novelODS Chapter 5 Los Angeles at 4 AM!!
Chapter 5 Los Angeles at 4 AM!!
Zeng Zhen's dribbling skills were inspired by Kyrie Irving when he was 19.
Even at 19, Kyrie Irving was still a master of ball handling. Every time he had the ball, he could be featured in a highlight reel, and defenders looked like stepping stones in front of him.
Zeng Zhen has now used an extremely dazzling crossover to completely bypass Westbrook, an NCAA All-Defensive Team player.
"That's incredible."
Have you taken your medication?
"What kind of drug can make me completely outmaneuver Russell in a crossover? I want one too!"
The surrounding Bruins players were buzzing with excitement; the scene was truly breathtaking.
When Zeng Zhen was still weak, everyone could make fun of him.
But now that he has become stronger, people will treat him differently.
Collison, Mbah a Moute, and the others all became serious.
"Zeng's changes of direction are more pronounced and faster now," an assistant coach said, taking notes in his notebook.
Ben Holland remained silent, but a hint of curiosity flickered in his eyes.
"Again!!"
On the court, Westbrook gritted his teeth and bounced the ball down again to Zeng Zhen.
Zeng Zhen had no intention of being polite to Westbrook; he knew he had to seize the opportunity!
I'm sorry.
brothers!
I'm going to beat you to a pulp today.
The moment he received the ball, Zeng Zhen burst forward and broke through to the right.
Westbrook followed closely behind, giving Zeng Zhen no space whatsoever.
Zeng Zhen dribbled the ball at high speed to the free-throw line, then pulled back between his legs with a sudden stop to collect the ball.
A classic Iverson-style pull-up jumper mid-range shot!
Westbrook made a good defensive move this time, extending his long arms to lunge at Zeng Zhen, although he was a bit shorter than Zeng Zhen.
The interference was not completed.
The basketball traced a beautiful arc.
"Whoosh!"
9 is better than 0
Zeng Zhen's move was inspired by Allen Iverson.
He now has a very special feeling about this kind of sudden stop and start shot. Before, if he did this move, even if he managed to shake off Westbrook, he would still be blocked because of the difference in body speed.
But now, he could clearly feel that as long as he faked Westbrook out a little, his shot wouldn't be interfered with too much.
Not to mention his advantage in height and wingspan.
"How did you improve so quickly? I can't even guard you anymore," Westbrook said, somewhat helplessly.
"Russell, have you ever seen the UCLA campus at four in the morning?" Zeng Zhen asked rhetorically.
"No."
"The night was dark, there were no pedestrians, only me and my basketball, all alone..."
"Fuck, have you fucking forgotten we live in the same dorm? Every time I get up to go to the bathroom, you're fast asleep..."
"Sorry, I did forget, but it's a minor issue. I used to have a groin injury, which is why I didn't perform as well. Now that I'm healed, no one can stop me."
"I don't believe you, let's try again!!"
.....
.....
The one-on-one match ended quickly, and Zeng Zhen showcased his skills. His combination of drives and shots was almost unstoppable, making him impossible for Westbrook to defend!
However, although Zeng Zhen's ability is at the level of an NBA starter, Westbrook's defense is not to be underestimated. He defended well for two possessions and seized the opportunity to score.
Westbrook possesses extremely explosive power; once he creates space and charges forward, it becomes very difficult for Zeng Zhen to hold him down.
When he uses the zombie jump shot, Zeng Zhen will regain control of the situation.
The final score was 21 to 6.
The final result is not important; what matters is that head coach Ben Holland has seen it all.
"He was previously included in the rotation evaluation. During this period, we will focus on observing his performance in training matches. Also, you should re-test him physically. I think his speed, explosiveness, and jumping ability data are inaccurate," Ben Holland instructed the assistant coaching team.
Clearly, Ben Holland was very satisfied with Zeng Zhen's performance; Zeng Zhen showed him something different.
His explosiveness, his dribbling fundamentals, and his shooting consistency are significantly better than before, by more than one level.
"OK!"
"good!"
The assistant coaching team members all agreed.
Everyone noticed that Zeng Zhen was now running faster, jumping higher, and throwing more accurately.
On the field.
"Snapped!"
Zeng Zhen reached out and helped Westbrook up from his seat on the court.
