Marcus stood on the court with a charitable heart.
He looked at the big man wearing sports glasses next to him and guessed that this was the disabled man Auston who was blind in one eye.
One of Auston's eyes is a prosthetic eye, so he wears sports glasses for protection when competing.
For Auston, being able to play in games, even in the Development League, is an extremely precious opportunity.
Auston cherished this opportunity very much. He seemed very serious. In fact, for such a patient with Marfan syndrome, every game must be regarded as the last game in his career.
After a missed shot, Auston desperately grabbed the offensive rebound. This was the first time he got the ball.
Marcus, who was facing him, hesitated slightly, then opened his arms, and did not try to block the shot, allowing Auston to lay up and score the ball.
The audience immediately gave Auston thunderous applause and encouragement. A disabled person can score a goal. This is very inspiring and worthy of people's cheers.
"Well, I'm here to do charity." Marcus thought to himself. He didn't take the goal seriously, but felt a bit like giving alms to a beggar.
In the next offensive and defensive round, Auston took the initiative to get the ball in the high post. Marcus did not immediately follow up on defense. Auston directly shot and scored two more points.
"It's not easy for a disabled person. Let me give you two more points." Marcus thought to himself.
…
One minute later, Auston received an assist from his teammate through an air cut and dunked. He had already scored 6 points.
"He scored 6 points. This charity is almost done. I have to defend the next ball seriously." Marcus comforted himself.
In fact, these three goals conceded were all caused by Marcus' defensive omissions. The former No. 1 center in the NBA did not take Auston seriously at all. Marcus felt that you, a disabled person, could still do it. What a turn of events!
However, what Marcus didn't know was that Auston, who had scored three goals in a row, had already gained confidence!
"It turns out that I am so good. I can score on top of the top center in the NBA, and I even scored 6 points in a row. It's like a dream!"
"No, when I was dreaming, it seemed like I really fought against Marcus. It felt like the Marcus in the dream was the same as the real Marcus."
Auston already has confidence, and he feels he has the ability to compete with Marcus.
On the next ball, Auston directly held the ball in the low post and beat Marcus one-on-one.
Feinting to deceive, turn, fake again, turn again, Auston directly used a set of fantastic steps to shake Marcus away, and then dunked with one hand.
The scene immediately became excited. A 7-foot-1-inch tall man used such deft steps and even managed to get away from the NBA's number one center!
More importantly, he is a disabled person!
After scoring the goal, Auston was stunned. He suddenly felt that the so-called No. 1 center in the NBA was not difficult to deal with.
In fact, Auston trained this set of steps in his dream for 500 hours. After nearly a thousand hours of competition, Auston has become very proficient in mastering this set of steps.
Marcus, who was on the opposite side, had a gloomy face. He felt humiliated by being beaten one-on-one by a disabled person.
"Letting you get three balls is enough to give you face, but I didn't expect you to go even further." A cold light flashed in Marcus's eyes, and he decided to show Auston a little more.
The ball was passed to Marcus, who chose to post up and dunk hard on Auston's head.
In terms of body, Marcus is indeed much stronger than Auston, otherwise he would not be the number one center in the NBA. Moreover, Auston suffers from Marfan syndrome, so it is impossible for him to pursue weight.
I saw Marcus holding the ball in his position and directly using his body to drive inside. Auston could not withstand Marcus' strength at all and could only keep retreating.
Then Marcus leaned against Auston and turned around.
But at this moment, Auston suddenly released his strength, causing Marcus' body to lose balance instantly.
Marcus is not a vegetarian. He stabilized his body instantly, adjusted his body to a suitable offensive rhythm, and directly attacked the basket.
However, Auston's hand reached out at this moment, reached up, and cut the ball away. The timing of this shot was perfectly chosen, and the action was also very precise.
A successful defense, in the eyes of professionals, is simply a textbook performance of the weak defeating the strong in low defense.
Marcus was angry.
When defending, we lost one-on-one, and when attacking, we also lost one-on-one, and the opponent was also disabled. This is so embarrassing!
After getting angry, Marcus decided to use 100% of his skills. No matter if he was disabled or not, if his opponent had no arms and legs, he would definitely not show off this time!
However, after several consecutive rounds of offense and defense, Marcus found that he had not taken any advantage at all.
The Auston he faced was far inferior to him physically, but his skills were very solid. More importantly, he didn't act like a rookie at all, but like an old guy who had played in the NBA for a long time.
Marcus even felt that this disabled person had richer competition experience than himself.
In the past few months, Auston's frequency of participating in games in his dreams has been comparable to that of an ordinary NBA player for thirty seasons, and he has also accumulated thirty seasons of game experience.
