(This chapter is also a transition. In the next chapter, Chen Jie’s competition officially begins. It has been foreshadowing for so long, and it’s time to get to the point. Every foreshadowing and foreshadowing in the early stage will be slowly unfolded. It feels so slow.
Hey guys, you can come back!)
After this not-so-heart-to-heart talk with Coach K, Chen Jie felt that a lot of his burdens had been lifted. At least, knowing that Old K had put his good intentions into practice, Chen Jie didn't complain now, but was more moved.
Since Lao K said that, Chen Jie naturally returned to the team for training the next day.
Xiao Hei is now the most popular player in the team. Although he is not as good as Redick, he has the faint idea of surpassing Shelton and Duhong. With him around, Redick does not dare to be too presumptuous with Chen Jie.
Training and going home, Chen Jie's life has become such a simple but fulfilling two points and one line.
Before you know it, Duke University's Atlantic League games are over, it's March, and the season has officially entered the knockout stage.
After that victory over the University of North Carolina, Duke University has made rapid progress, firmly won the first place in the Atlantic League, and successfully entered the NCAA Top 64. But this is just the beginning.
According to NCAA regulations, after the regular season ends in early March, most leagues will select the top eight teams in the league and cross-pair them for a new round of league championships. The winner will be determined by one game, which adds more to the game.
of suspense.
The format of the divisional championship is determined by each division and is different. It is concentrated in early to mid-March every year, so this period is called "Championship Week".
Therefore, after the Round of 64, Duke University will continue to challenge these old regular season opponents in the Atlantic League and eliminate them. Only by winning in the end can they enter the Sweet 16.
Chen Jie was completely confused by this bizarre competition system.
At the mobilization meeting in the locker room, Chen Jie took the game schedule in his hand and still complained: "What the hell does this mean? We have already tortured our opponents once, and we have to torture them a second time? Can't you save some face for others?"
?”
Xiao Hei next to him smiled slightly. In the past few months of the regular season, Chen Jie still didn't get much playing time. Of course, his performance couldn't be said to be eye-catching, but he didn't seem to care at all. Instead, he trained even harder.
Although Hei was puzzled, he was very happy.
Old K was talking in front. When he saw Chen Jie mumbling, he was slightly startled and stopped and said, "Jie, what did you say?"
After that conversation, Chen Jie's change was seen by Old K. In training, he still worked as hard as before. Although he didn't play much time in the game, he tried his best to do his job well and worked harder to integrate into the team. Although
He still has his own distinctive character traits, but Lao K is already satisfied.
The reason why he has not increased the weight of Chen Jie's competition is because he is considering making him a secret weapon in the knockout rounds.
The strength of NCAA teams is uneven. For a team like Duke University in the regular season, except for facing its archrival North Carolina, other games are really irrelevant, or there is no challenge.
For Chen Jie, he just needs to find his form and fit in with the team in such a game. The knockout round is the stage for him to show his strength.
Lao K didn't say these words, but looking at Chen Jie's performance, Lao K knew that he should understand.
However, today during the mobilization meeting, he actually spoke in public, which made Lao K frown.
"No, I didn't say anything. Coach, you, continue talking!" Chen Jie had a playful smile on his face. Impressed by the charm of Old K, he now admires and respects the world's famous coach more than he did in his previous life. In such a
Chen Jie feels that playing under the coach is a very lucky thing, so although he still doesn't get much playing time, he is content with it.
What's more, he knows his own strength and will not belittle himself or be arrogant or arrogant.
Old K was really speechless at Chen Jie's expression. This disciple whom he regarded as his most valued one had such a character. What could he do? After a pause, Old K continued to explain the acquired opponent's dimensions.
Forest University, Chris Paul's alma mater.
At this time, Paul was already the leading point guard at Wake Forest, but he would only enter the NBA in three years. His current performance can only be said to be somewhat outstanding, but not yet dominant.
So Duke University is completely unafraid.
In this NCAA, except for Syracuse University, which has Carmelo Anthony, a talented player who is highly popular in the summer draft, and Georgia Tech, which has Chris Bosh, Duke University is not afraid.
As long as you play to your own level, other teams should be able to beat you.
Although Marquette University has Dwyane Wade, who will later shine in the NBA, the lack of overall strength makes Duke University feel that this team will not face much challenge.
But in fact, in a previous life, Marquette University finally reached the semi-finals, while Duke University was only in the top 16.
Listening to Lao K's analysis of the opponents he will encounter in the future, Chen Jie feels that they have neglected Dwyane Wade.
The former NBA Flash, who single-handedly reversed the situation in the 2006 Finals, is definitely not as simple as he seems now.
I hope that my appearance can rewrite history.
Chen Jie thought this sentence silently in his heart.
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………
As expected by Old K, in the first knockout game, Duke University defeated Wake Forest University by a huge score. Chen Jie, who faced off against Chris Paul for less than three minutes, felt that this future superstar was obviously not as good as he was later.
Think about the big picture.
However, when I think about my past life, I met him in a game between the Rockets and the Hornets. He suddenly emerged and scored eight points in a row, which made the Rockets, who were injured by Tracy McGrady, collapse. In that game, Yao Ming blocked eight shots and also scored 8 points in a row.
Chen Jie's memory of almost having a fight with Birdman Anderson was still fresh in his mind.
When shaking hands after the game, Chen Jie whispered in Paul's ear: "You played very well. See you in the NBA in the future!"
Paul was stunned at the time, looking at this player who was still a substitute at Duke University. He didn't say anything, but he remembered his face.
Chen Jie's words at this moment were not answered until Paul entered the NBA.
Of course, these are all things for later.
March Madness games were played one after another. Standing at Wake Forest, Duke University won another game. In the final game against North Carolina, if they win, they will advance to the top 16. If they fail, they will go home.
In Durham City, the streets are empty again!
Chen Jie was changing clothes in the locker room before the game when he suddenly saw Old K walking up to him and stopping in front of him.
"What's wrong, coach?" Chen Jie asked curiously.
"Today, you are the starter! Play well!" Chen Jie was stunned by these words from Old K. After a moment, he was ecstatic.
Starting, Chen Jie’s first starting game in his NCAA career is finally here!
He has been waiting for this moment for a long time!
