Volume One: I Came, I Saw, I Conquered!

Volume One: I Came, I Saw, I Conquered! Chapter Thirty-Five: A Distant Gaze

Huaxia, Beijing, Chongwen District.

"Hmm? This is interesting..." He spotted an interview in the newspaper, and his eyes lit up.

The team's key player was Brian Henderson, a junior swingman who averaged 18.5 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game. He was fairly well-rounded and played tough defense.

Curry was still the team's standout. He made nine of fourteen shots and six of nine three-pointers, scoring an incredibly efficient 24 points to lead the team to a 76–64 win and send them into the round of 32.

He skimmed the NBA coverage. He already knew all the news it contained, so he focused on the NCAA articles instead.

The team's key player was Brian Henderson, a junior swingman who averaged 18.5 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game. He was fairly well-rounded and played tough defense.

In late March, the chill was finally fading in Beijing. Office workers had begun shedding their down jackets, and women in stockings and short skirts were appearing on the streets.

Butler's first-round opponent was Old Dominion University. The school had a slightly better record than Butler over the years and made March Madness now and then, but never got past the round of 64. They were a typical tournament also-ran.

In late March, the chill was finally fading in Beijing. Office workers had begun shedding their down jackets, and women in stockings and short skirts were appearing on the streets.

After some thought, he turned his attention to the NCAA.

Louis glanced at his dark sweater and looked into the distance. He saw only a few dark patches scattered through a blue-and-white river of people. Annoyed, he muttered under his breath:

But amid all the praise, he showed no trace of arrogance. He never dared slack off at work and was always among the earliest to arrive at the editorial office.

Su Qun parked his car and walked into the Temple of Heaven Mansion on Xingfu Street, where the Basketball Pioneer's editorial office was located.

Louis had waited outside for more than an hour before finally getting into the Jones Center.

With Old Dominion's feeble defense, the Bulldogs scored from all over the floor. Mike Green, Drew, Julian Becko, and AJ Graves all had well-rounded performances.

"Duan, do you know someone named Zhang Yu? He's the head coach at Butler University in the NCAA... You don't? Then start looking into him. He's Chinese, so he shouldn't be hard to find... Interview him? No, no, don't contact him yet. Let's wait and see... All right, that's it. Get back to work."

Louis had waited outside for more than an hour before finally getting into the Jones Center.

He set the matter aside for the time being and started his day's work.

He took the elevator to the fifth floor, entered his office, opened the window to air it out, and turned on his computer to begin the day.

By contrast, the Bulldogs played with excellent offensive cohesion. Zhang Yu was very cautious and didn't put all his eggs in Curry's basket. Instead, he had the team play together.

At the top was a copy of USA Today. From the date, he could tell it was two days old.

"'A 24-year-old Chinese coach leads his team to March Madness...'" He tapped the desk with a finger and smiled.

Since its launch two years earlier, the magazine had covered nearly every aspect of the NBA in depth. Su Qun had long wanted to develop a new feature.

As more people entered the arena, the atmosphere gradually grew livelier. Conversation buzzed all around the court.

"But I heard that before joining Butler, he was rejected by a lot of schools. Is that true?"

Since its founding in 2004, Basketball Pioneer had quickly become popular nationwide and one of China's largest print basketball publications.

"Thank my coaching staff, especially my first assistant, Stevens. He's helped me a great deal. And of course, my players executed our tactics perfectly on the court. They're the most important reason the team made March Madness. I simply chose the tactics that suited them best."

"Of course. Just look at my age. I doubt there's a head coach anywhere in the NCAA with more up-to-date ideas than me."

Across the distant Pacific, Zhang Yu had no idea his name had made its way back to China, where the editor-in-chief of the country's largest basketball publication had taken an interest in him.

Su Qun, the magazine's editor-in-chief, had an even greater reputation in Chinese basketball circles. For a time, he was riding high and was even called "the foremost reporter of Chinese basketball."

"No. The board has strict requirements for my results. If the team doesn't make the Sweet Sixteen, I'll be fired."

Because Old Dominion was weak inside, Zhang Yu boldly moved Julian Becko to forward, replacing Campbell in the starting lineup and adding another shooter to the team's perimeter offense.

But amid all the praise, he showed no trace of arrogance. He never dared slack off at work and was always among the earliest to arrive at the editorial office.

Since its founding in 2004, Basketball Pioneer had quickly become popular nationwide and one of China's largest print basketball publications.

"Are you that confident in your team?"

Louis glanced at his dark sweater and looked into the distance. He saw only a few dark patches scattered through a blue-and-white river of people. Annoyed, he muttered under his breath, "Sweet Sixteen."

He had been sitting for less than five minutes when he stood up again and frowned as he shut the window.

After some thought, he turned his attention to the NCAA.

Louis glanced at his dark sweater and looked into the distance. He saw only a few dark patches scattered through a blue-and-white river of people. Annoyed, he muttered under his breath:

After some thought, he turned his attention to the NCAA.

That was only because the final seven minutes had become garbage time. The Bulldogs' defense eased up, allowing their opponents to claw back a few points. Otherwise, the final margin would have been around twenty.

That directly led to him making only five of eighteen shots and scoring just twelve points, a far cry from his usual performance.

As someone who enjoyed outdoor photography, Su Qun didn't know the term "smog," but he had keenly noticed that Beijing's air was getting worse and worse.

