I Came, I Saw, I Conquered!

Volume 1: I Came, I Saw, I Conquered! Chapter 4: Heartbreaking Stevens

"What? The Bulldogs have only reached the Sweet Sixteen once in their history, and Ronan is a first-time head coach. They're asking the impossible!" Stevens, who had walked over, overheard their conversation and sounded very indignant.

"Please rest assured, I will not let you and Coach Rickert down. Within three years, I will bring an NCAA championship trophy to the Bulldogs." Zhang Yu's voice was soft but very firm.

But seeing the mockery in Stevens' eyes, he realized what was happening. He punched Stevens on the shoulder and laughed, "Rickert thinks highly of you, and I believe in your abilities. Go for it."

"Ronan, the team is yours. I will give you all the authority a head coach should have," Micah said, walking to the entrance of the library and whispering into Zhang Yu's ear. "But the team hasn't tasted victory for too long. I need to see breakthrough results. Otherwise, not only will your position be in jeopardy, but those conservatives won't let this go. Many people will be implicated, including myself."

"I will definitely not let Coach Rickert's efforts be in vain," Zhang Yu said solemnly.

"Rickert thinks highly of you, and I believe in your abilities. Go for it."

"I will definitely not let Coach Rickert's efforts be in vain," Zhang Yu said solemnly.

Micah Shulsbury said helplessly, "It seems there are many complications behind my taking over as head coach."

"You first guarantee that you'll still be the team's head coach next year." His apartment was on the third floor, only sixty square meters, but it was more than enough for one person.

"Are you scared already? Worried you can't lead the team to the Sweet Sixteen?" Stevens chuckled.

"Uh..." Zhang Yu was stunned and speechless for a moment.

Micah Shulsbury said helplessly, "This is already giving you face because of Rickert. Those conservatives on the board insisted on hiring a new head coach next season, but the principal rejected their request. However, they then proposed that the team must reach the Sweet Sixteen, otherwise the Bulldogs shouldn't be cooperating with the youngest head coach in NCAA history. They think it's too crazy."

Zhang Yu understood that Micah Shulsbury's strong inclination towards him was largely due to Rickert. Without his recommendation, no matter how capable Zhang Yu was, he wouldn't have become the Bulldogs' head coach.

He caught Julian Becko making a mistake during defensive drills out of the corner of his eye and walked straight over to guide Julian Becko's training.

Zhang Yu said seriously:

Zhang Yu was silent for a moment before speaking, "You first guarantee that you'll still be the team's head coach next year."

Zhang Yu looked at their Director of Basketball Operations with alarm, but Micah Shulsbury didn't scold Stevens. Instead, he burst into laughter.

"Uh..." Zhang Yu was stunned and speechless for a moment.

"Micah, let those board members come to the Bulldogs and form a joint committee. They probably think making it to March Madness is as easy as opening a bottle of wine worth tens of thousands of dollars," Stevens said with a gentle smile, as if making a sincere suggestion. "Ronan and I will be responsible for picking up the balls. Let's see how those old men lead the team into the tournament."

Stevens was about to say more, but Zhang Yu stopped him with a raised hand.

"Moreover, I see my past self in you – hardworking, diligent, and treating basketball as life... I believe you will definitely lead the Bulldogs to create a miracle."

"This is already giving you face because of Rickert. Those conservatives on the board insisted on hiring a new head coach next season, but the principal rejected their request. However, they then proposed that the team must reach the Sweet Sixteen, otherwise the Bulldogs shouldn't be cooperating with the youngest head coach in NCAA history. They think it's too crazy."

"Brad, I will relay this suggestion to the principal."

Zhang Yu understood that Micah Shulsbury's strong inclination towards him was largely due to Rickert. Without his recommendation, no matter how capable Zhang Yu was, he wouldn't have become the Bulldogs' head coach.

Stevens was about to say more, but Zhang Yu stopped him with a raised hand.

Micah Shulsbury said helplessly, "I know. I will work hard." Zhang Yu's voice was a little heavy.

