Chapter Nineteen: The Court Sprite
While Terry Johnson stood there looking utterly bewildered, nothing on the court had changed. In the locker room, players changed their jerseys, drank energy drinks, and chatted in small groups. This was his second-chance offense: "Curry and His Rebounders."
"He'll be an unconventional point guard, one who combines playing on the ball and off it perfectly," Zhang Yu said.
"He'll be an unconventional point guard, one who combines playing on the ball and off it perfectly," Zhang Yu said.
"Fortunately, he can play off the ball, too," Stevens said with a laugh.
"He still doesn't like physical contact much. That's understandable; it's hard for him to gain an advantage in a physical matchup," Zhang Yu said.
Although he'd played shooting guard before, he hadn't struggled at all after switching to point guard. On the contrary, he'd taken to it like a fish to water, often dishing out incredibly clever passes. His only real problems were a somewhat high turnover rate and an excessive fondness for behind-the-back passes.
"That's right. We're friends now!"
After Ben Sladon missed a midrange jumper, Curry kept running pick-and-rolls with Elliot. This time, Drew was late getting up, so Curry went straight for the three. As Ben Sladon watched in alarm, the ball bounced off the rim.
But those few games had been enough for Butler University's students and faculty to learn that the team had a small, skinny, baby-faced player who was not only adorable but also a sharp shooter. He caught the attention of many students, especially the girls, and Curry became somewhat famous around Butler University.
Curry had changed not only Ben Sladon's view of basketball, but theirs as well.
But before he could breathe a sigh of relief, Drew came out to defend, leaving only Pete Campbell under the basket. Elliot and Chris Pol trapped him from both sides, and he lost the rebound.
Although he'd played shooting guard before, he hadn't struggled at all after switching to point guard. On the contrary, he'd taken to it like a fish to water, often dishing out incredibly clever passes. His only real problems were a somewhat high turnover rate and an excessive fondness for behind-the-back passes.
"I think the team should change the way we play. Stephen is a sprite on the court; we shouldn't hold him back. The play you just drew up was simple, but it suits him perfectly. He should be free to play his game—that's how he'll show us everything he can do," Stevens said excitedly.
After grabbing the rebound, Elliot saw Pete Campbell immediately close in and Drew retreat to the paint. But Elliot remembered the coach's instructions: "Find Stephen first when you get the ball!"
"That's just Stephen's nature. He's always looking to show off. Let him express his talent to the fullest. Have you forgotten? You're the one who said we shouldn't hold him back, that we should let him play freely."
Although he'd played shooting guard before, he hadn't struggled at all after switching to point guard. On the contrary, he'd taken to it like a fish to water, often dishing out incredibly clever passes. His only real problems were a somewhat high turnover rate and an excessive fondness for behind-the-back passes.
"Ronan, Stephen is unbelievable. I've never seen anyone play like him," Stevens said in amazement as he came over to Zhang Yu.
Rather than try to finish himself, he clutched the ball and looked around. When he spotted Curry waving for it, he immediately fired him a pass.
"I think the team should change the way we play. Stephen is a sprite on the court; we shouldn't hold him back. The play you just drew up was simple, but it suits him perfectly. He should be free to play his game—that's how he'll show us everything he can do," Stevens said excitedly.
That was the genuine joy of a coach who'd just seen a once-in-a-generation talent.
Ben Sladon's eyes followed the ball, and he was startled. At some point, Curry had quietly slipped to the right wing, with no one within six feet of him.
As soon as he finished speaking, Curry crossed the ball between his legs, shook Pete Campbell, and sank the three.
"Of course. Now that he's joined the Bulldogs, the Bulldogs should change their strategy," Zhang Yu said with a nod. "Coach Rickert once told me something I've never forgotten: when a team embraces team basketball, there's only one reason—it doesn't have a superstar."
Although he'd played shooting guard before, he hadn't struggled at all after switching to point guard. On the contrary, he'd taken to it like a fish to water, often dishing out incredibly clever passes. His only real problems were a somewhat high turnover rate and an excessive fondness for behind-the-back passes.