Today, the Bulldogs and Kentucky University would face off here for a place in the Sweet Sixteen. The crowd consisted of fans of both teams. Kentucky University was an NCAA powerhouse, and its fans clearly outnumbered the others.

Because Old Dominion was weak inside, Zhang Yu boldly moved Julian Becko to forward, replacing Campbell in the starting lineup and adding another shooter to the team's perimeter offense.

After some thought, he turned his attention to the NCAA...

There was no helping it. Chinese fans knew very little about the NCAA and had only a vague understanding of March Madness. Basketball Pioneer had previously covered Chinese players who had played in the NCAA, such as Ma Jian in the 1990s, but the articles had drawn little response.

That directly led to him making only five of eighteen shots and scoring just twelve points, a far cry from his usual performance.

Louis had waited outside for more than an hour before finally getting into the Jones Center.

He sat down again, picked up a stack of printed English-language newspapers and magazines beside him, and began flipping through them.

But the Bulldogs were a dark horse and had plenty of supporters too. Quite a few fans from other cities had even come all the way to Chicago to cheer them on.

He sat down again, picked up a stack of printed English-language newspapers and magazines beside him, and began flipping through them.

Every year, March Madness games were held in neutral cities, so teams didn't have to travel across the country for home-and-away games. This year, the first and second rounds were being held in Chicago.

Louis easily found his seat and sat down. Tickets to the round of 32 were hard to get, but he had bought his early. His seat wasn't bad, halfway up the arena and well-suited for watching the game.

He took the elevator to the fifth floor, entered his office, opened the window to air it out, and turned on his computer to begin the day.

The newspapers and magazines had been faxed over from the United States in batches. Though he was busy with work, he still made a point of reading some every day.

That directly led to him making only five of eighteen shots and scoring just twelve points, a far cry from his usual performance.

Since its founding in 2004, Basketball Pioneer had quickly become popular nationwide and one of China's largest print basketball publications.

As the first Chinese journalist to cover the NBA in person, he knew his greatest advantage was his experience. Though Basketball Pioneer now had many correspondents based in the United States, he still kept up with American basketball.

"Could you tell me what you think of Stephen Curry?"

Every year, March Madness games were held in neutral cities, so teams didn't have to travel across the country for home-and-away games. This year, the first and second rounds were being held in Chicago.

After some thought, he turned his attention to the NCAA.

The newspapers and magazines had been faxed over from the United States in batches. Though he was busy with work, he still made a point of reading some every day...

By the time Su Qun saw the interview, the NCAA's round of 64 had already ended.

That was only because the final seven minutes had become garbage time. The Bulldogs' defense eased up, allowing their opponents to claw back a few points. Otherwise, the final margin would have been around twenty.

"Duan, do you know someone named Zhang Yu? He's the head coach at Butler University in the NCAA... You don't? Then start looking into him. He's Chinese, so he shouldn't be hard to find... Interview him? No, no, don't contact him yet. Let's wait and see... All right, that's it. Get back to work."

The newspapers and magazines had been faxed over from the United States in batches. Though he was busy with work, he still made a point of reading some every day.

"Thank my coaching staff, especially my first assistant, Stevens. He's helped me a great deal. And of course, my players executed our tactics perfectly on the court. They're the most important reason the team made March Madness. I simply chose the tactics that suited them best."

"Hmm? This is interesting..." He spotted an interview in the newspaper, and his eyes lit up.

As the most popular league in the United States, the NCAA was a pipeline for NBA rookies. Most American stars had come through the NCAA before entering the NBA through the draft.

He skimmed the NBA coverage. He already knew all the news it contained, so he focused on the NCAA articles instead.

Since its launch two years earlier, the magazine had covered nearly every aspect of the NBA in depth. Su Qun had long wanted to develop a new feature.

Since its founding in 2004, Basketball Pioneer had quickly become popular nationwide and one of China's largest print basketball publications.

Su Qun read the entire interview. His eyes grew brighter and brighter. After a moment's thought, he took another close look at Zhang Yu's background.

"Sweet Sixteen."

Su Qun read the entire interview. His eyes grew brighter and brighter. After a moment's thought, he took another close look at Zhang Yu's background.

"Here's another question. What are your expectations for the team?"

But amid all the praise, he showed no trace of arrogance. He never dared slack off at work and was always among the earliest to arrive at the editorial office.

He skimmed the NBA coverage. He already knew all the news it contained, so he focused on the NCAA articles instead.

"Hey, could you move aside for me?"

He sat down for less than five minutes, then stood up again and frowned as he shut the window.

After some thought, he turned his attention to the NCAA.

Louis glanced at his dark sweater and looked into the distance. He saw only a few dark patches scattered through a blue-and-white river of people. Annoyed, he muttered under his breath:

After some thought, he turned his attention to the NCAA.

That was only because the final seven minutes had become garbage time. The Bulldogs' defense eased up, allowing their opponents to claw back a few points. Otherwise, the final margin would have been around twenty...

"You know, some people are held back by traditional thinking. They just can't see Stephen's enormous potential."

"It's a long story. When I first came to the United States, I wanted to join the Bulldogs. After half a year doing odd jobs, Coach Rickert..."

With Old Dominion's feeble defense, the Bulldogs scored from all over the floor. Mike Green, Drew, Julian Becko, and AJ Graves all had well-rounded performances.

"...All right, thanks to Coach Z for the interview. We wish Butler the best of luck in tomorrow's game!"

As the most popular league in the United States, the NCAA was a pipeline for NBA rookies. Most American stars had come through the NCAA before entering the NBA through the draft.

