"Good God, the opposition has already fully retreated, yet Li Fei can still force his way into the paint. The suppression of his raw talent is truly visible to the naked eye."
Phoenix, USA.
In the stands, Kevin Johnson gulped, then looked toward the Flying Pig beside him: "I honestly feel that even if you were standing in front of Li Fei, it would be to no avail."
Just as the commentator said, Li Fei's style of play truly disregards the safety of others.
He even casts his own safety to the wind.
"If it were me, of course I couldn't stop him."
Barkley also shook his head.
There are quite a few people these days who tout Barkley's defense.
It's fine to have Barkley defend a power forward or even a small forward.
But defending a center over 2.20 meters tall?
Do you really think Barkley's backside can handle everything?
"But if anyone dared to pull that stunt in front of me, I would definitely give my all to knock him to the ground!"
This is also the point that worries Barkley regarding Li Fei.
"His style of play is just too rigid. To force a poster dunk in this kind of environment—I don't know how many dirty tricks he'll face once he reaches the NBA."
Setting aside the destructive collision power of the Four Great Centers.
Karl Malone, Rodman, and even himself included.
They are all absolute masters of underhanded tactics.
Li Fei is very likely to suffer for it.
"If Li Fei were our team's center, for the sake of safety, I would absolutely never throw him an alley-oop like that."
Kevin Johnson nodded as well: "But I have to admit, the durability of Li Fei's body is far beyond my imagination."
"I've carefully read the scouting reports on Li Fei. His style is full of danger; it's very possible he could suddenly get injured in any given game."
"However..."
Watching Li Fei on the court, lively and celebrating with his teammates.
The heavy fall to the ground just moments ago had absolutely no effect on him.
So, is Li Fei really that fragile?
As they spoke, Li Fei had already stepped up to the free-throw line and sank the shot steadily.
3-0.
Turning back, the Arkansas Razorbacks went on the offensive.
Williamson proactively stepped up to set a screen for the point guard. After receiving the pass, Williamson drew Li Fei's defense and assisted Corey Thurman, who hit a steady mid-range jumper from the wing.
After all, they are the champions from the original timeline; they still have some tricks up their sleeves.
But whether this world can continue the dark horse legend?
That depends on whether Li Fei allows it.
Turning back, Li Fei also set a screen for Kidd. After rolling to the basket and receiving the pass, Dwight Stewart and Williamson rushed over to close the door on him in the paint.
The University of Arkansas directly abandoned their defense on Green Stewart.
Off the court, Charles Barkley furrowed his brows.
With the experience from the previous defensive possession, the two Arkansas big men clearly had a deeper understanding of Li Fei and directly cut off his jumping space.
1 vs 2!
Let's see how Li Fei responds to this.
And just when everyone thought Li Fei would pass the ball.
He grabbed the ball with his right hand, raised his arm high, and flicked his wrist with finesse.
The basketball skillfully traced an arc over their heads.
Even though Green Stewart had already lunged at Li Fei, Li Fei still sent the ball over his opponent's head.
Relying on his massive height advantage, he hit a one-armed hook shot for two points.
"Hook Shot Like Yao"
4-2.
"Oh ho! Li Fei's height advantage is truly too obvious. Once he raises his arm, the opponent can only reach his elbow!"
"This is why many of the Golden Bears' games are so dull; Li Fei can make every possession look simple!"
"Of course, we must also praise Li Fei's touch. Don't let his talent make you overlook his technique; in fact, nearly 30% of his points in every game come from long-range shots and technical skill!"
That's right, the statistics show.
Li Fei's points from finishing lobs or post-ups in the paint account for about half of his total scoring, while 20% comes from mid-range hook shots and high-percentage jumpers.
The remaining percentages were 10% free throws, 10% three-pointers, and 10% pure wild chucking.
In reality, 20% to 30% of Li Fei's offense was completely irrational.
But this was Li Fei's style.
It was also the operational space that Coach Todd allowed Li Fei.
As they spoke, the University of Arkansas missed their shot, and UC Berkeley launched a transition attack. Kidd pushed the counterattack at a measured pace, observing the situation.
Noticing Li Fei trailing from the flank, Kidd delivered a bounce pass, leading him perfectly into stride.
"Help defense!"
On the sidelines, Coach Nolan Richardson shouted, "Don't let him get a head of steam!"
The University of Arkansas's strategy for today's game was simple: even if it meant giving up fouls or having everyone fouled out.
They could not let Li Fei build momentum!
Collison Williamson, upholding his head coach's will, crashed into position right in front of Li Fei.
However.
Williamson had prepared to meet Li Fei's physical charge head-on with his own body.
But right in front of him, Li Fei executed a violent pound-dribble into a jump-step, simultaneously gripping the ball and swinging it around his head.
With his terrifying stride and wingspan, he bypassed Williamson directly.
He then went up high for a layup.
6 to 2.
"WOOOOOW!"
The moment the ball dropped easily through the hoop, America West Arena instantly erupted.
A 2.24-meter center on a fast break, a super jump-step, and a wrap-around-the-head dribble.
"That's a guard's move!"
"My god, his stride and wingspan!"
"The agility..."
"Is this really a center over 2.20 meters tall?"
"..."
It wasn't just the fans in the arena who were stunned.
The Flying Pig Barkley's pig-like eyes were also wide open.
"If I remember correctly, Manute Bol stands at 2.31 meters; he's the tallest player I've ever encountered."
"But Manute's physical agility is far inferior to Li Fei's."
Manute Bol, the Sudanese giant, was the tallest player in NBA history with recorded stats at 2.31 meters.
The Flying Pig Barkley had been teammates with Manute Bol for two years during his time with the 76ers and had seen the absurd physique of this tallest man in the NBA with his own eyes.
Li Fei's jump-step with the ball around his head, arms spread wide, made him look just like a giant human spider.
This couldn't help but stir up Charles Barkley's memories of witnessing Manute Bol's bizarre physique up close back in the day.
Although Li Fei's height of 2.24 meters was 7 centimeters shorter than Bol's.
Yet, Li Fei's movements were fluid and graceful, as nimble as an antelope.
The difference was so stark it was staggering.
"The difficulty of our campaign is getting higher and higher."
Barkley looked at Kevin Johnson, "As March Madness deepens, the number of teams interested in Li Fei is more than I can count on both hands."
"If Li Fei joins forces with other All-Star players, we will have one more formidable opponent."
"Therefore, for us, Li Fei is..."
"Both an angel and a devil!"
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