Li Fei's "Theory of Loyalty", Fierce Battle with Duke!

"Li, what is your impression of Dallas?"

In a UC Berkeley dormitory.

A month ago, with the permission of the dorm supervisor, Li Fei and Jason Kidd had become roommates.

The two had long since become best friends who talked about everything, knowing each other's strengths and weaknesses inside and out.

"Why are you asking about Dallas all of a sudden?"

Li Fei was a bit puzzled.

"The regular season is about to end, and Dallas is very likely to secure this year's first overall pick. I suspect you might end up in Dallas."

"That's not necessarily true."

Li Fei laughed: "I might not go to Dallas, and Dallas might not necessarily get the first pick."

In Li Fei's memory, the first overall pick in the 1994 draft was definitely not the Dallas Mavericks.

During the draft lottery, the Milwaukee Bucks pulled off a buzzer-beater against the Dallas Mavericks, snatching the '94 top pick and selecting Big Dog Robinson in the draft.

And the Dallas Mavericks weren't actually disappointed; they got the Jason Kidd they wanted, forming the "Three J's" of Dallas alongside Jamal Mashburn and Jimmy Jackson, taking the Western Conference by storm.

But now, the wings of the butterfly effect had already begun to flap.

Who knew what the future would actually hold?

"Li, do you have any specific NBA team you want to join? Like the Los Angeles Lakers, for instance. After all, no one would turn down the chance to join a prestigious franchise."

"Emmm..."

Li Fei thought for a moment, then shrugged: "I really don't have one. I'm not American, so I don't have any deep attachment to any particular city."

Li Fei had a relatively clear direction for his future career planning.

In terms of playstyle, he had to transition from a center to a guard; this wasn't just due to Li Fei's own traits and preferences, but also the eternal fact that the commercial value of a center is lower than that of a perimeter player.

At the same time, to boost his commercial value, Li Fei planned to play in a big city for a few years during his future career. He didn't need to stay there forever, but he needed at least a few years, much like a certain GOAT, where playing in a big city for a few years was enough.

What, you ask why not stay loyal to one city?

Come on, don't forget how Li Fei ended up here.

Luka Doncic, who made the All-NBA First Team five times in six years and led his team to the Finals at just 26, could still be traded by his team in his second year—and this was the Mavericks, once known for being the most sentimental team in the league.

So, talking about loyalty in this league is like dating; whoever takes it seriously first, loses.

"Li, let's not talk about that for now."

Kidd excitedly brought over a bowl of sliced fruit, colorful and vibrant: "The game is about to start, and we'll soon know our next opponent."

Then, Kidd and Li Fei watched the intense, high-stakes athletic spectacle in their dorm.

In the end, after witnessing 40 minutes of physical combat, the Duke Blue Devils, led by Grant Hill, crushed Kansas 58:52 to advance to the Elite Eight.

With this, the opponent for UC Berkeley in the Final Four contention was decided.

It was none other than Duke University.

And coincidentally.

It was also during the Final Four contention last season that UC Berkeley pulled off an upset, defeating the two-time defending champion Duke.

"Same time, same place, we meet UC Berkeley again."

After the game ended.

Duke's star player, Grant Hill, shed his usual gentlemanly demeanor:

"But this time, it will be a different outcome!"

Grant Hill's post-game interview abandoned his gentlemanly attitude, donning a tough exterior instead.

It left the fans on-site quite surprised.

Come on, it was March Madness already.

At this time, grace wasn't called grace; it was called weakness.

Grant Hill understood this principle well.

The battle between Duke and UC Berkeley was undoubtedly the hottest matchup of this year's March Madness.

And so.

Three days later, at the Brendan Byrne Arena in New Jersey.

It was packed to the rafters.

The center of the court looked as if it had been sliced by a cake knife, with Duke fans on one side and California fans on the other.

March Madness games don't distinguish between home and away; all fans sit in their respective zones.

"Since we were able to beat them once."

In the pre-game interview, Kidd responded to Grant Hill's comments from a few days prior: "We can beat them a second time!"

Jason Kidd had barely finished his sentence.

A roar of screams erupted from the half of the arena occupied by the California fans.

"Stop saying last year's game was an upset."

UC Berkeley head coach Todd was also full of confidence during the pre-game interview: "That wasn't an upset at all; Duke's two MOPs have already left."

"And this year, not only have we not weakened, we've become even stronger!"

Everyone knew the reason for the increased strength Todd was referring to.

Because of Li Fei, the Golden Bears were stronger than they were last year.

And he had raised the Golden Bears' ceiling!

As for the two MOPs Coach Todd mentioned, they were Christian Laettner from 1991 and Bobby Hurley from 1992; both had performed brilliantly in their respective championship games, leading their teams to titles.

However, after winning MOP, both had declared for the NBA draft and successfully established themselves in the NBA; before even entering the league, Christian Laettner had even made an appearance for the 1992 USA national team, picking up an Olympic gold medal along the way.

To be fair.

If one were to look back at that Duke University team from the perspective of the future, they possessed Christian Laettner, Bobby Hurley, Grant Hill, Antonio Lang, and Cherokee Parks... all NBA-caliber players.

Sitting on the coaching bench was the experienced USA head coach Mike Krzyzewski.

There was truly nothing wrong with that lineup winning a championship.

Amidst the cheers at the scene, Li Fei was the last to appear in the reporters' closing shots.

"I want to correct what Coach Todd said."

Li Fei paused and stated: "It is indeed a fact that Duke University has weakened compared to their peak, and that we have become stronger."

"But even against the Duke University that won back-to-back titles, our victory would not be called an upset!"

(If you think this book is of decent quality, I ask for your 5-star reviews. Also, every day that 5 [Update Requests] are collected, I will add 1 chapter... 5 [Inspiration Capsules] will add 2 chapters... 5 [Explosive Updates] will result in an immediate 10,000-word update...)