But in scrimmages, Curry had repeatedly led the second unit in close battles against the starters, sometimes even beating them. His teammates had no choice but to respect him.
He caught the ball, calmly sized up the basket, and launched a three. His shot was graceful and light, the ball gliding through the air before dropping through the hoop.
"Uh, I think there may have been a misunderstanding between us. I wasn't trying to provoke you on the court. Your three-point shot is great; I just thought..."
That was the genuine joy of a coach who'd just seen a once-in-a-generation talent.
The Bulldogs were about to change.
Starting the next day, the Bulldogs officially made Curry the team's centerpiece. They abandoned their old team-first approach, and Curry began handling the ball far more often. In practice, the players started working on new plays.
Zhang Yu clapped hard again.
"Uh, I think there may have been a misunderstanding between us. I wasn't trying to provoke you on the court. Your three-point shot is great; I just thought..."
"Good job, Elliot!"
"Good job, Elliot!"
Stevens had reminded him several times to play it safe. Curry always agreed, but once he stepped onto the court, he easily forgot, eager to attempt high-risk passes.
He ran pick-and-rolls again and again with Elliot and Chris Paul. After a simple screen, he'd rise for a three, and his accuracy was excellent. If the defense switched quickly, Curry would take on Drew or Pete Campbell one-on-one, and he kept scoring.
Although he'd played shooting guard before, he hadn't struggled at all after switching to point guard. On the contrary, he'd taken to it like a fish to water, often dishing out incredibly clever passes. His only real problems were a somewhat high turnover rate and an excessive fondness for behind-the-back passes.
Curry had changed not only Ben Sladon's view of basketball, but theirs as well.
Curry had completely transformed his understanding of basketball. If he took threes as casually as that baby-faced kid and acted as if he couldn't pass without throwing the ball behind his back, the coach would chew him out until he was hoarse.
On the basketball court, skill was what mattered.
Curry making a three that was no harder than one in practice was nothing special. What mattered was that Elliot had remembered his instructions and, after grabbing the rebound, hadn't taken a reckless shot. Instead, he'd passed the ball to Curry.
But those few games had been enough for Butler University's students and faculty to learn that the team had a small, skinny, baby-faced player who was not only adorable but also a sharp shooter. He caught the attention of many students, especially the girls, and Curry became somewhat famous around Butler University.
"That's just Stephen's nature. He's always looking to show off. Let him express his talent to the fullest. Have you forgotten? You're the one who said we shouldn't hold him back, that we should let him play freely."
"Very good. Keep it up!" Zhang Yu called from the sidelines.
In the next few possessions, Ben Sladon stopped taking liberties. The Bulldogs had always played team basketball, and no one was allowed to put himself above the team. Even as the point guard, he couldn't keep the ball in his hands all the time.
"Finals? Has Stephen played in the Finals? What competition?" Stevens asked, confused.
Stevens had reminded him several times to play it safe. Curry always agreed, but once he stepped onto the court, he easily forgot, eager to attempt high-risk passes.
Curry making a three that was no harder than one in practice was nothing special. What mattered was that Elliot had remembered his instructions and, after grabbing the rebound, hadn't taken a reckless shot. Instead, he'd passed the ball to Curry.
Before he'd met Curry, Ben Sladon had felt his life was pretty sweet.
In the next few possessions, Ben Sladon stopped taking liberties. The Bulldogs had always played team basketball, and no one was allowed to put himself above the team. Even as the point guard, he couldn't keep the ball in his hands all the time.
This was his second-chance offense: "Curry and His Rebounders."
Zhang Yu clapped hard again.
But in scrimmages, Curry had repeatedly led the second unit in close battles against the starters, sometimes even beating them. His teammates had no choice but to respect him.
In the next few possessions, Ben Sladon stopped taking liberties. The Bulldogs had always played team basketball, and no one was allowed to put himself above the team. Even as the point guard, he couldn't keep the ball in his hands all the time.
