"UC Berkeley and the Michigan Wolverines' semifinal was highly anticipated."
Not long after Chris Webber and Juwan Howard made their bold remarks in interviews,
NBC officially began discussing the upcoming March Madness semifinals.
"Just as Chris Webber said, Li Fei would face his real challenge in the March Madness semifinals."
"Whether in the Pacific Twelve Conference or through the first four rounds of March Madness, Li Fei had never encountered such a hard-nosed interior pairing."
"Juwan Howard had the standard 2.08-meter power forward build and tremendous lower-body strength. He was also the Defensive Player of the Year in the Big East Conference, and he would create considerable offensive difficulties for Li Fei."
As Marv Albert spoke, Bill Walton beside him shook his head. "Marv, if Juwan Howard guarded Li Fei one-on-one, trust me, Li Fei would kill him."
"Two-point-zero-eight meters is standard power forward height, but he's too short. Even Eric Riley, who's 2.13 meters, still gives up ten centimeters to Li Fei."
"So you're saying the Michigan Wolverines can't contain Li Fei?" Marv Albert asked.
"Not exactly."
Bill Walton pointed out a possible approach. "If Juwan Howard bodies up Li Fei while Eric Riley provides help defense and protects the rim, Li Fei would face the toughest battle of his college career!"
"Of course, I'm not saying Li Fei was bound to lose."
"What I mean is, if Li Fei wanted to become a generational player, this was a trial he had to overcome on his path to growth!"
"Jerry, if Li Fei loses to Juwan in the semifinals, would that affect our choice?"
United States, Los Angeles
The Lakers' two executives were also extremely interested in the game that would soon take place on their home court.
"Juwan and Li Fei would both become future All-Stars. I even think the two of them would make a perfect interior duo."
"But if I had to choose one, Li Fei would absolutely be my first choice."
Juwan certainly deserved an All-Star selection and a top-five draft pick. In another year, he might even have gone in the top three or competed for the first overall pick.
But in Logo's eyes,
There were countless players like Juwan Howard around the league—perhaps not innumerable, but more than anyone could count on one hand.
Karl Malone, Chris Webber, Alonzo Mourning, Shawn Kemp, Flying Pig Barkley, and even Vin Baker.
None of those power forwards were inferior options to Juwan Howard.
No matter how outstanding Juwan Howard was, he was only suited to be a team's second option.
But Li Fei...
Setting aside whether he was a team's top option or second option,
This guy was one of a kind on the court!
No one could be compared to Li Fei.
"Juwan Howard and Li Fei represented the qualitative difference between a premium All-Star and a generational player."
"Even if Li Fei ultimately loses to Juwan Howard, our determination to get Li Fei won't change."
"Damn it, who told you to win two more games..."
In Dallas,
Mavericks general manager Norm Sonju wore an angry expression.
As the Dallas Cowboys of the 1993–1994 season, they had thrown away all dignity in pursuit of tanking, yet they seemed unable to endure a prolonged losing streak.
After Jamal Mashburn and Lorenzo Williams suddenly exploded, the team somehow pulled off an unprecedented two-game winning streak.
"Even though we're still dead last, calm the hell down."
Although the team had won, general manager Norm Sonju was far from pleased. "Don't win another game from here on out."
"If you can't win, give up early."
"If you can win, at least pretend properly."
In Sannu's view,
Tanking meant tanking thoroughly.
The more they lost, the greater their chances of getting the first overall pick.
What was the point of winning those two extra games?
They weren't making the playoffs anyway...
"Mr. General Manager, is Jason Kidd still our first choice in the draft?"
The assistant general manager asked cautiously, "Li Fei had another signature performance in yesterday's Final Four game."
The Dallas Mavericks did need a point guard more, and Jason Kidd had been their first choice from the beginning.
However, Li Fei's brilliance had now completely overshadowed Kidd.
Even Kidd himself had said before the cameras,
Li Fei was the wind, while he was the sand.
"Li Fei truly is a phenomenal rookie."
Sannu shook his head, but still said firmly, "Our goal of finding a point guard will not change."
"Jason Kidd must be our top choice. There is only one circumstance in which we would choose Li Fei."
"That is, if we can trade Li Fei on the market for a point guard even better than Jason."
In Sannu's view,
If this draft had not included Jason Kidd, he would definitely have chosen Li Fei.
But with Kidd available, Li Fei had to step aside.
Li Fei was indeed unique.
But a unique center needed someone with basketball IQ to support him even more.
If Li Fei had to carry the team alone, who could the Mavericks pair with him?
Without a point guard's support, no matter how talented Li Fei was, he could never display his abilities in every aspect.
What was more, Li Fei was Asian and a 2.24-meter giant.
Just as many media experts worried,
Li Fei's body was one huge red question mark.
No one could guarantee Li Fei's health.
There were countless players who had been invincible before the draft, only to fade into obscurity after entering the NBA or fall to injuries.
But Kidd was the complete opposite of Li Fei.
He was too reliable.
His basketball IQ and passing were innate, and they would never become outdated.
His body and style of play also made his career longevity completely trustworthy.
Within the next three years, Kidd would definitely become an All-Star-caliber point guard.
Li Fei was like a lottery ticket with a chance of winning a million-dollar jackpot.
Kidd, meanwhile, was like a two-dollar scratch-off ticket that guaranteed you would win ten dollars.
Absolutely reliable, impossible to go wrong.
So for now, the Mavericks did not want to take that risk.
Before you continue