NBA teams can instantly assemble a powerful lineup through trades and drafts. Many powerhouses have fallen for ten or twenty years, only to return to their peak with one trade. Many weak teams have reached the top of the league with one successful draft. However, a transparent NCAA team can only recruit high school students left over by powerhouse schools, making the possibility of becoming a dark horse very low.

"I know. I will work hard." Zhang Yu's voice was a little heavy.

But seeing the mockery in Stevens' eyes, he realized what was happening. He punched Stevens on the shoulder and laughed, "Micah, I have something I want to ask you..."

"..."

"You first guarantee that you'll still be the team's head coach next year."

Of course, while Zhang Yu was thinking this, he forgot that he was even worse than them. Throughout the entire training process, he just watched from the sidelines. He hadn't expected his situation to be so dire. A rookie head coach was expected to lead the team to the NCAA Sweet Sixteen in his first year of coaching, which was even harder than asking a rookie coach to lead an NBA team to the conference finals in their first season.

Zhang Yu knew that Micah Shulsbury didn't take his words to heart and didn't say anything more. As he saw him off at Hinkle Fieldhouse, Zhang Yu said in a low voice:

Micah Shulsbury said helplessly, "I know. I will work hard." Zhang Yu's voice was a little heavy.

NBA teams can instantly assemble a powerful lineup through trades and drafts. Many powerhouses have fallen for ten or twenty years, only to return to their peak with one trade. Many weak teams have reached the top of the league with one successful draft. However, a transparent NCAA team can only recruit high school students left over by powerhouse schools, making the possibility of becoming a dark horse very low.

His apartment was on the third floor, only sixty square meters, but it was more than enough for one person.

"Are you scared already? Worried you can't lead the team to the Sweet Sixteen?" Stevens chuckled.

NBA teams can instantly assemble a powerful lineup through trades and drafts. Many powerhouses have fallen for ten or twenty years, only to return to their peak with one trade. Many weak teams have reached the top of the league with one successful draft. However, a transparent NCAA team can only recruit high school students left over by powerhouse schools, making the possibility of becoming a dark horse very low.

From any angle, Stevens was the best candidate to take over as head coach.

Micah Shulsbury patted Zhang Yu on the shoulder:

"Moreover, I see my past self in you – hardworking, diligent, and treating basketball as life... I believe you will definitely lead the Bulldogs to create a miracle."

"This is already giving you face because of Rickert. Those conservatives on the board insisted on hiring a new head coach next season, but the principal rejected their request. However, they then proposed that the team must reach the Sweet Sixteen, otherwise the Bulldogs shouldn't be cooperating with the youngest head coach in NCAA history. They think it's too crazy."

"Brad, I will relay this suggestion to the principal."

Zhang Yu understood that Micah Shulsbury's strong inclination towards him was largely due to Rickert. Without his recommendation, no matter how capable Zhang Yu was, he wouldn't have become the Bulldogs' head coach.

Stevens was about to say more, but Zhang Yu stopped him with a raised hand.

Micah Shulsbury said helplessly, "I know. I will work hard." Zhang Yu's voice was a little heavy.

Zhang Yu understood that Micah Shulsbury's strong inclination towards him was largely due to Rickert. Without his recommendation, no matter how capable Zhang Yu was, he wouldn't have become the Bulldogs' head coach.

Stevens chuckled.

"Please rest assured, I will not let you and Coach Rickert down. Within three years, I will bring an NCAA championship trophy to the Bulldogs." Zhang Yu's voice was soft but very firm.

"You first guarantee that you'll still be the team's head coach next year."

"..."

Stevens was about to say more, but Zhang Yu stopped him with a raised hand.

"I will definitely not let Coach Rickert's efforts be in vain," Zhang Yu said solemnly.

After the afternoon training session, Zhang Yu went to the school cafeteria for dinner and then returned to his apartment.

Zhang Yu was silent for a moment before speaking:

His apartment was on the third floor, only sixty square meters, but it was more than enough for one person.

"Rickert thinks highly of you, and I believe in your abilities. Go for it."

When Stevens was chatting with Zhang Yu earlier, he revealed that he also wanted to experience the NBA scene.