Curry had completely transformed his understanding of basketball. If he took threes as casually as that baby-faced kid and acted as if he couldn't pass without throwing the ball behind his back, the coach would chew him out until he was hoarse.
Curry making a three that was no harder than one in practice was nothing special. What mattered was that Elliot had remembered his instructions and, after grabbing the rebound, hadn't taken a reckless shot. Instead, he'd passed the ball to Curry.
But those few games had been enough for Butler University's students and faculty to learn that the team had a small, skinny, baby-faced player who was not only adorable but also a sharp shooter. He caught the attention of many students, especially the girls, and Curry became somewhat famous around Butler University.
"That's just Stephen's nature. He's always looking to show off. Let him express his talent to the fullest. Have you forgotten? You're the one who said we shouldn't hold him back, that we should let him play freely."
Stevens had reminded him several times to play it safe. Curry always agreed, but once he stepped onto the court, he easily forgot, eager to attempt high-risk passes.
Curry making a three that was no harder than one in practice was nothing special. What mattered was that Elliot had remembered his instructions and, after grabbing the rebound, hadn't taken a reckless shot. Instead, he'd passed the ball to Curry.
In basketball, skill was what mattered.
Curry making a three that was no harder than one in practice was nothing special. What mattered was that Elliot had remembered his instructions and, after grabbing the rebound, hadn't taken a reckless shot. Instead, he'd passed the ball to Curry.
"That's just Stephen's nature. He's always looking to show off. Let him express his talent to the fullest. Have you forgotten? You're the one who said we shouldn't hold him back, that we should let him play freely."
In the next few possessions, Ben Sladon stopped taking liberties. The Bulldogs had always played team basketball, and no one was allowed to put himself above the team. Even as the point guard, he couldn't keep the ball in his hands all the time.
This was his second-chance offense: "Curry and His Rebounders."
Zhang Yu clapped hard again.
But in scrimmages, Curry had repeatedly led the second unit in close battles against the starters, sometimes even beating them. His teammates had no choice but to respect him.
In the next few possessions, Ben Sladon stopped taking liberties. The Bulldogs had always played team basketball, and no one was allowed to put himself above the team. Even as the point guard, he couldn't keep the ball in his hands all the time.
His teammates had no choice but to respect him.
He ran pick-and-rolls again and again with Elliot and Chris Paul. After a simple screen, he'd rise for a three, and his accuracy was excellent. If the defense switched quickly, Curry would take on Drew or Pete Campbell one-on-one, and he kept scoring.
Although he'd played shooting guard before, he hadn't struggled at all after switching to point guard. On the contrary, he'd taken to it like a fish to water, often dishing out incredibly clever passes. His only real problems were a somewhat high turnover rate and an excessive fondness for behind-the-back passes.
Curry had changed not only Ben Sladon's view of basketball, but theirs as well.
Curry had completely transformed his understanding of basketball. If he took threes as casually as that baby-faced kid and acted as if he couldn't pass without throwing the ball behind his back, the coach would chew him out until he was hoarse.
On the basketball court, skill was what mattered.
Curry making a three that was no harder than one in practice was nothing special. What mattered was that Elliot had remembered his instructions and, after grabbing the rebound, hadn't taken a reckless shot. Instead, he'd passed the ball to Curry.
"Very good. Keep it up!" Zhang Yu called from the sidelines.
In the next few possessions, Ben Sladon stopped taking liberties. The Bulldogs had always played team basketball, and no one was allowed to put himself above the team. Even as the point guard, he couldn't keep the ball in his hands all the time.
"Finals? Has Stephen played in the Finals? What competition?" Stevens asked, confused.
Stevens had reminded him several times to play it safe. Curry always agreed, but once he stepped onto the court, he easily forgot, eager to attempt high-risk passes.