Is there anyone in the NBA who can play thirty seasons
Definitely not.
Auston is a rookie, but he has thirty seasons of competition experience. Take any undrafted rookie and give him thirty years of NBA experience and he can make a difference on the court.
In this game, Auston played 20 minutes and scored a near-double-double with 15 points and 8 rebounds. More importantly, he achieved this result over Marcus, who was once the number one center in the NBA.
In comparison, Marcus also scored a large double-double with 28 points and 15 rebounds. The data was more preliminary than Allston, but Marcus played a full 39 minutes.
Marcus really wasn't happy at all.
…
At the post-game press conference, Marcus faced reporters with a gloomy expression.
The data of 28+15 is already very good, but Marcus feels that it is not enough. Before he was injured, he was the number one center in the NBA, so Marcus felt that when he came to the Development League, he had to get a data of 30+20.
More importantly, the disabled man he faced scored 15+8. Although this is only half of Marcus's data, he has less playing time. If he also plays 40 minutes, O.K. Stan's statistics will not be worse than Marcus.
No comparison, no harm!
When I met Marcus, he felt that he had been hurt ten thousand times.
"I'm the No. 1 center in the NBA! It's so embarrassing to have the same statistics as a disabled person! If the results of this game are known, everyone will think that I can't even handle a disabled person!"
For Marcus, even if the data is a small victory, let alone the same data, he has lost. But to put it another way, if Marcus crushes Auston in the whole game, there is nothing to be happy about. You, the number one center in the NBA, beat a disabled person. That is perfectly normal. There is nothing worth showing off!
…
15 points and 8 rebounds is not a high figure in the Development League. Many players who cannot play in the NBA can easily average a double-double in the Development League.
But if you can get this data in Marcus' hands, it will be valuable. Even in the NBA, there are not many centers who can achieve this number when facing Marcus.
It was also his outstanding performance in this game that allowed Auston to win more playing time, and Auston's statistics also improved for the most part.
In the next five G League games, Auston can average a double-double of 25+15 per game.
Auston's skills and body are more than enough to cope with the development league games, but the thirty seasons of game experience he gained in Dreamland are something other players don't have.
The salary in the NBA Development League is very small. There was once a player who insisted on staying in the Development League and had to rely on part-time jobs and part-time jobs to make ends meet when there were no games.
After many young athletes have stayed in the Development League for one or two years, they find that there is no chance of entering the NBA, so they choose to play overseas, such as leagues in China, Turkey, and Israel. The salaries of foreign players are very good, and the worst is to go to the Philippines. It’s also higher than playing in the G League.
Therefore, the Development League is basically filled with rookies who lack game experience, and the experienced players have left long ago.
In this environment, Auston, who has thirty seasons of experience, stood out instantly.
Two months later, Auston finally got a chance to play in the NBA.
Auston signed a two-way contract, which means he can play for the Los Angeles Clippers for 45 days each season.
…
At the Clippers' training facility, Auston has already started practicing with other Clippers players.
On the sidelines of the game, Clippers manager Johnson was standing next to Dai Li, talking about Auston.
"Coach Li, you have really good vision. After watching his training, I can confirm that this kid can play in the NBA. He works really hard!" Johnson said while staring at Auston. That look was like looking at a money tree.
"He lost his eyes since he was a child, and he also suffers from Marfan syndrome, so he has already fallen behind before he even started. If he wants to continue playing basketball, he must work harder than normal people." Dai Li After a pause, he continued: "But there is no shortage of hard-working players in the NBA."
"His talent is also very good. It's a pity. If he didn't have Marfan syndrome, he might have become a great player." Johnson sighed.
"As long as he can stand on the NBA court, then he is a great player." Dai Li changed his voice and asked: "Are you really planning to let him appear in the Christmas game?"
"Yes! That was broadcast live across the United States!" Johnson put on an expression as if he had fallen into the eyes of money, and continued: "Through continuous efforts, a disabled young man finally stepped onto the NBA stage and fulfilled his dream. This What an inspiring story, it can already be made into a movie. So I have ordered 100,000 sets of jerseys for him, as well as various souvenirs... "
Johnson kept talking about his money-making strategies, while Dai Li shook his head helplessly.
For Johnson, inspirational role models like Auston are indeed a cash cow.
…
On Christmas Day, the Lakers faced the Clippers, a city derby, and it was broadcast live across the United States!
Auston sat on the bench with a confused expression on his face, as if he still didn't understand his situation.
It wasn't his first time coming to Staples Arena, nor was it his first time coming to an NBA game, but this time it was different. This time he was walking through the players' tunnel! This time his position is on the bench! This time he was wearing a jersey with his name on it!
"NBA, I'm finally here!"