"Sweet Sixteen."

He tapped the desk with a finger and smiled.

"No. The board has strict requirements for my results. If the team doesn't make the Sweet Sixteen, I'll be fired."

Louis glanced at his dark sweater and looked into the distance. He saw only a few dark patches scattered through a blue-and-white river of people. Annoyed, he muttered under his breath:

The Windy City, on the shores of Lake Michigan, had a mild climate. The average temperature in March was already close to ten degrees Celsius, but the damp cold still got to you.

At present, Chinese fans were still unfamiliar with the NCAA, but their interest in it was steadily growing. Su Qun believed it would be a promising subject for the magazine's future coverage.

After some thought, he turned his attention to the NCAA.

"Duan, do you know someone named Zhang Yu? He's the head coach at Butler University in the NCAA... You don't? Then start looking into him. He's Chinese, so he shouldn't be hard to find... Interview him? No, no, don't contact him yet. Let's wait and see... All right, that's it. Get back to work."

"...All right, thanks to Coach Z for the interview. We wish Butler the best of luck in tomorrow's game!"

Since its founding in 2004, Basketball Pioneer had quickly become popular nationwide and one of China's largest print basketball publications.

Every year, March Madness games were held in neutral cities, so teams didn't have to travel across the country for home-and-away games. This year, the first and second rounds were being held in Chicago.

Louis glanced at his dark sweater and looked into the distance. He saw only a few dark patches scattered through a blue-and-white river of people. Annoyed, he muttered under his breath:

He skimmed the NBA coverage. He already knew all the news it contained, so he focused on the NCAA articles instead.

Butler's first-round opponent was Old Dominion University. The school had a slightly better record than Butler over the years and made March Madness now and then, but never got past the round of 64. They were a typical tournament also-ran.

"Hmm? This is interesting..." He spotted an interview in the newspaper, and his eyes lit up.

That directly led to him making only five of eighteen shots and scoring just twelve points, a far cry from his usual performance.

Louis glanced at his dark sweater and looked into the distance. He saw only a few dark patches scattered through a blue-and-white river of people. Annoyed, he muttered under his breath:

After some thought, he turned his attention to the NCAA.

That was only because the final seven minutes had become garbage time. The Bulldogs' defense eased up, allowing their opponents to claw back a few points. Otherwise, the final margin would have been around twenty...

Today, the Bulldogs and Kentucky University would face off here for a place in the Sweet Sixteen. The crowd consisted of fans of both teams. Kentucky University was an NCAA powerhouse, and its fans clearly outnumbered the others.

Because Old Dominion was weak inside, Zhang Yu boldly moved Julian Becko to forward, replacing Campbell in the starting lineup and adding another shooter to the team's perimeter offense.

After some thought, he turned his attention to the NCAA...

There was no helping it. Chinese fans knew very little about the NCAA and had only a vague understanding of March Madness. Basketball Pioneer had previously covered Chinese players who had played in the NCAA, such as Ma Jian in the 1990s, but the articles had drawn little response.

That directly led to him making only five of eighteen shots and scoring just twelve points, a far cry from his usual performance.

Louis had waited outside for more than an hour before finally getting into the Jones Center.

He sat down again, picked up a stack of printed English-language newspapers and magazines beside him, and began flipping through them.

But the Bulldogs were a dark horse and had plenty of supporters too. Quite a few fans from other cities had even come all the way to Chicago to cheer them on.

He sat down again, picked up a stack of printed English-language newspapers and magazines beside him, and began flipping through them.

Every year, March Madness games were held in neutral cities, so teams didn't have to travel across the country for home-and-away games. This year, the first and second rounds were being held in Chicago.

Louis easily found his seat and sat down. Tickets to the round of 32 were hard to get, but he had bought his early. His seat wasn't bad, halfway up the arena and well-suited for watching the game.

He took the elevator to the fifth floor, entered his office, opened the window to air it out, and turned on his computer to begin the day.

The newspapers and magazines had been faxed over from the United States in batches. Though he was busy with work, he still made a point of reading some every day.

That directly led to him making only five of eighteen shots and scoring just twelve points, a far cry from his usual performance.

Since its founding in 2004, Basketball Pioneer had quickly become popular nationwide and one of China's largest print basketball publications.

As the most popular league in the United States, the NCAA was a pipeline for NBA rookies. Most American stars had come through the NCAA before entering the NBA through the draft.

Louis had waited outside for more than an hour before finally getting into the Jones Center.

"Hey, could you move aside for me?"

The atmosphere in the arena grew livelier as more people entered. Conversation buzzed all around the court.

"Hey, could you move aside for me?"

Louis glanced at his dark sweater and looked into the distance. He saw only a few dark patches scattered through a blue-and-white river of people. Annoyed, he muttered under his breath:

In late March, the chill was finally fading in Beijing. Office workers had begun shedding their down jackets, and women in stockings and short skirts were appearing on the streets.

In late March, the chill was finally fading in Beijing. Office workers had begun shedding their down jackets, and women in stockings and short skirts were appearing on the streets.

"He's a true genius."

That was only because the final seven minutes had become garbage time. The Bulldogs' defense eased up, allowing their opponents to claw back a few points. Otherwise, the final margin would have been around twenty.

Today, the Bulldogs and Kentucky University would face off here for a place in the Sweet Sixteen. The crowd consisted of fans of both teams. Kentucky University was an NCAA powerhouse, and its fans clearly outnumbered the others.