He knew the apartment wouldn't be very clean, but he didn't expect it to be so dirty!

Zhang Yu understood that Micah Shulsbury's strong inclination towards him was largely due to Rickert. Without his recommendation, no matter how capable Zhang Yu was, he wouldn't have become the Bulldogs' head coach.

Stevens' expression turned serious: "Since that's the case, why should I help you? If the Bulldogs don't reach the Sweet Sixteen, I can become the team's head coach next season."

From any angle, Stevens was the best candidate to take over as head coach.

Micah Shulsbury patted Zhang Yu on the shoulder:

"Moreover, I see my past self in you – hardworking, diligent, and treating basketball as life... I believe you will definitely lead the Bulldogs to create a miracle."

Rickert's strong recommendation, the struggle between the conservatives and liberals on the Butler University board, and most importantly, his ability to coach a team – all these factors were indispensable.

After Micah Shulsbury left, Zhang Yu continued to guide the team's training. To be precise, he watched the other assistant coaches guide the team's training, his gaze mainly fixed on Stevens' back.

Previously, when the original body was an assistant coach, he was mainly responsible for the team's offensive tactics, which was also the part of basketball tactics he researched most thoroughly. The team's defensive tactics were handled by Brandon Miller, Terry Johnson was responsible for guiding player techniques, and Stevens was more like a jack-of-all-trades, serving as the team's first assistant coach, responsible for a little bit of everything, acting as the adhesive between everyone and Rickert.

"Since you know, why are you asking? Coach Rickert gave me an opportunity back then. He recommended you, so of course, I will help you with all my might."

"Rickert thinks highly of you, and I believe in your abilities. Go for it."

"Are you scared already? Worried you can't lead the team to the Sweet Sixteen?" Stevens chuckled.

"Please rest assured, I will not let you and Coach Rickert down. Within three years, I will bring an NCAA championship trophy to the Bulldogs." Zhang Yu's voice was soft but very firm.

"You first guarantee that you'll still be the team's head coach next year."

"..."

Stevens was about to say more, but Zhang Yu stopped him with a raised hand.

"I will definitely not let Coach Rickert's efforts be in vain," Zhang Yu said solemnly.

After the afternoon training session, Zhang Yu went to the school cafeteria for dinner and then returned to his apartment.

Zhang Yu was silent for a moment before speaking:

His apartment was on the third floor, only sixty square meters, but it was more than enough for one person.

"Rickert thinks highly of you, and I believe in your abilities. Go for it."

When Stevens was chatting with Zhang Yu earlier, he revealed that he also wanted to experience the NBA scene.

He knew the apartment wouldn't be very clean, but he didn't expect it to be so dirty!

Zhang Yu understood that Micah Shulsbury's strong inclination towards him was largely due to Rickert. Without his recommendation, no matter how capable Zhang Yu was, he wouldn't have become the Bulldogs' head coach.

Stevens' expression turned serious: "Since that's the case, why should I help you? If the Bulldogs don't reach the Sweet Sixteen, I can become the team's head coach next season."

From any angle, Stevens was the best candidate to take over as head coach.

Micah Shulsbury patted Zhang Yu on the shoulder:

"Moreover, I see my past self in you – hardworking, diligent, and treating basketball as life... I believe you will definitely lead the Bulldogs to create a miracle."

Rickert's strong recommendation, the struggle between the conservatives and liberals on the Butler University board, and most importantly, his ability to coach a team – all these factors were indispensable.

"Micah, let those board members come to the Bulldogs and form a joint committee. They probably think making it to March Madness is as easy as opening a bottle of wine worth tens of thousands of dollars," Stevens said with a gentle smile, as if making a sincere suggestion. "Ronan and I will be responsible for picking up the balls. Let's see how those old men lead the team into the tournament."

Micah Shulsbury said helplessly, "I know. I will work hard." Zhang Yu's voice was a little heavy.

