Basketball boy, starting to shine from the slam dunk

A group of UC Berkeley players gathered around coach Collins.

Coach Collins is about forty years old, a black coach, with a bald head that actually reflects light, and a clean shaven beard. At first glance, he looks like a meticulous person.

"Let me tell you something." Coach Collins spread out the tactical board. "I just got the news that Mohammed will not start today. You may already know the reason. What he caused this time was a little too extreme. I don't think he will. It’s just that in this game, it’s difficult to start from now on.”

"Of course, I'm not sure if he will come on as a substitute so we can't take it lightly."

A group of players all agreed that they had indeed learned the news.

After all, they are all in the Pac-12 league, and Muhammad is still a core player at UCLA. He was once the No. high school student in the United States, and they are also paying attention to these players.

Coach Collins continued: "What I want to say is that the opponent will definitely change their formation today. It is said that the Chinese boy named Zhuang will be the starter."

When Zhuang Yu was mentioned, the players couldn't help but raise their eyebrows.

Grant, the team's small forward, laughed and said: "Mohammed messed up. Unexpectedly, he got the advantage of the Chinese kid. Muhammad only played three minutes in the last game, but the Chinese kid took the opportunity to score 28 points. It’s no surprise that I started today.”

Guard Frey next to him also said: "I heard that he has already reached the first place on the best sixth man list and the best rookie list. Tsk tsk..."

The tone was obviously sour.

It's no wonder, after all, Zhuang Yu is still a freshman, and he is also a Chinese player. The NCAA, which has always been dominated by European and American players, suddenly has a Chinese, and he has rushed to the Pac-12 League's "Best Sixth Man" list and "Best Rookie" list.

Why not make people jealous?

In the last game against Oregon State University, Zhuang Yu scored 28 points, plus 7 rebounds and 7 assists. His performance was extremely outstanding. After this game, he had already reached the first place on the "Best Rookie" list.

And one day later, he reached first place on the "Best Sixth Man" list, ranking first on both lists.

Listening to the words of his teammates, the core of the team, Kleib, narrowed his eyes. Even he had never won the first place in the double rankings, but this Chinese kid actually did it.

"Okay." Coach Collins frowned and scolded: "Even if Mohammed only played three minutes in the last game and gave Zhuang a chance, not just anyone can seize the chance. He has to score 28 points." The data of +7+7 is not something ordinary people can achieve.”

Suddenly, the players shut up.

Jealousy was jealousy, but they had to admit that if it were them, they might not be able to do what Zhuang Yu did even if they were given the chance.

"Don't take it lightly." Coach Collins warned, "This banker is very strong, with accurate outside shooting, excellent organizational skills, and fast speed. Especially the defense, it can be said to be extremely good. If I were to choose, the Pac-12 League this season Defensive Player of the Year will definitely choose him."

A group of players were surprised and thought that if the best defensive player was also given to him, wouldn't it be possible to win the best rookie, best sixth player and best defensive player?

This is too much!

The head coach's reminder made the players react instantly - how can a player who has the potential to win three awards not be strong?

"Coach, don't worry, we won't take it lightly." Kleib first said that they would not underestimate the enemy.

Other players also expressed their opinions.

Coach Collins nodded, while drawing tactics on the tactical board, he said: "Guard Zhuang Yu well, don't let him shoot three-pointers easily, get closer. Also, pay attention to switching defenses and supplementary defenses, don't miss anyone... "

"On the offensive end, we need to be more targeted, have a faster pace, and do more counterattacks..."

at the same time.

At UCLA, Coach Holland is also making arrangements.

"The opponent is not weak, especially their core player Allen Klebb." Coach Holland looked at Zhuang Yu, "Zhuang Yu, you can guard Klebb later."

"Yes." Zhuang Yu responded.

Coach Holland added: "Others should also pay attention to their defense. The opponent's offense is very sharp and their counterattack is very fast. We must retreat as soon as possible after our attack."

"In addition, on the offensive end, we play according to the training. Powell, you have to run more and make cuts. Drew II, break out the ball quickly and be careful not to make mistakes. Parker, you go to the bottom corner and put People are pulled away. Latvis, you have to pay attention to your teammates' distribution after the breakthrough. If you have a chance under the basket, you must take a decisive shot..."

Finally, he specifically told Zhuang Yu: "Remember, you are now the core of the team, no longer the sixth man. You need to shoulder the team's offensive burden and open up the situation when the team needs it. Don't have any No worries, just let go and fight, you know?"

Zhuang Yu took a deep breath and nodded heavily: "Yes."

After some arrangements, the players took the field.

......

"Hey, UCLA didn't start Muhammad again."

"That Chinese kid actually started the game, replacing Mohammed. Isn't he a defender? What's going on?"

"What is UCLA doing? With three guards, who will play small forward?"

The away fans were surprised to see UCLA's starting lineup.

Coach Collins couldn't help but raise his eyebrows. He guessed that Zhuang Yu might start, but he didn't expect that UCLA would have three guards.

"You're really brave."

He also had to admire Coach Holland's courage, even if he didn't let Mohammed start, he let Zhuang Yu start, but he actually used three guards.

Most people wouldn't dare to do this.

双方球员来到场上，加州大学伯克莱分校的首发五人是中锋奥博特（207cm）、大前锋哈克利斯（206cm）、小前锋格兰特（198cm）、得分后卫克莱布（196cm）、组织后卫弗雷（192cm）。

It can be seen from the height that UC Berkeley's inside players are not very tall. They are not a team that relies on inside offense. The two inside players are not tall, but they are faster than ordinary inside players. Faster.

Therefore, the overall style of UC Berkeley tends to be brisk, especially their counterattacks, which are very fast.

First the jump ball.

Latvis touched the ball first and slapped it into the backcourt. Zhuang Yu got the ball and quickly came to the frontcourt, and then passed the ball to Drew II.

In today's lineup, Zhuang Yu is the "swingman", but usually the swingman switches between small forward and shooting guard. It's just that Zhuang Yu is special. His position is between No. 1 to No. 3. Switching between the two, he can be an organizer or a pure shooter, and at the same time he can hold the ball and play in isolation like a small forward.

How to switch between these three positions and what kind of attack method to adopt, in addition to the coach's tactical arrangements, Zhuang Yu also needs to grasp it himself.

Zhuang Yu's choice was to start with the simple one.

What does it mean to start with the simple first?

He just looks for opportunities to shoot first. He gives the ball to Drew II, who organizes the offense. He lets Powell make air cuts, and lets Latvis and Parker run pick-and-rolls and screens... As for him I, on the other hand, am running around and looking for opportunities to shoot three-pointers.