He took the elevator to the fifth floor, entered his office, opened the window to air it out, and turned on his computer to begin the day.

Because Old Dominion was weak inside, Zhang Yu boldly moved Julian Becko to forward, replacing Campbell in the starting lineup and adding another shooter to the team's perimeter offense.

After some thought, he turned his attention to the NCAA.

That was only because the final seven minutes had become garbage time. The Bulldogs' defense eased up, allowing their opponents to claw back a few points. Otherwise, the final margin would have been around twenty.

Louis had waited outside for more than an hour before finally getting into the Jones Center.

The newspapers and magazines had been faxed over from the United States in batches. Though he was busy with work, he still made a point of reading some every day.

Butler's first-round opponent was Old Dominion University. The school had a slightly better record than Butler over the years and made March Madness now and then, but never got past the round of 64. They were a typical tournament also-ran.

Every year, March Madness games were held in neutral cities, so teams didn't have to travel across the country for home-and-away games. This year, the first and second rounds were being held in Chicago.

Louis glanced at his dark sweater and looked into the distance. He saw only a few dark patches scattered through a blue-and-white river of people. Annoyed, he muttered under his breath:

Because Old Dominion was weak inside, Zhang Yu boldly moved Julian Becko to forward, replacing Campbell in the starting lineup and adding another shooter to the team's perimeter offense.

The newspapers and magazines had been faxed over from the United States in batches. Though he was busy with work, he still made a point of reading some every day.

The newspapers and magazines had been faxed over from the United States in batches. Though he was busy with work, he still made a point of reading some every day...

As the most popular league in the United States, the NCAA was a pipeline for NBA rookies. Most American stars had come through the NCAA before entering the NBA through the draft.

Su Qun set down his phone. He had just been talking with Duan Ran, Basketball Pioneer's correspondent in the United States and one of his most capable reporters.

During the game, Zhang Yu had built his tactics around Brian Henderson. Mike Green guarded him primarily, while AJ Graves and Julian Becko stayed ready to shadow him closely.

Louis came out of his hotel, tightened his fleece-lined jacket, and hurried toward Chicago State University.

Since its launch two years earlier, the magazine had covered nearly every aspect of the NBA in depth. Su Qun had long wanted to develop a new feature.

That was only because the final seven minutes had become garbage time. The Bulldogs' defense eased up, allowing their opponents to claw back a few points. Otherwise, the final margin would have been around twenty...

"You know, some people are held back by traditional thinking. They just can't see Stephen's enormous potential."

"It's a long story. When I first came to the United States, I wanted to join the Bulldogs. After half a year doing odd jobs, Coach Rickert..."

With Old Dominion's feeble defense, the Bulldogs scored from all over the floor. Mike Green, Drew, Julian Becko, and AJ Graves all had well-rounded performances.

"...All right, thanks to Coach Z for the interview. We wish Butler the best of luck in tomorrow's game!"

As the most popular league in the United States, the NCAA was a pipeline for NBA rookies. Most American stars had come through the NCAA before entering the NBA through the draft.

"Sweet Sixteen."

He tapped the desk with a finger and smiled.

"No. The board has strict requirements for my results. If the team doesn't make the Sweet Sixteen, I'll be fired."

Louis glanced at his dark sweater and looked into the distance. He saw only a few dark patches scattered through a blue-and-white river of people. Annoyed, he muttered under his breath:

The Windy City, on the shores of Lake Michigan, had a mild climate. The average temperature in March was already close to ten degrees Celsius, but the damp cold still got to you.

At present, Chinese fans were still unfamiliar with the NCAA, but their interest in it was steadily growing. Su Qun believed it would be a promising subject for the magazine's future coverage.

After some thought, he turned his attention to the NCAA.

"Duan, do you know someone named Zhang Yu? He's the head coach at Butler University in the NCAA... You don't? Then start looking into him. He's Chinese, so he shouldn't be hard to find... Interview him? No, no, don't contact him yet. Let's wait and see... All right, that's it. Get back to work."

"...All right, thanks to Coach Z for the interview. We wish Butler the best of luck in tomorrow's game!"

Since its founding in 2004, Basketball Pioneer had quickly become popular nationwide and one of China's largest print basketball publications.

Every year, March Madness games were held in neutral cities, so teams didn't have to travel across the country for home-and-away games. This year, the first and second rounds were being held in Chicago.

Louis glanced at his dark sweater and looked into the distance. He saw only a few dark patches scattered through a blue-and-white river of people. Annoyed, he muttered under his breath:

He skimmed the NBA coverage. He already knew all the news it contained, so he focused on the NCAA articles instead.

Butler's first-round opponent was Old Dominion University. The school had a slightly better record than Butler over the years and made March Madness now and then, but never got past the round of 64. They were a typical tournament also-ran.

"Hmm? This is interesting..." He spotted an interview in the newspaper, and his eyes lit up.

That directly led to him making only five of eighteen shots and scoring just twelve points, a far cry from his usual performance.

Louis glanced at his dark sweater and looked into the distance. He saw only a few dark patches scattered through a blue-and-white river of people. Annoyed, he muttered under his breath:

After some thought, he turned his attention to the NCAA.

That was only because the final seven minutes had become garbage time. The Bulldogs' defense eased up, allowing their opponents to claw back a few points. Otherwise, the final margin would have been around twenty.