NBA teams can instantly assemble a powerful lineup through trades and drafts. Many powerhouses have fallen for ten or twenty years, only to return to their peak with one trade. Many weak teams have reached the top of the league with one successful draft. However, a transparent NCAA team can only recruit high school students left over by powerhouse schools, making the possibility of becoming a dark horse very low.

"I know. I will work hard." Zhang Yu's voice was a little heavy.

But seeing the mockery in Stevens' eyes, he realized what was happening. He punched Stevens on the shoulder and laughed, "Micah, I have something I want to ask you..."

"..."

"You first guarantee that you'll still be the team's head coach next year."

"Of course, while Zhang Yu was thinking this, he forgot that he was even worse than them. Throughout the entire training process, he just watched from the sidelines. He hadn't expected his situation to be so dire. A rookie head coach was expected to lead the team to the NCAA Sweet Sixteen in his first year of coaching, which was even harder than asking a rookie coach to lead an NBA team to the conference finals in their first season.

Zhang Yu knew that Micah Shulsbury didn't take his words to heart and didn't say anything more. As he saw him off at Hinkle Fieldhouse, Zhang Yu said in a low voice:

Micah Shulsbury said helplessly, "I know. I will work hard." Zhang Yu's voice was a little heavy.

NBA teams can instantly assemble a powerful lineup through trades and drafts. Many powerhouses have fallen for ten or twenty years, only to return to their peak with one trade. Many weak teams have reached the top of the league with one successful draft. However, a transparent NCAA team can only recruit high school students left over by powerhouse schools, making the possibility of becoming a dark horse very low.

His apartment was on the third floor, only sixty square meters, but it was more than enough for one person.

"Are you scared already? Worried you can't lead the team to the Sweet Sixteen?" Stevens chuckled.

NBA teams can instantly assemble a powerful lineup through trades and drafts. Many powerhouses have fallen for ten or twenty years, only to return to their peak with one trade. Many weak teams have reached the top of the league with one successful draft. However, a transparent NCAA team can only recruit high school students left over by powerhouse schools, making the possibility of becoming a dark horse very low.

From any angle, Stevens was the best candidate to take over as head coach.

Micah Shulsbury patted Zhang Yu on the shoulder:

"Moreover, I see my past self in you – hardworking, diligent, and treating basketball as life... I believe you will definitely lead the Bulldogs to create a miracle."

Rickert's strong recommendation, the struggle between the conservatives and liberals on the Butler University board, and most importantly, his ability to coach a team – all these factors were indispensable.

After Micah Shulsbury left, Zhang Yu continued to guide the team's training. To be precise, he watched the other assistant coaches guide the team's training, his gaze mainly fixed on Stevens' back.

Previously, when the original body was an assistant coach, he was mainly responsible for the team's offensive tactics, which was also the part of basketball tactics he researched most thoroughly. The team's defensive tactics were handled by Brandon Miller, Terry Johnson was responsible for guiding player techniques, and Stevens was more like a jack-of-all-trades, serving as the team's first assistant coach, responsible for a little bit of everything, acting as the adhesive between everyone and Rickert.

"Since you know, why are you asking? Coach Rickert gave me an opportunity back then. He recommended you, so of course, I will help you with all my might."

"Rickert thinks highly of you, and I believe in your abilities. Go for it."

"Are you scared already? Worried you can't lead the team to the Sweet Sixteen?" Stevens chuckled.

"Please rest assured, I will not let you and Coach Rickert down. Within three years, I will bring an NCAA championship trophy to the Bulldogs." Zhang Yu's voice was soft but very firm.

"You first guarantee that you'll still be the team's head coach next year."

"..."

Stevens was about to say more, but Zhang Yu stopped him with a raised hand.

"I will definitely not let Coach Rickert's efforts be in vain," Zhang Yu said solemnly.

After the afternoon training session, Zhang Yu went to the school cafeteria for dinner and then returned to his apartment.

Zhang Yu was silent for a moment before speaking:

His apartment was on the third floor, only sixty square meters, but it was more than enough for one person.

"Rickert thinks highly of you, and I believe in your abilities. Go for it."

When Stevens was chatting with Zhang Yu earlier, he revealed that he also wanted to experience the NBA scene.

