"Oh my God, did this kid just finish that dunk?" Marcus Camby's eyes widened in disbelief as he watched Lin Tianhui's impressive slam.
"Hey, brother, that dunk was incredible!" Camby clapped his hands enthusiastically and shared a celebratory high-five with Lin Tianhui.
"Bang!"
To Camby's surprise, Lin Tianhui stood his ground solidly during the collision, while Camby himself staggered back a few steps.
Camby chuckled, holding his chest in mock pain. "I think this is your true level! Your performance in the first half must've been deliberate, right? This—this is the real you!"
Lin Tianhui scratched his head, smiling sheepishly. "I guess you could say that."
"Guys, Lin has set an example for us. Let's push for victory in the second half!" Camby rallied the team with renewed energy.
The game resumed, and the opponent's offense was up next. This time, their defender launched an attack, skillfully maneuvering past the initial defense.
But Camby was like a wall, blocking the shot with a resounding "Snapped!" The basketball flew out of bounds, and Camby, with a commanding presence, declared, "The restricted area I guard is off-limits!"
Camby's block shifted the game's momentum completely. Lin Tianhui, now more attuned to the game's pace and strategies, began to shine. His improvements were noticeable with each passing minute.
With Lin Tianhui and Camby driving their team forward, they managed to turn the game around. The final score was 85:76, with Camby contributing 15 points, 13 rebounds, and 8 blocks, showcasing his dominance. Lin Tianhui, in his first game, had 10 points, 5 rebounds, 2 steals, and 1 block—an impressive start for a rookie.
Over the next month, Lin Tianhui's growth was nothing short of extraordinary. His basketball talent flourished, surpassing even Camby's expectations. His ability to improve rapidly was awe-inspiring. By the end of the month, Lin had become the most dominant small forward at the University of Massachusetts.
Under Camby's recommendation, Lin Tianhui joined the University of Massachusetts basketball team, marking the start of his official basketball career.
The University of Massachusetts basketball team, while not a powerhouse compared to traditional giants like North Carolina and Duke, was eager for success. For the players, the NCAA was a critical stepping stone towards professional careers, and they hoped to make their mark.
Coach Rubin Randolph, with over 20 years of coaching experience, was thrilled by Lin Tianhui's arrival. His extraordinary talent and ability to imitate and learn quickly were beyond anything Randolph had seen before. The coach saw potential for a historic season, envisioning a breakthrough for the team.
As March Madness approached, Lin Tianhui and Camby formed one of the most formidable duos in the NCAA. With Camby's defensive prowess and Lin Tianhui's offensive brilliance, the University of Massachusetts advanced to the top 16—a historic first for the team.
Lin Tianhui's name was repeatedly mentioned as the standout player, surpassing even Camby in terms of impact and scoring ability. The team's journey through the tournament was historic, but their path to the top 8 was challenging. The top 16 match-up against the University of Connecticut, led by Ray Allen—a future NBA star—was a formidable obstacle.
The dream of advancing further was now on the line, and the challenge against the renowned University of Connecticut loomed large. The historic journey of the University of Massachusetts basketball team faced its toughest test yet.