The Bulldogs and Kentucky University were playing here for a place in the Sweet Sixteen. The crowd consisted of fans of both teams. Kentucky University was an NCAA powerhouse, and its fans clearly outnumbered the others.

Because Old Dominion was weak inside, Zhang Yu boldly moved Julian Becko to forward, replacing Campbell in the starting lineup and adding another shooter to the team's perimeter offense.

After some thought, he turned his attention to the NCAA...

There was no helping it. Chinese fans knew very little about the NCAA and had only a vague understanding of March Madness. Basketball Pioneer had previously covered Chinese players who had played in the NCAA, such as Ma Jian in the 1990s, but the articles had drawn little response.

That directly led to him making only five of eighteen shots and scoring just twelve points, a far cry from his usual performance.

Louis had waited outside for more than an hour before finally getting into the Jones Center.

He sat down again, picked up a stack of printed English-language newspapers and magazines beside him, and began flipping through them.

But the Bulldogs were a dark horse and had plenty of supporters too. Quite a few fans from other cities had even come all the way to Chicago to cheer them on.

He sat down again, picked up a stack of printed English-language newspapers and magazines beside him, and began flipping through them.

Every year, March Madness games were held in neutral cities, so teams didn't have to travel across the country for home-and-away games. This year, the first and second rounds were being held in Chicago.

Louis easily found his seat and sat down. Tickets to the round of 32 were hard to get, but he had bought his early. His seat wasn't bad, halfway up the arena and well-suited for watching the game.

He took the elevator to the fifth floor, entered his office, opened the window to air it out, and turned on his computer to begin the day.

The newspapers and magazines had been faxed over from the United States in batches. Though he was busy with work, he still made a point of reading some every day.

That directly led to him making only five of eighteen shots and scoring just twelve points, a far cry from his usual performance.

Since its founding in 2004, Basketball Pioneer had quickly become popular nationwide and one of China's largest print basketball publications.

As the first Chinese journalist to cover the NBA in person, he knew his greatest advantage was his experience. Though Basketball Pioneer now had many correspondents based in the United States, he still kept up with American basketball.

"Could you tell me what you think of Stephen Curry?"

Every year, March Madness games were held in neutral cities, so teams didn't have to travel across the country for home-and-away games. This year, the first and second rounds were being held in Chicago.

After some thought, he turned his attention to the NCAA.

The newspapers and magazines had been faxed over from the United States in batches. Though he was busy with work, he still made a point of reading some every day...

By the time Su Qun saw the interview, the NCAA's round of 64 had already ended.

That was only because the final seven minutes had become garbage time. The Bulldogs' defense eased up, allowing their opponents to claw back a few points. Otherwise, the final margin would have been around twenty.

"Duan, do you know someone named Zhang Yu? He's the head coach at Butler University in the NCAA... You don't? Then start looking into him. He's Chinese, so he shouldn't be hard to find... Interview him? No, no, don't contact him yet. Let's wait and see... All right, that's it. Get back to work."

The newspapers and magazines had been faxed over from the United States in batches. Though he was busy with work, he still made a point of reading some every day.

"Thank my coaching staff, especially my first assistant, Stevens. He's helped me a great deal. And of course, my players executed our tactics perfectly on the court. They're the most important reason the team made March Madness. I simply chose the tactics that suited them best."

"Hmm? This is interesting..." He spotted an interview in the newspaper, and his eyes lit up.

As the most popular league in the United States, the NCAA was a pipeline for NBA rookies. Most American stars had come through the NCAA before entering the NBA through the draft.

He skimmed the NBA coverage. He already knew all the news it contained, so he focused on the NCAA articles instead.

Since its launch two years earlier, the magazine had covered nearly every aspect of the NBA in depth. Su Qun had long wanted to develop a new feature.

Since its founding in 2004, Basketball Pioneer had quickly become popular nationwide and one of China's largest print basketball publications.

Su Qun read the entire interview. His eyes grew brighter and brighter. After a moment's thought, he took another close look at Zhang Yu's background.

"Sweet Sixteen."

Su Qun read the entire interview. His eyes grew brighter and brighter. After a moment's thought, he took another close look at Zhang Yu's background.

"Here's another question. What are your expectations for the team?"

But amid all the praise, he showed no trace of arrogance. He never dared slack off at work and was always among the earliest to arrive at the editorial office.

He skimmed the NBA coverage. He already knew all the news it contained, so he focused on the NCAA articles instead.

"Hey, could you move aside for me?"

He had been sitting for less than five minutes when he stood up again and frowned as he shut the window.

After some thought, he turned his attention to the NCAA.

Louis glanced at his dark sweater and looked into the distance. He saw only a few dark patches scattered through a blue-and-white river of people. Annoyed, he muttered under his breath:

"Hmm? This is interesting..." He spotted an interview in the newspaper, and his eyes lit up.

"...This paper had the privilege of interviewing Butler University's Coach Z. He's from China and is the youngest head coach in the NCAA. In his first season as a head coach, he led his team to an astonishing 30–3 regular-season record, ranked first in the conference, and a postseason championship. Four years after its last appearance, he led the team back to March Madness, drawing attention from across the country. His starting point guard, Stephen Curry, leads the NCAA in scoring with an average of 27.7 points per game... Coach Z, how did you manage such a successful rookie season?"

Illinois, Chicago.

He had been sitting for less than five minutes when he stood up again and frowned as he shut the window.

The team's Cinderella run grew even more striking after the game. Combined with the earlier USA Today interview, it made Zhang Yu famous across the country. Plenty of fans now knew the NCAA's youngest head coach was only twenty-four—and Chinese—and began following Butler University.