He knew the apartment wouldn't be very clean, but he didn't expect it to be so dirty!

Zhang Yu understood that Micah Shulsbury's strong inclination towards him was largely due to Rickert. Without his recommendation, no matter how capable Zhang Yu was, he wouldn't have become the Bulldogs' head coach.

Stevens' expression turned serious: "Since that's the case, why should I help you? If the Bulldogs don't reach the Sweet Sixteen, I can become the team's head coach next season."

From any angle, Stevens was the best candidate to take over as head coach.

Micah Shulsbury patted Zhang Yu on the shoulder:

"Moreover, I see my past self in you – hardworking, diligent, and treating basketball as life... I believe you will definitely lead the Bulldogs to create a miracle."

Rickert's strong recommendation, the struggle between the conservatives and liberals on the Butler University board, and most importantly, his ability to coach a team – all these factors were indispensable.

"Micah, let those board members come to the Bulldogs and form a joint committee. They probably think making it to March Madness is as easy as opening a bottle of wine worth tens of thousands of dollars," Stevens said with a gentle smile, as if making a sincere suggestion. "Ronan and I will be responsible for picking up the balls. Let's see how those old men lead the team into the tournament."

Micah Shulsbury said helplessly, "I know. I will work hard." Zhang Yu's voice was a little heavy.

NBA teams can instantly assemble a powerful lineup through trades and drafts. Many powerhouses have fallen for ten or twenty years, only to return to their peak with one trade. Many weak teams have reached the top of the league with one successful draft. However, a transparent NCAA team can only recruit high school students left over by powerhouse schools, making the possibility of becoming a dark horse very low.

"I know. I will work hard." Zhang Yu's voice was a little heavy.

But seeing the mockery in Stevens' eyes, he realized what was happening. He punched Stevens on the shoulder and laughed, "Micah, I have something I want to ask you..."

"..."

"You first guarantee that you'll still be the team's head coach next year."

"Of course, while Zhang Yu was thinking this, he forgot that he was even worse than them. Throughout the entire training process, he just watched from the sidelines. He hadn't expected his situation to be so dire. A rookie head coach was expected to lead the team to the NCAA Sweet Sixteen in his first year of coaching, which was even harder than asking a rookie coach to lead an NBA team to the conference finals in their first season.

Zhang Yu knew that Micah Shulsbury didn't take his words to heart and didn't say anything more. As he saw him off at Hinkle Fieldhouse, Zhang Yu said in a low voice:

Micah Shulsbury said helplessly, "I know. I will work hard." Zhang Yu's voice was a little heavy.

NBA teams can instantly assemble a powerful lineup through trades and drafts. Many powerhouses have fallen for ten or twenty years, only to return to their peak with one trade. Many weak teams have reached the top of the league with one successful draft. However, a transparent NCAA team can only recruit high school students left over by powerhouse schools, making the possibility of becoming a dark horse very low.

His apartment was on the third floor, only sixty square meters, but it was more than enough for one person.

"Are you scared already? Worried you can't lead the team to the Sweet Sixteen?" Stevens chuckled.

NBA teams can instantly assemble a powerful lineup through trades and drafts. Many powerhouses have fallen for ten or twenty years, only to return to their peak with one trade. Many weak teams have reached the top of the league with one successful draft. However, a transparent NCAA team can only recruit high school students left over by powerhouse schools, making the possibility of becoming a dark horse very low.

From any angle, Stevens was the best candidate to take over as head coach.

Micah Shulsbury patted Zhang Yu on the shoulder:

"Moreover, I see my past self in you – hardworking, diligent, and treating basketball as life... I believe you will definitely lead the Bulldogs to create a miracle."

Rickert's strong recommendation, the struggle between the conservatives and liberals on the Butler University board, and most importantly, his ability to coach a team – all these factors were indispensable.

After Micah Shulsbury left, Zhang Yu continued to guide the team's training. To be precise, he watched the other assistant coaches guide the team's training, his gaze mainly fixed on Stevens' back.

