Rival for Life

"Ding-dong! Congratulations, host! Your team has completed a comeback and won the NCAA championship. You've earned 3 skill points!" A voice rang out in Goodwin's mind, but he had no time to pay attention to it.

System, go play by yourself!

System: "..."

"Ahhhhh!" Goodwin cheered excitedly. He'd won the NCAA championship—not by riding someone else's coattails, but through his own ability.

He'd played for 5 minutes and 8 seconds, gone 3-for-3 from three-point range, and scored 9 crucial points, including 6 in overtime. He'd led the University of Kansas to a comeback victory over Syracuse University and the 2003 NCAA championship.

"Goodwin, you're the best! You're my Superman!" Collison exclaimed, embracing Goodwin. He even planted a kiss on Goodwin's cheek.

Confusion filled Goodwin's deep blue eyes. What the hell? Why are you kissing me?

Goodwin shoved the excited Collison away and quickly stepped back. Damn it, he liked women, not men.

Collison didn't say anything. He just kept cheering excitedly.

Just then, Carmelo Anthony, wearing orange with a large number 7 on the back of his jersey, made his way through the crowd and stopped in front of Goodwin. "Congratulations on winning the NCAA championship," he said, holding out his left hand.

Goodwin looked confused. What was Carmelo Anthony doing?

A second later, Goodwin replied, "Thanks!" As he spoke, he reached out and shook Carmelo Anthony's hand in a show of "friendship."

The game came first; friendship came second!

Click, click, click. The media surrounding them snapped away like crazy. One was a freshman who'd led the underdog Syracuse University to the NCAA final; the other was also a freshman, one who'd saved his team in its darkest hour. Both were future stars.

After they shook hands, Carmelo Anthony held his breath and stared intently at Goodwin. "Goodwin, I'm entering the NBA draft this year. Are you coming too?"

Given Carmelo Anthony's talent, there was nothing more for him to prove in the NCAA. He'd decided months ago that he would enter the 2003 NBA draft.

Carmelo Anthony had expected to win the NCAA championship and then step onto the NBA stage. But Goodwin had come along, leaving him just short of the title.

Carmelo Anthony wanted revenge. That was why he'd come over to ask Goodwin if he was entering the NBA draft.

As Carmelo Anthony saw it, Goodwin might be a poor defender, but he could shoot threes, and he had ice in his veins. That couldn't help but remind Carmelo Anthony of Steve Kerr.

Steve Kerr had officially announced his retirement the previous year.

Steve Kerr had averaged only 6 points per game in his career. He was an ordinary athlete and had always played a supporting role, but, much like the meaning of "City of Many Wells," Kerr had repeatedly served as his team's wellspring, providing crucial points like a source of water whenever they needed him most.

Like the game-winning shot Steve Kerr hit in the 1997 NBA Finals.

In Carmelo Anthony's eyes, Goodwin's performance in this NCAA final would put him on NBA scouts' radar. What's more, Goodwin had a good build, stood over 2 meters tall, and had a decent wingspan. Maybe...

In short, Carmelo Anthony really hoped Goodwin would make it to the NBA. Otherwise, he'd never get his revenge.

Goodwin froze when he heard Carmelo Anthony's question. The NBA draft?

Of course he'd thought about it. He'd gotten a second chance at life and gained a system, so naturally he wanted to reach basketball's highest stage—the NBA! He'd win MVP, Finals MVP, and the Larry O'Brien Championship Trophy. He'd win one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight...

But now wasn't the time. His overall ability was still only D+, and he was a "rookie." Going to the NBA now would be like asking to get beaten up.

Goodwin planned to take a year to develop in college before entering the NBA draft—that meant next year.

"Anthony, sorry. I'm not entering the NBA draft this year, but I will next year," Goodwin replied.

When Carmelo Anthony heard the first half, he looked like his life was over. But as soon as the second half reached his ears, he came right back to life.

Carmelo Anthony excitedly reached out with both hands and smacked Goodwin hard on the shoulders. "Good! I'll be waiting for you in the NBA, Goodwin. Make sure you get there soon!"

Hiss... The pain in his shoulder made Goodwin wonder if the guy had done it on purpose. Did he really have to hit that hard? This was his shoulder, not a punching bag.

Goodwin quickly stepped back, escaping Carmelo Anthony's clutches. "I will! See you in the NBA, Anthony."

Satisfied with Goodwin's answer, Carmelo Anthony turned and headed toward the players' tunnel, leaving the stage to the University of Kansas.

Goodwin watched Carmelo Anthony's retreating back, the corners of his mouth lifting slightly. He murmured to himself, Anthony, you want revenge? Not a chance! I'll be the one winning next time, too!

"Ding-dong! Congratulations, host! You've triggered: Rival for Life!"

Goodwin's face was full of question marks. What was Rival for Life?

Goodwin hurriedly opened the system to take a look.

He hadn't checked yet, and already he was in for a huge surprise.

The target of the Rival for Life mission was Carmelo Anthony. From now on, whenever Goodwin faced a team Carmelo Anthony played for, he had to win. Failure wasn't an option.

The rewards were generous: winning a game earned him 3 skill points.

But rewards came with a penalty, too. Losing a game would randomly deduct 3 attributes.

Goodwin: ???

System, that's cheating! What do you mean, losing a game randomly deducts 3 attributes?!

"This mission was issued according to the host's wishes!"

Goodwin regretted his boastful words from a moment ago. Who the hell could guarantee they'd beat every team led by Carmelo Anthony? Especially when Goodwin was still so bad.

Goodwin wanted to slap himself.

He raised his left hand, then let it drop limply. Never mind. He was afraid it would hurt.

What should he do? What should he do? Guess he'd just have to wait and see...

"Goodwin, what are you doing? Hurry up, it's time for the awards ceremony." Collison walked over and put an arm around the dazed Goodwin.

Collison's words brought Goodwin back to his senses.

Never mind. Things would work out somehow. For now, he'd enjoy the joy of winning the championship.

A smile soon returned to Goodwin's face. He followed his teammates onto the stage they'd set up to receive their championship trophy.

It was the University of Kansas's third championship in the program's history, making them three-time champions. They'd won previously in 1952 and 1998.