"...This paper had the privilege of interviewing Butler University's Coach Z. He's from China and is the youngest head coach in the NCAA. In his first season as a head coach, he led his team to an astonishing 30–3 regular-season record, ranked first in the conference, and a postseason championship. Four years after its last appearance, he led the team back to March Madness, drawing attention from across the country. His starting point guard, Stephen Curry, leads the NCAA in scoring with an average of 27.7 points per game... Coach Z, how did you manage such a successful rookie season?"

With Old Dominion's feeble defense, the Bulldogs scored from all over the floor. Mike Green, Drew, Julian Becko, and AJ Graves all had well-rounded performances.

The team's Cinderella run grew even more striking after the game. Combined with the earlier USA Today interview, it made Zhang Yu famous across the country. Plenty of fans now knew the NCAA's youngest head coach was only twenty-four—and Chinese—and began following Butler University.

The Windy City, on the shores of Lake Michigan, had a mild climate. The average temperature in March was already close to ten degrees Celsius, but the damp cold still got to you.

But the Bulldogs were a dark horse and had plenty of supporters too. Quite a few fans from other cities had even come all the way to Chicago to cheer them on.

Because Old Dominion was weak inside, Zhang Yu boldly moved Julian Becko to forward, replacing Campbell in the starting lineup and adding another shooter to the team's perimeter offense.

"Hmm? This is interesting..." He spotted an interview in the newspaper, and his eyes lit up.

"...This paper had the privilege of interviewing Butler University's Coach Z. He's from China and is the youngest head coach in the NCAA. In his first season as a head coach, he led his team to an astonishing 30–3 regular-season record, ranked first in the conference, and a postseason championship. Four years after its last appearance, he led the team back to March Madness, drawing attention from across the country. His starting point guard, Stephen Curry, leads the NCAA in scoring with an average of 27.7 points per game... Coach Z, how did you manage such a successful rookie season?"

The team's Cinderella run grew even more striking after the game. Combined with the earlier USA Today interview, it made Zhang Yu famous across the country. Plenty of fans now knew the NCAA's youngest head coach was only twenty-four—and Chinese—and began following Butler University.

The Windy City, on the shores of Lake Michigan, had a mild climate. The average temperature in March was already close to ten degrees Celsius, but the damp cold still got to you.

But the Bulldogs were a dark horse and had plenty of supporters too. Quite a few fans from other cities had even come all the way to Chicago to cheer them on.

Because Old Dominion was weak inside, Zhang Yu boldly moved Julian Becko to forward, replacing Campbell in the starting lineup and adding another shooter to the team's perimeter offense.

"Hmm? This is interesting..." He spotted an interview in the newspaper, and his eyes lit up.

"...This paper had the privilege of interviewing Butler University's Coach Z. He's from China and is the youngest head coach in the NCAA. In his first season as a head coach, he led his team to an astonishing 30–3 regular-season record, ranked first in the conference, and a postseason championship. Four years after its last appearance, he led the team back to March Madness, drawing attention from across the country. His starting point guard, Stephen Curry, leads the NCAA in scoring with an average of 27.7 points per game... Coach Z, how did you manage such a successful rookie season?"

The team's Cinderella run grew even more striking after the game. Combined with the earlier USA Today interview, it made Zhang Yu famous across the country. Plenty of fans now knew the NCAA's youngest head coach was only twenty-four—and Chinese—and began following Butler University.

Located on the shores of Lake Michigan, the Windy City had a mild climate. The average temperature in March was already close to ten degrees Celsius, but the damp cold still got to you.

But the Bulldogs were a dark horse and had plenty of supporters too. Quite a few fans from other cities had even come all the way to Chicago to cheer them on.

Because Old Dominion was weak inside, Zhang Yu boldly moved Julian Becko to forward, replacing Campbell in the starting lineup and adding another shooter to the team's perimeter offense.

"Hmm? This is interesting..." He spotted an interview in the newspaper, and his eyes lit up.

"...This paper had the privilege of interviewing Butler University's Coach Z. He's from China and is the youngest head coach in the NCAA. In his first season as a head coach, he led his team to an astonishing 30–3 regular-season record, ranked first in the conference, and a postseason championship. Four years after its last appearance, he led the team back to March Madness, drawing attention from across the country. His starting point guard, Stephen Curry, leads the NCAA in scoring with an average of 27.7 points per game... Coach Z, how did you manage such a successful rookie season?"

The team's Cinderella run grew even more striking after the game. Combined with the earlier USA Today interview, it made Zhang Yu famous across the country. Plenty of fans now knew the NCAA's youngest head coach was only twenty-four—and Chinese—and began following Butler University.

"...This paper had the privilege of interviewing Butler University's Coach Z. He's from China and is the youngest head coach in the NCAA. In his first season as a head coach, he led his team to an astonishing 30–3 regular-season record, ranked first in the conference, and a postseason championship. Four years after its last appearance, he led the team back to March Madness, drawing attention from across the country. His starting point guard, Stephen Curry, leads the NCAA in scoring with an average of 27.7 points per game... Coach Z, how did you manage such a successful rookie season?"

With Old Dominion's feeble defense, the Bulldogs scored from all over the floor. Mike Green, Drew, Julian Becko, and AJ Graves all had well-rounded performances.

Su Qun set down his phone. He had just been talking with Duan Ran, Basketball Pioneer's correspondent in the United States and one of his most capable reporters.