Curry making a three that was no harder than one in practice was nothing special. What mattered was that Elliot had remembered his instructions and, after grabbing the rebound, hadn't taken a reckless shot. Instead, he'd passed the ball to Curry.
Before he'd met Curry, Ben Sladon had felt his life was pretty sweet.
In the next few possessions, Ben Sladon stopped taking liberties. The Bulldogs had always played team basketball, and no one was allowed to put himself above the team. Even as the point guard, he couldn't keep the ball in his hands all the time.
This was his second-chance offense: "Curry and His Rebounders."
"That's just Stephen's nature. He's always looking to show off. Let him express his talent to the fullest. Have you forgotten? You're the one who said we shouldn't hold him back, that we should let him play freely."
Ben Sladon paused, then took Curry's hand and smiled.
In the next few possessions, Ben Sladon stopped taking liberties. The Bulldogs had always played team basketball, and no one was allowed to put himself above the team. Even as the point guard, he couldn't keep the ball in his hands all the time.
This was his second-chance offense: "Curry and His Rebounders."
Zhang Yu clapped hard again.
But in scrimmages, Curry had repeatedly led the second unit in close battles against the starters, sometimes even beating them. His teammates had no choice but to respect him.
In the next few possessions, Ben Sladon stopped taking liberties. The Bulldogs had always played team basketball, and no one was allowed to put himself above the team. Even as the point guard, he couldn't keep the ball in his hands all the time.
He played the pick-and-rolls properly, and the starters began scoring from all over the court. But the lead never grew, because Curry kept scoring.
Later, Zhang Yu advised Stevens.
The Bulldogs were about to change.
He played the pick-and-rolls properly, and the starters began scoring from all over the court. But the lead never grew, because Curry kept scoring.
As soon as he finished speaking, Curry crossed the ball between his legs, shook Pete Campbell, and sank the three.
That was the genuine joy of a coach who'd just seen a once-in-a-generation talent.
"Ronan, Stephen is unbelievable. I've never seen anyone play like him," Stevens said in amazement as he came over to Zhang Yu.
But from now on, all of that would be gone.
"I think the team should change the way we play. Stephen is a sprite on the court; we shouldn't hold him back. The play you just drew up was simple, but it suits him perfectly. He should be free to play his game—that's how he'll show us everything he can do," Stevens said excitedly.
He caught the ball, calmly sized up the basket, and launched a three. His shot was graceful and light, the ball gliding through the air before dropping through the hoop.
NCAA preseason games were arranged by the schools themselves, usually against weaker teams from nearby. They served as warmups; no one took them too seriously, and they couldn't reveal a team's true strength.
"I think the team should change the way we play. Stephen is a sprite on the court; we shouldn't hold him back. The play you just drew up was simple, but it suits him perfectly. He should be free to play his game—that's how he'll show us everything he can do," Stevens said excitedly.
But in scrimmages, Curry had repeatedly led the second unit in close battles against the starters, sometimes even beating them. His teammates had no choice but to respect him.
"Finals? Has Stephen played in the Finals? What competition?" Stevens asked, confused.
The crisp swish of the ball snapped through the gym, and Ben Sladon stared blankly at Curry.
He was a Division I NCAA team's starting point guard. Even though he averaged fewer than ten points and didn't rack up many assists, every now and then he'd have a big game, score twenty or so, or hit a few rushed buzzer-beating threes and enjoy the fans' cheers.
The Bulldogs' starting point guard was enough to make him something of a campus celebrity at Butler University. He couldn't claim to go through girlfriends like water, but he was never short of company, and wherever he went, people noticed him.
He had no intention of finishing himself. Instead, he clutched the ball and looked around. When he saw Curry waving for it, he immediately fired him a pass.
"Good job, Elliot!"
The crisp swish of the ball snapped through the gym, and Ben Sladon stared blankly at Curry.
He'd never seen anyone shoot threes like that, and Curry's dribbling was so fluid.
"That's just Stephen's nature. He's always looking to show off. Let him express his talent to the fullest. Have you forgotten? You're the one who said we shouldn't hold him back, that we should let him play freely."