Previously, when the original body was an assistant coach, he was mainly responsible for the team's offensive tactics, which was also the part of basketball tactics he researched most thoroughly. The team's defensive tactics were handled by Brandon Miller, Terry Johnson was responsible for guiding player techniques, and Stevens was more like a jack-of-all-trades, serving as the team's first assistant coach, responsible for a little bit of everything, acting as the adhesive between everyone and Rickert.

"Since you know, why are you asking? Coach Rickert gave me an opportunity back then. He recommended you, so of course, I will help you with all my might."

"Rickert thinks highly of you, and I believe in your abilities. Go for it."

"Are you scared already? Worried you can't lead the team to the Sweet Sixteen?" Stevens chuckled.

"Please rest assured, I will not let you and Coach Rickert down. Within three years, I will bring an NCAA championship trophy to the Bulldogs." Zhang Yu's voice was soft but very firm.

"You first guarantee that you'll still be the team's head coach next year."

"..."

Stevens was about to say more, but Zhang Yu stopped him with a raised hand.

"I will definitely not let Coach Rickert's efforts be in vain," Zhang Yu said solemnly.

After the afternoon training session, Zhang Yu went to the school cafeteria for dinner and then returned to his apartment.

Zhang Yu was silent for a moment before speaking:

His apartment was on the third floor, only sixty square meters, but it was more than enough for one person.

"Rickert thinks highly of you, and I believe in your abilities. Go for it."

When Stevens was chatting with Zhang Yu earlier, he revealed that he also wanted to experience the NBA scene.

He knew the apartment wouldn't be very clean, but he didn't expect it to be so dirty!

Zhang Yu understood that Micah Shulsbury's strong inclination towards him was largely due to Rickert. Without his recommendation, no matter how capable Zhang Yu was, he wouldn't have become the Bulldogs' head coach.

Stevens' expression turned serious: "Since that's the case, why should I help you? If the Bulldogs don't reach the Sweet Sixteen, I can become the team's head coach next season."

From any angle, Stevens was the best candidate to take over as head coach.

Micah Shulsbury patted Zhang Yu on the shoulder:

"Moreover, I see my past self in you – hardworking, diligent, and treating basketball as life... I believe you will definitely lead the Bulldogs to create a miracle."

Rickert's strong recommendation, the struggle between the conservatives and liberals on the Butler University board, and most importantly, his ability to coach a team – all these factors were indispensable.

"Micah, let those board members come to the Bulldogs and form a joint committee. They probably think making it to March Madness is as easy as opening a bottle of wine worth tens of thousands of dollars," Stevens said with a gentle smile, as if making a sincere suggestion. "Ronan and I will be responsible for picking up the balls. Let's see how those old men lead the team into the tournament."

Micah Shulsbury said helplessly, "I know. I will work hard." Zhang Yu's voice was a little heavy.

NBA teams can instantly assemble a powerful lineup through trades and drafts. Many powerhouses have fallen for ten or twenty years, only to return to their peak with one trade. Many weak teams have reached the top of the league with one successful draft. However, a transparent NCAA team can only recruit high school students left over by powerhouse schools, making the possibility of becoming a dark horse very low.

"I know. I will work hard." Zhang Yu's voice was a little heavy.

But seeing the mockery in Stevens' eyes, he realized what was happening. He punched Stevens on the shoulder and laughed, "Micah, I have something I want to ask you..."

"..."

"You first guarantee that you'll still be the team's head coach next year."

"Of course, while Zhang Yu was thinking this, he forgot that he was even worse than them. Throughout the entire training process, he just watched from the sidelines. He hadn't expected his situation to be so dire. A rookie head coach was expected to lead the team to the NCAA Sweet Sixteen in his first year of coaching, which was even harder than asking a rookie coach to lead an NBA team to the conference finals in their first season.

Zhang Yu knew that Micah Shulsbury didn't take his words to heart and didn't say anything more. As he saw him off at Hinkle Fieldhouse, Zhang Yu said in a low voice:

Micah Shulsbury said helplessly, "I know. I will work hard." Zhang Yu's voice was a little heavy.

