MCL Sprain

"Playing your sister's game, are you?"

The person running the game felt like their heart was bleeding. They figured that he'd been working for Tang Tian these past few days!

They were a bit frustrated, but this was a long-term business, and they couldn't just welch on the deal. Forcing down the pain of their bleeding heart, they managed to force a smile and said, "You can only play once a day."

"I see." Tang Tian was a little regretful; he had wanted to continue.

His stamina should have allowed him to play three to four rounds.

But thinking about it, if there were no limits on how many times you could play, someone like him could go bankrupt in minutes.

Seeing that Tang Tian wasn't going to demand to play again, the game operator finally breathed a sigh of relief.

He hadn't actually stated the rule about only playing once a day. If Tang Tian had insisted, he would have been in the wrong.

Tang Tian took the thousand dollars and put it away.

Although it was much less than the fifty thousand in scholarship money from before, it was at least a good start.

"Once a day, right?" he confirmed with the game operator after taking his money.

"Yes, yes," the game operator replied, wanting to get rid of him as soon as possible.

"Alright, then I'll come back tomorrow," Tang Tian said with a smile.

"..."

Seeing that Tang Tian didn't seem to be joking, the game operator felt like he wanted to die.

"Haha~"

The crowd of onlookers burst into laughter.

Most of them knew this was a trap game, but no one had forced them to play, so they couldn't say anything even if they were unhappy.

But Tang Tian's words had amused them all, and any unhappiness was long gone.

Tang Tian left, and the crowd gradually dispersed, leaving the game operator alone and flustered in the wind.

"Should we say hello?" Zeller asked, looking at Tang Tian's retreating back.

"No need. If we meet in the tournament, we'll naturally get acquainted. If we don't, there's no point in saying hello," Barnes said, his words carrying a mature air despite being a freshman.

The next day, after training, Tang Tian went to the entertainment center again. He found that the person who had been running the game yesterday was gone. He had apparently been scared away...

After looking around the entertainment center and finding nothing else that could make him money, he figured he'd have to try his luck at the streetball court next time.

UConn's next opponent was Villanova University. The two teams had played before, and UConn had easily defeated them then. Now, with a nine-game winning streak, it was highly likely they would win their tenth straight.

The game was held at Villanova University.

UConn was playing away, but Walker's shooting was hot from the start. He scored frequently with drives and pull-up jumpers, quickly helping UConn establish a lead.

By halftime, UConn was comfortably ahead, 46 to 30.

Everything was going smoothly.

"I heard there's a new steakhouse near Villanova University that's pretty good. Want to try it after the game?"

"Sure, but don't let the coach know."

When they returned for the second half, Forsyth and Orland were already discussing late-night snacks on the sidelines.

However, at that moment, an accident suddenly occurred.

On a fast break after Walker's steal, the opposing forward jumped to block the shot, and the two collided. As they landed, the opposing forward rolled protectively, accidentally landing on Walker's right ankle.

Walker's ankle took the impact from the side. He lay on the ground motionless after landing.

The opposing forward got up, looking bewildered. It was clear he hadn't meant to do it.

Seeing Walker not moving, Tang Tian and his teammates on the court rushed over.

Including Cahoon, everyone on UConn was terrified.

Walker was the core of UConn. If he suffered a serious injury, their season would be over.

The team doctor came onto the court and spoke with Walker for a while. Walker finally stood up with the help of Tang Tian and Lamb. Since he couldn't walk, he had to be pushed off the court in a wheelchair.

Walker's injury left the UConn players disheartened, but due to their significant early lead, they still managed to win the game 71-61.

As soon as the game ended, the players rushed to a nearby hospital where Walker was receiving treatment.

"Guys, don't look so glum. The doctor just checked, and it's just an MCL sprain. I'll be out for a month and should be able to play in the tournament," Walker said, smiling optimistically as the teammates entered. He showed no signs of dejection despite the injury.

An MCL sprain was a relatively minor injury. Compared to his reaction of lying motionless on the ground, it was a stroke of luck.

When Tang Tian entered and saw Walker smiling, he couldn't help but admire him.

A month wasn't a particularly long time, but after a month it would be February, and the tournament would be starting soon. He would only have half a month to a month to recover. It was hard to say whether he could regain his form in such a short period.

In this situation, it was impossible for him not to be upset. But as the team leader, he didn't pass on his negativity to his teammates, which was something not everyone could do.

Cahoon and the other players left one by one after talking with Walker.

Tang Tian was the last to leave.

"I'll wait for you to come back," Tang Tian said, extending his fist to Walker before he left.

"Absolutely." The two bumped fists, sealing their agreement.

Walker's month-long absence was undoubtedly devastating news for UConn. As their core player, he averaged 24.2 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 6.2 assists per game. It would be difficult for anyone else to fill that void, especially since 80% of the team's plays were designed around him.

Cahoon was also troubled upon returning to UConn, his already sparse white hair becoming even thinner.

Napier was Walker's backup, but the gap in their skill levels was too vast. To get through this month, someone else would have to step up.

Among these players, Lamb was undoubtedly the best option.

Lamb could drive, shoot, and pass. He was the new core player being groomed by UConn. From a positive perspective, Walker's absence was also an opportunity for him.

However, Lamb's mentality was an issue. If Tang Tian hadn't stepped in before and given him a chance to explode, he might still be struggling now.

Therefore, the coaching staff was very cautious when dealing with Lamb.

Cahoon called Lamb into his office alone.

"The team will design more plays around you. You need to be ready to embrace this new challenge. You might encounter some difficulties at first, but you have to believe in your abilities; you have them," Cahoon offered Lamb a lot of encouragement.

Lamb was a bit nervous but still nodded.

"This is also your opportunity, Jeremy. If Kemba declares for the draft this year, you are the future of this team," Cahoon said, seeing his reaction as he stood up and patted his shoulder.

"I understand," Lamb nodded.