"I don't know, but I know he can lead the team to victory," Zhang Yu said calmly.
The Bulldogs' starting point guard was enough to make him something of a campus celebrity at Butler University. He couldn't claim to go through girlfriends like water, but he was never short of company, and wherever he went, people noticed him.
He caught the ball, calmly sized up the basket, and launched a three. His shot was graceful and light, the ball gliding through the air before dropping through the hoop.
Curry struggled to pull off his shoes. He wiped the sweat that was about to run into his eyes and looked up. Ben Sladon stood before him, looking awkward. When he saw Curry glance up, he immediately looked away and changed the subject:
The Bulldogs had always played team basketball, and no one was allowed to put himself above the team. Even as the point guard, he couldn't keep the ball in his hands all the time.
"Hey... Stephen, you played really well," a voice said beside him, sounding a little strange.
NCAA preseason games were arranged by the schools themselves, usually against weaker teams from nearby. They served as warmups; no one took them too seriously, and they couldn't reveal a team's true strength.
Curry struggled to pull off his shoes. He wiped the sweat that was about to run into his eyes and looked up. Ben Sladon stood before him, looking awkward. When he saw Curry glance up, he immediately looked away and changed the subject:
But from now on, all of that would be gone.
Twenty minutes of scrimmage had taken a lot out of him. He'd spent the whole time handling the ball and attacking.
"Of course. Now that he's joined the Bulldogs, the Bulldogs should change their strategy," Zhang Yu said with a nod. "Coach Rickert once told me something I've never forgotten: when a team embraces team basketball, there's only one reason—it doesn't have a superstar."
While Terry Johnson stood there looking utterly bewildered, nothing on the court had changed.
Twenty minutes of scrimmage had taken a lot out of him. He'd spent the whole time handling the ball and attacking.
He looked at Curry with the satisfaction of a father watching his son grow up.
"Finals? Has Stephen played in the Finals? What competition?" Stevens asked, confused.
While Terry Johnson stood there looking utterly bewildered, nothing on the court had changed.
Zhang Yu sighed.
With his outstanding play, the starters were able to tear through the second unit's defense, but the two sides remained neck and neck.
Curry struggled to pull off his shoes. He wiped the sweat that was about to run into his eyes and looked up. Ben Sladon stood before him, looking awkward. When he saw Curry glance up, he immediately looked away and changed the subject:
The Bulldogs had always played team basketball, and no one was allowed to put himself above the team. Even as the point guard, he couldn't keep the ball in his hands all the time.
"I don't know, but I know he can lead the team to victory," Zhang Yu said calmly.
He'd never seen anyone shoot threes like that, and Curry's dribbling was so fluid.
"Very good. Keep it up!" Zhang Yu called from the sidelines.
While Terry Johnson stood there looking utterly bewildered, nothing on the court had changed.
NCAA preseason games were arranged by the schools themselves, usually against weaker teams from nearby. They served as warmups; no one took them too seriously, and they couldn't reveal a team's true strength.
Curry caught the ball, calmly sized up the basket, and launched a three. His shot was graceful and light, the ball gliding through the air before dropping through the hoop.
"But a lot of the time, there's a simple pass available, and he insists on doing something flashy instead. It makes my blood pressure spike," Stevens said with a wry smile.
Zhang Yu sighed.
But in scrimmages, Curry had repeatedly led the second unit in close battles against the starters, sometimes even beating them. His teammates had no choice but to respect him.
Curry making a three that was no harder than one in practice was nothing special. What mattered was that Elliot had remembered his instructions and, after grabbing the rebound, hadn't taken a reckless shot. Instead, he'd passed the ball to Curry.
"This is Stephen's nature. He's always looking to show off. Let him express his talent to the fullest. Have you forgotten? You're the one who said we shouldn't hold him back, that we should let him play freely."
"Finals? Has Stephen played in the Finals? What competition?" Stevens asked, confused.