NBA teams can instantly assemble a powerful lineup through trades and drafts. Many powerhouses have fallen for ten or twenty years, only to return to their peak with one trade. Many weak teams have reached the top of the league with one successful draft. However, a transparent NCAA team can only recruit high school students left over by powerhouse schools, making the possibility of becoming a dark horse very low.

His apartment was on the third floor, only sixty square meters, but it was more than enough for one person.

"Are you scared already? Worried you can't lead the team to the Sweet Sixteen?" Stevens chuckled.

NBA teams can instantly assemble a powerful lineup through trades and drafts. Many powerhouses have fallen for ten or twenty years, only to return to their peak with one trade. Many weak teams have reached the top of the league with one successful draft. However, a transparent NCAA team can only recruit high school students left over by powerhouse schools, making the possibility of becoming a dark horse very low.

From any angle, Stevens was the best candidate to take over as head coach.

Micah Shulsbury patted Zhang Yu on the shoulder:

"Moreover, I see my past self in you – hardworking, diligent, and treating basketball as life... I believe you will definitely lead the Bulldogs to create a miracle."

Rickert's strong recommendation, the struggle between the conservatives and liberals on the Butler University board, and most importantly, his ability to coach a team – all these factors were indispensable.

After Micah Shulsbury left, Zhang Yu continued to guide the team's training. To be precise, he watched the other assistant coaches guide the team's training, his gaze mainly fixed on Stevens' back.

Previously, when the original body was an assistant coach, he was mainly responsible for the team's offensive tactics, which was also the part of basketball tactics he researched most thoroughly. The team's defensive tactics were handled by Brandon Miller, Terry Johnson was responsible for guiding player techniques, and Stevens was more like a jack-of-all-trades, serving as the team's first assistant coach, responsible for a little bit of everything, acting as the adhesive between everyone and Rickert.

"Since you know, why are you asking? Coach Rickert gave me an opportunity back then. He recommended you, so of course, I will help you with all my might."

"Rickert thinks highly of you, and I believe in your abilities. Go for it."

"Are you scared already? Worried you can't lead the team to the Sweet Sixteen?" Stevens chuckled.

"Please rest assured, I will not let you and Coach Rickert down. Within three years, I will bring an NCAA championship trophy to the Bulldogs." Zhang Yu's voice was soft but very firm.

"You first guarantee that you'll still be the team's head coach next year."

"..."

Stevens was about to say more, but Zhang Yu stopped him with a raised hand.

"I will definitely not let Coach Rickert's efforts be in vain," Zhang Yu said solemnly.

After the afternoon training session, Zhang Yu went to the school cafeteria for dinner and then returned to his apartment.

Zhang Yu was silent for a moment before speaking:

His apartment was on the third floor, only sixty square meters, but it was more than enough for one person.

"Rickert thinks highly of you, and I believe in your abilities. Go for it."

When Stevens was chatting with Zhang Yu earlier, he revealed that he also wanted to experience the NBA scene.

He knew the apartment wouldn't be very clean, but he didn't expect it to be so dirty!

Zhang Yu understood that Micah Shulsbury's strong inclination towards him was largely due to Rickert. Without his recommendation, no matter how capable Zhang Yu was, he wouldn't have become the Bulldogs' head coach.

Stevens' expression turned serious: "Since that's the case, why should I help you? If the Bulldogs don't reach the Sweet Sixteen, I can become the team's head coach next season."

From any angle, Stevens was the best candidate to take over as head coach.

Micah Shulsbury patted Zhang Yu on the shoulder:

"Moreover, I see my past self in you – hardworking, diligent, and treating basketball as life... I believe you will definitely lead the Bulldogs to create a miracle."

Rickert's strong recommendation, the struggle between the conservatives and liberals on the Butler University board, and most importantly, his ability to coach a team – all these factors were indispensable.

"Micah, let those board members come to the Bulldogs and form a joint committee. They probably think making it to March Madness is as easy as opening a bottle of wine worth tens of thousands of dollars," Stevens said with a gentle smile, as if making a sincere suggestion. "Ronan and I will be responsible for picking up the balls. Let's see how those old men lead the team into the tournament."

