got in through the back door, are you?" Jackson asked curiously.

"Uh..."

"Do you know that Foyman and Philip are actually working for Jerry West?" Jackson said close to Elvin's ear.

"Ah? But... isn't Martin the Lakers' scout?" Elvin said in shock.

"Martin is just a pawn...

Los Angeles is very interested in Kobe, so Philip just diverted everyone's attention to Su.

You see, when he was evaluating Kobe, he was just using our unanimous opinion.

But when he was evaluating Su, he analyzed it so thoroughly.

Because Philip doesn't want us to pay too much attention to Kobe, you know?" Jackson said with a smile.

Elvin felt that he understood everything now.

F**k!

These guys who play with intelligence are too dirty!

"So, I'm just helping them," Jackson added.

"Why?" Elvin asked in confusion.

"Because, I'm also very interested in Su.

I can't wait for this pool of water to get muddier and muddier!

And you know, the league has already begun to fully intervene in the Chinese market," Jackson said with a smile.

"I know, but I'm not very optimistic about the Chinese market," Elvin said.

"I'm not optimistic either, but I'm optimistic about David's (Stern) choice," Jackson said.

"But, if you are very interested in Su..." Elvin felt that he had already gotten into a dead end.

"That's why I shared that information, because at that time, people won't just be paying attention to Su.

And, who told you that what I just told you was the truth?

Maybe, I want to suggest that the team choose Kobe?" Jackson laughed loudly.

Elvin: "..."

Feeling somewhat powerless, Elvin looked up at the dome of the Harrisburg Capitol Sports Arena.

Then, just as everyone's attention was drawn to Lower Merion, who was celebrating in the center of the court...

Elvin, who couldn't pretend anymore...

Suddenly, a strange arc appeared on the corner of his mouth.

Three years, do you really think I spent these three years in vain?

Perhaps I was an honest man three years ago.

But three years is enough to change too much, too much.

Since you have labeled me as an honest man, then I will not be polite.

In fact, Elvin was no stranger to the infighting between scouts.

Because in the 90s, all scouts would do this.

Still that sentence.

In this era without social networks, whoever has the most core information can have the last laugh.

Take the classic trade between the Raptors and Warriors in the future as an example. It was precisely because the Raptors knew that the Warriors wanted Jamison that they intercepted Jamison.

And they also used Jamison to trade for Carter and cash that they wanted.

There were many more of these kinds of infighting during the draft in the future, plus this year was also called the Golden Generation by the media, to put it bluntly...

The investment of each team in the draft this year far exceeded previous years.

So today, when Foyman proposed that everyone analyze the market for Kobe and Su Feng, Elvin told everything he knew like an honest man.

Of course, what Elvin explained was what he knew as an honest man.

And the real, core information about Su Feng and Kobe will appear on the desk of 76ers head coach John Lucas in a few days.

This was a piece of information that Elvin had spent a whole year investigating.

"Kobe has the potential to become the next Michael Jordan. He never gives up and is full of competitiveness.

I don't think he will become Harold Miner, because Kobe's basic skills are very good.

Therefore, if possible, I suggest that the team can use a xxxx draft pick to select Kobe.

In addition, after my investigation, I found that Su has only formally accepted basketball training for two years.

His foundation was very poor before, but in just two years, his progress can only be described as rapid.

And I hope that the team can pay more attention to the news from China, because once the NBA decides to intervene in the Chinese market, I believe in David's (Stern) determination.

Therefore, if possible, I suggest that the team can use a xxxx draft pick to select Su."

Elvin's intelligence can only be described as detailed.

Even when making this intelligence, Elvin also inquired about a lot of news from Su Feng's teammates, coaches, and classmates.

In short, it was...

Two young men who were terribly disciplined, two young men who were full of desire to win and fanatically loved basketball. In Elvin's opinion, Kobe and Su Feng, these two pieces of gold of unknown purity, were worth a gamble.

So, no matter how muddy this pool of water was, Elvin was not afraid, because as long as the 76's management and coaching staff were willing to believe him, no one would bid higher than them.

In fact, Elvin had already known about Phoenix's interest in Su Feng.

Elvin even knew things that Jackson didn't know.

For example, Seattle was also very interested in Su Feng.

"I think Su's actual draft pick should fluctuate between the first round and the second round. I have to say, he is a fascinating little guy..."

Looking at Su Feng, who was already wearing a hat symbolizing the high school league championship in the center of the court, Elvin smiled.

...

Ahem, just as the scouts in the stands were fighting each other...

In the center of the Capitol Sports Arena, Su Feng received the first FMVP trophy of his basketball career.

In the finals, Su Feng scored a game-high 40 points.

Although his teammate Kobe also put up luxurious stats of "20+10+10", perhaps in order to not leave regrets for this pair of CP in their high school career, the event organizing committee finally decided to award the FMVP to Su Feng.

And in this way, Su Feng also became the first Chinese player in American high school basketball history to receive this honor.

In addition, in the 95/96 season, Su Feng was named the leading scorer in the Pennsylvania High School Basketball League with an average of 33.5 points, 6.5 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 2.0 steals, and 2.5 blocks per game.

And Su Feng and Kobe were also selected for the All-State First Team.

It is worth mentioning that this year's season MVP is still Kobe's, after all, the data from the sewers is so good-looking...

In the 95/96 season, Kobe was able to get an average of 27.4 points, 12.8 rebounds, 10.2 assists, 3.4 steals, and 3.6 blocks per game, achieving the season triple-double achievement and officially becoming the King of the Sewers.

Cough...

Speaking of which, as a defensive genius, Su Feng also defended the Pennsylvania Best Defensive Player award...

Su Feng: orz.

In the center of the Capitol Sports Arena, enjoying the cheers from the people of Pennsylvania, Su Feng and Kobe looked at each other while wearing hats symbolizing the state championship.

Well, anyway, senior year of high school is over.

Now, it's time to move towards the NBA!

...