The crisp swish of the ball snapped through the gym, and Ben Sladon stared blankly at Curry.
Zhang Yu announced the end of the scrimmage. The players were panting as they headed for the locker room in small groups, glancing at Curry in amazement.
He'd never seen anyone shoot threes like that, and Curry's dribbling was so fluid.
"I don't know, but I know he can lead the team to victory," Zhang Yu said calmly.
He was a Division I NCAA team's starting point guard. Even though he averaged fewer than ten points and didn't rack up many assists, every now and then he'd have a big game, score twenty or so, or hit a few rushed buzzer-beating threes and enjoy the fans' cheers.
The Bulldogs' starting point guard was enough to make him something of a campus celebrity at Butler University. He couldn't claim to go through girlfriends like water, but he was never short of company, and wherever he went, people noticed him.
Curry struggled to pull off his shoes. He wiped the sweat that was about to run into his eyes and looked up. Ben Sladon stood before him, looking awkward. When he saw Curry glance up, he immediately looked away and changed the subject:
Zhang Yu clapped hard again.
While Terry Johnson stood there looking utterly bewildered, nothing on the court had changed.
NCAA preseason games were arranged by the schools themselves, usually against weaker teams from nearby. They served as warmups; no one took them too seriously, and they couldn't reveal a team's true strength.
Curry caught the ball, calmly sized up the basket, and launched a three. His shot was graceful and light, the ball gliding through the air before dropping through the hoop.
In the next few possessions, Ben Sladon stopped taking liberties. The Bulldogs had always played team basketball, and no one was allowed to put himself above the team. Even as the point guard, he couldn't keep the ball in his hands all the time.
"But a lot of the time, there's a simple pass available, and he insists on doing something flashy instead. It makes my blood pressure spike," Stevens said with a wry smile.
Curry had changed not only Ben Sladon's view of basketball, but theirs as well.
He played the pick-and-rolls properly, and the starters began scoring from all over the court. But the lead never grew, because Curry kept scoring.
Curry struggled to pull off his shoes. He wiped the sweat that was about to run into his eyes and looked up. Ben Sladon stood before him, looking awkward. When he saw Curry glance up, he immediately looked away and changed the subject:
But from now on, all of that would be gone.
Twenty minutes of scrimmage had taken a lot out of him. He'd spent the whole time handling the ball and attacking.
"Of course. Now that he's joined the Bulldogs, the Bulldogs should change their strategy," Zhang Yu said with a nod. "Coach Rickert once told me something I've never forgotten: when a team embraces team basketball, there's only one reason—it doesn't have a superstar."
While Terry Johnson stood there looking utterly bewildered, nothing on the court had changed.
Twenty minutes of scrimmage had taken a lot out of him. He'd spent the whole time handling the ball and attacking.
He looked at Curry with the satisfaction of a father watching his son grow up.
"Finals? Has Stephen played in the Finals? What competition?" Stevens asked, confused.
While Terry Johnson stood there looking utterly bewildered, nothing on the court had changed.
Zhang Yu sighed.
With his outstanding play, the starters were able to tear through the second unit's defense, but the two sides remained neck and neck.
Curry struggled to pull off his shoes. He wiped the sweat that was about to run into his eyes and looked up. Ben Sladon stood before him, looking awkward. When he saw Curry glance up, he immediately looked away and changed the subject:
The Bulldogs had always played team basketball, and no one was allowed to put himself above the team. Even as the point guard, he couldn't keep the ball in his hands all the time.
"I don't know, but I know he can lead the team to victory," Zhang Yu said calmly.
He'd never seen anyone shoot threes like that, and Curry's dribbling was so fluid.
"Very good. Keep it up!" Zhang Yu called from the sidelines.
While Terry Johnson stood there looking utterly bewildered, nothing on the court had changed.
"I don't know, but I know he can lead the team to victory," Zhang Yu said calmly.