A trace of crystal tears could not be suppressed in Auston's eyes.
Blind in his right eye and suffering from Marfan syndrome, Auston, a man abandoned by God, stood up again and again after experiencing blows and challenged his destiny.
Today, he finally came here as he wished. This Christmas, he got the best Christmas gift.
Auston still remembers that when he was twelve years old, he lost his right eye in an accident and his coach persuaded him to give up basketball.
But Auston did not compromise with fate. He loved basketball and he wanted to challenge fate.
In order to stay on the basketball court, he worked harder than normal people.
Because he has no right eye, when shooting, the opponent only needs to cover the left half of his sight with his hand to prevent him from seeing the basket.
Because he has no right eye, when defending in the penalty area, the opponent only needs to defend him from attacking on the left side.
So on the court, Auston is always targeted.
In order to continue playing, Auston worked hard on attacking on the right side. He couldn't see his right eye, so he could only attack by feeling. This was almost like a layup with his eyes closed.
He worked hard that ordinary people could not imagine, and finally succeeded. He became the top three high school students in the United States. He attracted many NBA scouts, and those draft websites predicted that he could be selected in the top three picks.
However, fate played another joke on him: he was diagnosed with Marfan syndrome!
This almost announced the end of his athletic career.
But he once again chose to challenge fate!
Once again he succeeded.
…
Finally, in the second half of the second quarter, Auston was put on the court.
At this moment, the entire audience stood up and began to cheer for him. As Li Dai said, as long as Auston can stand on the court, he is a great player.
On the court, his teammates gave Auston encouraging looks, while his opponents looked at Auston with mixed emotions.
Such a player abandoned by fate is now standing in front of them. Such an opponent will only shock people!
Catching the ball, turning around, hooking the ball, and scoring, Auston scored his first goal in the NBA.
It was also in this one that the camera lens captured tears in Auston's eyes, only the left eye!
Because his right eye is blind, his right tear gland has lost its function, so his right eye cannot shed tears.
It is this scene that seems to remind everyone that this is a disabled person and a person abandoned by God!
"La la la la la..." The applause was endless.
"Ouch, ouch, ouch..." screams resounded throughout the audience.
Even the referee didn't hand the ball to the player who served. He hoped that Auston could enjoy the cheers and applause for a while longer.
This was Auston's moment, even if he only scored one goal...
…
"Disabled people need to be strong!" Dai Li sighed with emotion.
Dai Li has given Auston 30 seasons of game experience. Based on this alone, he can definitely gain a foothold in the NBA, at least as a rotation player.
And Auston's career is destined to be short-lived. If one day, he is diagnosed with a heart attack or aortic aneurysm, then his career will also end. For people with Marfan syndrome, it's just a matter of time.
"That's all I can help you. I hope the complications of Marfan syndrome can come later, so that you can play longer in the NBA."
…
USATF.
"Mr. Chairman, Dai Li declined our invitation. He stated that he no longer wants to continue to be the head coach of the U.S. Track and Field Team."
"Why? We have given him enough power!" The chairman of the Athletics Association looked puzzled: "Is it because other countries' track and field associations have taken the lead? Or is he going to return to China as the head coach?"
"No, he's not accepting any head coaching job, he's going to have an Olympic training camp."
The chairman of the USA Track and Field Association tightened his expression: "What a huge ambition!"
…
Franz Muller is on vacation.
At the just-concluded IAAF Year-End Grand Prix, Muller won the men's pole vault championship. For him, this year's competition tasks have been completed, and he can enjoy a two-month vacation.
A reminder of a new email appeared on the phone screen. Mueller clicked on the mailbox and saw an invitation letter.
"Coach Li is going to start an Olympic training camp!" Mueller sat up from the recliner suddenly.
A moment later, Muller called his agent: "I'm afraid my vacation will end early. I'm going to Los Angeles. Coach Li has opened an Olympic training camp! Of course I'm going to participate! Next year's Olympics, I'm going to Defending the title!”
…
It’s summer in South Africa in January.
In the early morning, when Nick Zuma woke up, he found a strange beauty lying on his bed.
It's not a stranger to say they are strangers. After all, last night, Zuma and her fought for 300 rounds. At least physically, they were familiar with each other.
"What's her name?" Zuma shook his head. The hangover still had a great impact on him, making his thinking less clear. He only remembered that this beauty was a third-tier model.
For such a third-tier model, she naturally hopes to become a world champion like Zuma. If she makes some scandal, she might become an instant hit.
At the Olympics four years ago, Zuma lost to Irwin and only finished second in the 400m. However, when Irwin chose to retire again, the 400m event became Zuma's world. In the past two years, Zuma has swept the 400-meter championship in almost all major track and field events.