During the game, Zhang Yu had built his tactics around Brian Henderson. Mike Green guarded him primarily, while AJ Graves and Julian Becko stayed ready to shadow him closely.

Louis came out of his hotel, tightened his fleece-lined jacket, and hurried toward Chicago State University.

Since its launch two years earlier, the magazine had covered nearly every aspect of the NBA in depth. Su Qun had long wanted to develop a new feature.

That was only because the final seven minutes had become garbage time. The Bulldogs' defense eased up, allowing their opponents to claw back a few points. Otherwise, the final margin would have been around twenty...

"You know, some people are held back by traditional thinking. They just can't see Stephen's enormous potential."

"It's a long story. When I first came to the United States, I wanted to join the Bulldogs. After half a year doing odd jobs, Coach Rickert..."

With Old Dominion's feeble defense, the Bulldogs scored from all over the floor. Mike Green, Drew, Julian Becko, and AJ Graves all had well-rounded performances.

"...All right, thanks to Coach Z for the interview. We wish Butler the best of luck in tomorrow's game!"

As the most popular league in the United States, the NCAA was a pipeline for NBA rookies. Most American stars had come through the NCAA before entering the NBA through the draft...

Su Qun set down his phone. He had just been talking with Duan Ran, Basketball Pioneer's correspondent in the United States and one of his most capable reporters.

During the game, Zhang Yu had built his tactics around Brian Henderson. Mike Green guarded him primarily, while AJ Graves and Julian Becko stayed ready to shadow him closely.

Louis had waited outside for more than an hour before finally getting into the Jones Center.

"Hey, could you move aside for me?"

The atmosphere in the arena grew livelier as more people entered. Conversation buzzed all around the court.

"Hey, could you move aside for me?"

Louis glanced at his dark sweater and looked into the distance. He saw only a few dark patches scattered through a blue-and-white river of people. Annoyed, he muttered under his breath:

In late March, the chill was finally fading in Beijing. Office workers had begun shedding their down jackets, and women in stockings and short skirts were appearing on the streets.

In late March, the chill was finally fading in Beijing. Office workers had begun shedding their down jackets, and women in stockings and short skirts were appearing on the streets.

"He's a true genius."

That was only because the final seven minutes had become garbage time. The Bulldogs' defense eased up, allowing their opponents to claw back a few points. Otherwise, the final margin would have been around twenty.

The Bulldogs and Kentucky University were playing here for a place in the Sweet Sixteen. The crowd consisted of fans of both teams. Kentucky University was an NCAA powerhouse, and its fans clearly outnumbered the others.

He took the elevator to the fifth floor, entered his office, opened the window to air it out, and turned on his computer to begin the day.

Because Old Dominion was weak inside, Zhang Yu boldly moved Julian Becko to forward, replacing Campbell in the starting lineup and adding another shooter to the team's perimeter offense.

After some thought, he turned his attention to the NCAA.

He had just sat down when a pleasant voice sounded in his ear.

Since Old Dominion was weak inside, Zhang Yu had boldly moved Julian Becko to forward, replacing Campbell in the starting lineup and adding another shooter to the team's perimeter offense.

During the game, Zhang Yu had built his tactics around Brian Henderson. Mike Green guarded him primarily, while AJ Graves and Julian Becko stayed ready to shadow him closely.

Louis glanced at his dark sweater and looked into the distance. He saw only a few dark patches scattered through a blue-and-white river of people. Annoyed, he muttered under his breath:

"Hmm? This is interesting..." He spotted an interview in the newspaper, and his eyes lit up.

"...This paper had the privilege of interviewing Butler University's Coach Z. He's from China and is the youngest head coach in the NCAA. In his first season as a head coach, he led his team to an astonishing 30–3 regular-season record, ranked first in the conference, and a postseason championship. Four years after its last appearance, he led the team back to March Madness, drawing attention from across the country. His starting point guard, Stephen Curry, leads the NCAA in scoring with an average of 27.7 points per game... Coach Z, how did you manage such a successful rookie season?"

Illinois, Chicago.

He had been sitting for less than five minutes when he stood up again and frowned as he shut the window.

The team's Cinderella run grew even more striking after the game. Combined with the earlier USA Today interview, it made Zhang Yu famous across the country. Plenty of fans now knew the NCAA's youngest head coach was only twenty-four—and Chinese—and began following Butler University.

"...This paper had the privilege of interviewing Butler University's Coach Z. He's from China and is the youngest head coach in the NCAA. In his first season as a head coach, he led his team to an astonishing 30–3 regular-season record, ranked first in the conference, and a postseason championship. Four years after its last appearance, he led the team back to March Madness, drawing attention from across the country. His starting point guard, Stephen Curry, leads the NCAA in scoring with an average of 27.7 points per game... Coach Z, how did you manage such a successful rookie season?"

With Old Dominion's feeble defense, the Bulldogs scored from all over the floor. Mike Green, Drew, Julian Becko, and AJ Graves all had well-rounded performances.

The team's Cinderella run grew even more striking after the game. Combined with the earlier USA Today interview, it made Zhang Yu famous across the country. Plenty of fans now knew the NCAA's youngest head coach was only twenty-four—and Chinese—and began following Butler University.

Located on the shores of Lake Michigan, the Windy City had a mild climate. The average temperature in March was already close to ten degrees Celsius, but the damp cold still got to you.