Micah Shulsbury said helplessly, "I know. I will work hard." Zhang Yu's voice was a little heavy.

NBA teams can instantly assemble a powerful lineup through trades and drafts. Many powerhouses have fallen for ten or twenty years, only to return to their peak with one trade. Many weak teams have reached the top of the league with one successful draft. However, a transparent NCAA team can only recruit high school students left over by powerhouse schools, making the possibility of becoming a dark horse very low.

"I know. I will work hard." Zhang Yu's voice was a little heavy.

But seeing the mockery in Stevens' eyes, he realized what was happening. He punched Stevens on the shoulder and laughed, "Micah, I have something I want to ask you..."

"..."

"You first guarantee that you'll still be the team's head coach next year."

"Of course, while Zhang Yu was thinking this, he forgot that he was even worse than them. Throughout the entire training process, he just watched from the sidelines. He hadn't expected his situation to be so dire. A rookie head coach was expected to lead the team to the NCAA Sweet Sixteen in his first year of coaching, which was even harder than asking a rookie coach to lead an NBA team to the conference finals in their first season.

Zhang Yu knew that Micah Shulsbury didn't take his words to heart and didn't say anything more. As he saw him off at Hinkle Fieldhouse, Zhang Yu said in a low voice:

Micah Shulsbury said helplessly, "I know. I will work hard." Zhang Yu's voice was a little heavy.

NBA teams can instantly assemble a powerful lineup through trades and drafts. Many powerhouses have fallen for ten or twenty years, only to return to their peak with one trade. Many weak teams have reached the top of the league with one successful draft. However, a transparent NCAA team can only recruit high school students left over by powerhouse schools, making the possibility of becoming a dark horse very low.

His apartment was on the third floor, only sixty square meters, but it was more than enough for one person.

"Are you scared already? Worried you can't lead the team to the Sweet Sixteen?" Stevens chuckled.

NBA teams can instantly assemble a powerful lineup through trades and drafts. Many powerhouses have fallen for ten or twenty years, only to return to their peak with one trade. Many weak teams have reached the top of the league with one successful draft. However, a transparent NCAA team can only recruit high school students left over by powerhouse schools, making the possibility of becoming a dark horse very low.

From any angle, Stevens was the best candidate to take over as head coach.

Micah Shulsbury patted Zhang Yu on the shoulder:

"Moreover, I see my past self in you – hardworking, diligent, and treating basketball as life... I believe you will definitely lead the Bulldogs to create a miracle."

Rickert's strong recommendation, the struggle between the conservatives and liberals on the Butler University board, and most importantly, his ability to coach a team – all these factors were indispensable.

After Micah Shulsbury left, Zhang Yu continued to guide the team's training. To be precise, he watched the other assistant coaches guide the team's training, his gaze mainly fixed on Stevens' back.

Previously, when the original body was an assistant coach, he was mainly responsible for the team's offensive tactics, which was also the part of basketball tactics he researched most thoroughly. The team's defensive tactics were handled by Brandon Miller, Terry Johnson was responsible for guiding player techniques, and Stevens was more like a jack-of-all-trades, serving as the team's first assistant coach, responsible for a little bit of everything, acting as the adhesive between everyone and Rickert.

"Since you know, why are you asking? Coach Rickert gave me an opportunity back then. He recommended you, so of course, I will help you with all my might."

"Rickert thinks highly of you, and I believe in your abilities. Go for it."

"Are you scared already? Worried you can't lead the team to the Sweet Sixteen?" Stevens chuckled.

"Please rest assured, I will not let you and Coach Rickert down. Within three years, I will bring an NCAA championship trophy to the Bulldogs." Zhang Yu's voice was soft but very firm.

"You first guarantee that you'll still be the team's head coach next year."

"..."

Stevens was about to say more, but Zhang Yu stopped him with a raised hand.

"I will definitely not let Coach Rickert's efforts be in vain," Zhang Yu said solemnly.

After the afternoon training session, Zhang Yu went to the school cafeteria for dinner and then returned to his apartment