A new 400m king is born!
But Zuma always has one regret in his heart, that is, he lost to Alvin.
Zuma feels that he cannot be considered the king of the 400 meters until he breaks Alvin's world record.
Zuma drank a large glass of water and felt much more awake, then he came to the computer.
"Olympic training camp invitation, what is this? Coach Li? Is it the Chinese coach of the U.S. national track and field team? He invited me to the Olympic training camp!"
Zuma was shocked, and the desire for an Olympic championship emerged in his heart again.
"Four years ago, Alvin, who had retired, returned to his peak condition under the training of Coach Li. Maybe he will have a way to help me surpass Alvin!"
…
Justin Alexander stopped the car and glanced at the big sign of Coach Li's Physical Training Center not far away.
He took a deep breath and stepped out of the car.
A few minutes later, Alexander saw Dai Li.
"Coach, I want to participate in another Olympics!" Alexander said.
"Have you thought it through? After all, you are already 35 years old. When the time comes, you will have to compete with a group of young men in their twenties who are in their prime." Dai Li asked with a smile.
"Yes, I don't want to retire yet, I want to work hard again!" Alexander paused, and then said: "I saw the advertisement and knew that you opened an Olympic training camp, so I came over. I still remember, in Four years ago, you helped Alvin get back to the top. We trained together at that time, and I know you can definitely help me!"
…
Dai Li sent out more than 50 invitation letters, including American athletes and athletes from other countries. These are the players that Dai Li is optimistic about, and most of them have A-level or S-level talents.
At the same time, Dai Li also made a wave of advertisements and accepted exclusive interviews with some media magazines, telling the world that he had opened an Olympic training camp and welcomed athletes from all over the world to participate.
In the Olympic Games four years ago, many people still remember the miracles performed by the old, weak, sick and disabled American track and field team. Dai Li is also famous, so many athletes responded immediately.
…
Domestic, track and field management center.
At twelve o'clock at noon, Director Liu of the Track and Field Management Center walked out of the conference room.
Director Liu has already held meetings all morning and will have another meeting in the afternoon.
The beginning of every year is a busy time. We have to summarize the results of the previous year, review plans for the new year, and make various budgets. There are too many trivial things.
Director Liu stretched, then looked at his watch, preparing to go to the cafeteria to eat. At this time, the deputy director in charge of training came over excitedly.
Director Liu thought that there was still something unfinished at the meeting, so he asked: "Old Sun, let's go to the cafeteria together and talk as we go."
"Director, this matter is quite urgent." Deputy Director Sun said, "I only found out after the meeting ended. I just received several invitation letters from the United States. The person who sent the invitation letters was Dai Li. At the training center, he invited our athletes to participate in an Olympic training camp. I have verified it and it is true. This is the list of invited athletes, ten people in total."
Deputy Director Sun handed the list to Director Liu.
Director Liu took a quick look: "Are all the athletes in our track and field team who hope to win medals on it?"
"Yes, these ten people have already reached the Olympic A standard, so they do not need to participate in the next Olympic trials." Deputy Director Sun added.
"What about the cost? What did Dai Li say?" Director Liu asked next.
"The training fee is free, and if necessary, he can take care of food and accommodation. Director, should we let the athletes go?" Deputy Director Sun replied.
"What's your opinion?" Director Liu asked.
"I think this is a good opportunity. The level of track and field training in the United States is higher than that in our country, and Dai Li's achievements as the head coach of the United States track and field in the last Olympics are obvious to all." Deputy Director Sun replied.
Director Liu pondered for a few seconds: "The training fee has been waived. We will pay for the food and lodging ourselves. We can still afford it. Also, contact Dai Li to see if we can give him a few more dollars." A training quota is a rare opportunity, and if you can get one more, it’s a great opportunity.”
…
There was a trolley box beside Zhao Yingjie's bed, which contained freshly packed luggage.
He looked at the family photo on his phone, sighed slightly, and then dialed his mother's number.
"Mom, what are you busy with..."
"I'm fine..."
"I know, wear more clothes..."
"Mom, let me tell you something. During the Chinese New Year this year, I won't go back..."
"I'm going to the United States to train..."
"I don't know how long it will take. It may take several months..."
When Zhao Yingjie hung up the phone, he couldn't help but shed tears.
As an athlete, this is not the first time that I insist on training during the Spring Festival.
Zhao Yingjie still remembers that during the Spring Festival last year, he did not go home, but stayed at the base for training. His parents flew here directly and brought hot dumplings in a thermos bucket.
But this time, he is going to the United States for training, and his parents can't come with him.
"Mom, I really want to eat the dumplings you made!"