But the Bulldogs were a dark horse and had plenty of supporters too. Quite a few fans from other cities had even come all the way to Chicago to cheer them on.

Because Old Dominion was weak inside, Zhang Yu boldly moved Julian Becko to forward, replacing Campbell in the starting lineup and adding another shooter to the team's perimeter offense.

"Hmm? This is interesting..." He spotted an interview in the newspaper, and his eyes lit up.

"...This paper had the privilege of interviewing Butler University's Coach Z. He's from China and is the youngest head coach in the NCAA. In his first season as a head coach, he led his team to an astonishing 30–3 regular-season record, ranked first in the conference, and a postseason championship. Four years after its last appearance, he led the team back to March Madness, drawing attention from across the country. His starting point guard, Stephen Curry, leads the NCAA in scoring with an average of 27.7 points per game... Coach Z, how did you manage such a successful rookie season?"

The team's Cinderella run grew even more striking after the game. Combined with the earlier USA Today interview, it made Zhang Yu famous across the country. Plenty of fans now knew the NCAA's youngest head coach was only twenty-four—and Chinese—and began following Butler University.

"...This paper had the privilege of interviewing Butler University's Coach Z. He's from China and is the youngest head coach in the NCAA. In his first season as a head coach, he led his team to an astonishing 30–3 regular-season record, ranked first in the conference, and a postseason championship. Four years after its last appearance, he led the team back to March Madness, drawing attention from across the country. His starting point guard, Stephen Curry, leads the NCAA in scoring with an average of 27.7 points per game... Coach Z, how did you manage such a successful rookie season?"

"...This paper had the privilege of interviewing Butler University's Coach Z. He's from China and is the youngest head coach in the NCAA. In his first season as a head coach, he led his team to an astonishing 30–3 regular-season record, ranked first in the conference, and a postseason championship. Four years after its last appearance, he led the team back to March Madness, drawing attention from across the country. His starting point guard, Stephen Curry, leads the NCAA in scoring with an average of 27.7 points per game... Coach Z, how did you manage such a successful rookie season?"

With Old Dominion's feeble defense, the Bulldogs scored from all over the floor. Mike Green, Drew, Julian Becko, and AJ Graves all had well-rounded performances.

Su Qun set down his phone. He had just been talking with Duan Ran, Basketball Pioneer's correspondent in the United States and one of his most capable reporters.

During the game, Zhang Yu had built his tactics around Brian Henderson. Mike Green guarded him primarily, while AJ Graves and Julian Becko stayed ready to shadow him closely.

Louis came out of his hotel, tightened his fleece-lined jacket, and hurried toward Chicago State University.

Since its launch two years earlier, the magazine had covered nearly every aspect of the NBA in depth. Su Qun had long wanted to develop a new feature.

That was only because the final seven minutes had become garbage time. The Bulldogs' defense eased up, allowing their opponents to claw back a few points. Otherwise, the final margin would have been around twenty...

"You know, some people are held back by traditional thinking. They just can't see Stephen's enormous potential."

"It's a long story. When I first came to the United States, I wanted to join the Bulldogs. After half a year doing odd jobs, Coach Rickert..."

With Old Dominion's feeble defense, the Bulldogs scored from all over the floor. Mike Green, Drew, Julian Becko, and AJ Graves all had well-rounded performances.

"...All right, thanks to Coach Z for the interview. We wish Butler the best of luck in tomorrow's game!"

As the most popular league in the United States, the NCAA was a pipeline for NBA rookies. Most American stars had come through the NCAA before entering the NBA through the draft.

"Sweet Sixteen."

"Here's another question. What are your expectations for the team?"

"No. The board has strict requirements for my results. If the team doesn't make the Sweet Sixteen, I'll be fired."

Louis glanced at his dark sweater and looked into the distance. He saw only a few dark patches scattered through a blue-and-white river of people. Annoyed, he muttered under his breath:

The Windy City, on the shores of Lake Michigan, had a mild climate. The average temperature in March was already close to ten degrees Celsius, but the damp cold still got to you.

At present, Chinese fans were still unfamiliar with the NCAA, but their interest in it was steadily growing. Su Qun believed it would be a promising subject for the magazine's future coverage.

After some thought, he turned his attention to the NCAA.

"Duan, do you know someone named Zhang Yu? He's the head coach at Butler University in the NCAA... You don't? Then start looking into him. He's Chinese, so he shouldn't be hard to find... Interview him? No, no, don't contact him yet. Let's wait and see... All right, that's it. Get back to work."

"...All right, thanks to Coach Z for the interview. We wish Butler the best of luck in tomorrow's game!"

Since its founding in 2004, Basketball Pioneer had quickly become popular nationwide and one of China's largest print basketball publications.

Every year, March Madness games were held in neutral cities, so teams didn't have to travel across the country for home-and-away games. This year, the first and second rounds were being held in Chicago.

Louis glanced at his dark sweater and looked into the distance. He saw only a few dark patches scattered through a blue-and-white river of people. Annoyed, he muttered under his breath:

Butler's first-round opponent was Old Dominion University. The school had a slightly better record than Butler over the years and made March Madness now and then, but never got past the round of 64. They were a typical tournament also-ran.

The team's key player was Brian Henderson, a junior swingman who averaged 18.5 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game. He was fairly well-rounded and played tough defense.

Curry was still the team's standout. He made nine of fourteen shots and six of nine three-pointers, scoring an incredibly efficient 24 points to lead the team to a 76–64 win and send them into the round of 32.