In the next few possessions, Ben Sladon stopped taking liberties. The Bulldogs had always played team basketball, and no one was allowed to put himself above the team. Even as the point guard, he couldn't keep the ball in his hands all the time.
He caught the ball, calmly sized up the basket, and launched a three. His shot was graceful and light, the ball gliding through the air before dropping through the hoop.
NCAA preseason games were arranged by the schools themselves, usually against weaker teams from nearby. They served as warmups; no one took them too seriously, and they couldn't reveal a team's true strength.
But from now on, all of that would be gone.
He looked at Curry with the satisfaction of a father watching his son grow up.
"Finals? Has Stephen played in the Finals? What competition?" Stevens asked, confused.
While Terry Johnson stood there looking utterly bewildered, nothing on the court had changed.
In the next few possessions, Ben Sladon stopped taking liberties. The Bulldogs had always played team basketball, and no one was allowed to put himself above the team. Even as the point guard, he couldn't keep the ball in his hands all the time.
Stevens had reminded him several times to play it safe. Curry always agreed, but once he stepped onto the court, he easily forgot, eager to attempt high-risk passes.
Zhang Yu clapped hard again.
While Terry Johnson stood there looking utterly bewildered, nothing on the court had changed.
NCAA preseason games were arranged by the schools themselves, usually against weaker teams from nearby. They served as warmups; no one took them too seriously, and they couldn't reveal a team's true strength.
Curry making a three that was no harder than one in practice was nothing special. What mattered was that Elliot had remembered his instructions and, after grabbing the rebound, hadn't taken a reckless shot. Instead, he'd passed the ball to Curry.
"He'll be an unconventional point guard, one who combines playing on the ball and off it perfectly," Zhang Yu said.
Curry had completely transformed his understanding of basketball. If he took threes as casually as that baby-faced kid and acted as if he couldn't pass without throwing the ball behind his back, the coach would chew him out until he was hoarse.
He looked at Curry with the satisfaction of a father watching his son grow up.
"Of course. Now that he's joined the Bulldogs, the Bulldogs should change their strategy," Zhang Yu said with a nod. "Coach Rickert once told me something I've never forgotten: when a team embraces team basketball, there's only one reason—it doesn't have a superstar."
In the next few possessions, Ben Sladon stopped taking liberties. The Bulldogs had always played team basketball, and no one was allowed to put himself above the team. Even as the point guard, he couldn't keep the ball in his hands all the time.
"Uh, I think there may have been a misunderstanding between us. I wasn't trying to provoke you on the court. Your three-point shot is great; I just thought..."
"Good job, Elliot!"
The crisp swish of the ball snapped through the gym, and Ben Sladon stared blankly at Curry.
Zhang Yu announced the end of the scrimmage. The players were panting as they headed for the locker room in small groups, glancing at Curry in amazement.
He looked at Curry with the satisfaction of a father watching his son grow up.
Zhang Yu announced the end of the scrimmage. The players were panting as they headed for the locker room in small groups, glancing at Curry in amazement.
While Terry Johnson stood there looking utterly bewildered, nothing on the court had changed.
"Hey... Stephen, you played really well," a voice said beside him, sounding a little strange.
"I don't know, but I know he can lead the team to victory," Zhang Yu said calmly.
Twenty minutes of scrimmage had taken a lot out of him. He'd spent the whole time handling the ball and attacking.
Curry struggled to pull off his shoes. He wiped the sweat that was about to run into his eyes and looked up. Ben Sladon stood before him, looking awkward. When he saw Curry glance up, he immediately looked away and changed the subject:
The Bulldogs had always played team basketball, and no one was allowed to put himself above the team. Even as the point guard, he couldn't keep the ball in his hands all the time.
"I don't know, but I know he can lead the team to victory," Zhang Yu said calmly.
He'd never seen anyone shoot threes like that, and Curry's dribbling was so fluid.
"Very good. Keep it up!" Zhang Yu called from the sidelines.
While Terry Johnson stood there looking utterly bewildered, nothing on the court had changed.
Before you continue