"Dude, you're not angry that I embarrassed you in front of Nina, are you?" Zeng Zhen asked.
Nina had just watched the entire one-on-one fight between the two, but he completely overwhelmed Westbrook, who was caught off guard.
"I can accept defeat. You won this time, but I'll definitely beat you next time!" Westbrook grinned as he stood up. "Your skills have improved rapidly. I can't look at you the same way I used to."
Although Westbrook is a kind person, he previously looked down on Zeng Zhen's skills, believing that Zeng Zhen was not capable of pursuing a professional basketball career.
But today, he had to change his opinion of Zeng Zhen.
If he continues to view Zeng Zhen with the same perspective he used before, he will lose again next time.
"Hey, stop chatting and let's go eat together?" Love said.
"Sorry, I'm going on a date with Nina. You guys eat." Westbrook turned and left with Nina.
"Kevin, I'm going to practice a little longer. You go eat first," Zeng Zhen said.
Zeng Zhen wants to familiarize himself with all his current abilities as soon as possible!
"OK." Love shrugged and left first.
........
Zeng Zhenjia practiced for a while and then went to have dinner. After dinner, he went back to practice!
By the time Zeng Zhen returned to his dormitory and finished showering, it was already 10 p.m.
Zeng Zhen was very tired today, but lying in bed he felt an unprecedented sense of satisfaction. He was completely certain of his current strength. Dunks that were difficult to complete in the past could now be done easily. Shooting that was not very stable in the past had become very stable. Advanced dribbling that was not very proficient in the past was now as natural as a ball and a hand.
For the first time, Zeng Zhen was so eager for the competition to come quickly; he wanted to show the world his current talent and ability!
He will shock everyone when the time comes!
He's going to be drafted by the NBA!!
Zeng Zhen thought about life after becoming famous, and then he fell into a deep sleep.
After a good night's sleep, Zeng Zhen felt that his energy had been completely restored.
"Being young is great."
Zeng Zhen couldn't help but get up and shout at Westbrook, "Russell, get up, let's go to practice together."
"Hmm." Westbrook opened his drowsy eyes, took out his phone and checked the time: "Four in the morning, Zeng, are you kidding me?"
"No kidding, Russell, your idol Kobe Bryant once said that if you want to become a great player, you have to get up at 4 a.m. to train!" Zeng Zhen said, trying to fool him.
The main reason was that Zeng Zhen himself didn't dare to go out alone at this time; he wanted Russell Westbrook to accompany him.
"Did he really say that?" Westbrook asked, his face showing a puzzled expression.
"You think Kobe was that kind of person, right?"
"It seems like something he could do." Westbrook thought about it carefully and realized it was indeed Kobe's style.
"So if he can do it, why can't we? How can we become great players then?" Zeng Zhen's voice gradually rose in intensity!
"Alright, let's go!! I'm going to get my revenge today!!" Westbrook sprang out of bed with a somersault.
I won't give you a chance.
Provoked by Zeng Zhen, the two started practicing immediately.
After a quick wash, the two went out, one carrying a flashlight and the other a basketball.
Walking on the school path, it was very dark, with only the light from a flashlight.
"Russell, do you have ghosts in America?"
"Fuck, don't scare me like that."
Zeng Zhen and Westbrook both felt the chill of Los Angeles at four in the morning in March, but their hearts were burning with passion that overcame their fear of the dark!
On UCLA’s only outdoor basketball court that is lit 24 hours a day.
Zeng Zhen and Westbrook started training like two ghosts!
In the week leading up to the Round of 32 in March Madness, Zeng Zhen and Westbrook did this almost every day.
At four in the morning, they poured out their youthful energy on the court!
The two will engage in intense one-on-one battles on the court, and will also execute their own training plans.
Zeng Zhen constantly searched for his best scoring methods on the court: pull-up mid-range jumpers, long-range three-pointers...
Zeng Zhen pondered the offensive methods of Iverson, Curry, and Rose, trying his best to understand the experience and skills that came from their integration.
Over time, Zeng Zhen's control over his body went from being naive to becoming proficient.
He held his own against Westbrook in every offensive and defensive duel, and Zeng Zhen could feel that he was able to unleash the full potential of his body at this stage.
He already possesses the mental fortitude of an NBA starting player!