Chapter 39: The Wavering Heat President
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"Unbelievable! This wild scene has unfolded in the NCAA finals!"
Kenny Smith covered his head, his eyes wide open in shock.
Beside him, Barkley added, "Wang Song's performance is nothing short of miraculous. Everyone is eager to see what comes next in this game."
"I suspect that today, in this dome arena, we are witnessing the birth of a miracle!"
Kenny Smith smirked mischievously, eyeing his co-host. "Charles, this isn't what you were saying before the game!"
"You claimed the Jayhawks' zone defense would put an end to that Asian player's dominance."
Barkley dodged the question with a laugh, refusing to answer directly. Without any stakes on the line, Kenny had no leverage to press him.
After all, Barkley's reputation for contradicting himself was well known. Despite his initial doubts about Wang Song's abilities, witnessing the game live had transformed his perspective.
This Asian big man's playstyle was simply irresistible. The flashy behind-the-head pass had particularly impressed Barkley, evoking his envy.
A center with power, defense, and court vision would be coveted in any era, a gem for any team.
### **A Change in Perception**
In the stands, amidst a sea of Kansas Jayhawks supporters, unease began to creep in.
"Mr. Finley, he's absolutely worth it!"
After Wang Song's brilliant first-half performance, John kept persuading the team's general manager.
This time, Randy Finley didn't dismiss him outright. He sat silently, engrossed in the replay on the screen.
But John noticed something—the usual arrogance and disdain in the middle-aged man's eyes had vanished.
### **Second Half: The Clash Intensifies**
The second half began, with the championship game reaching a fever pitch.
While Wang Song's skills had earned the respect of many Jayhawks fans, few believed their team could lose. At worst, they thought, Wang Song might post impressive stats and gain some fame.
Such unwavering faith in their team was typical of fans supporting a powerhouse program.
Jayhawks coach Roy Williams made a bold adjustment for the second half: a lineup of **four big men and one guard**.
This counter-strategy was a direct response to the North Carolina Wolves' smaller lineup. The Jayhawks sacrificed speed and shooting accuracy for height and physicality.
Their mission? Clamp down on Wang Song.
This strategy worked initially. For the first three minutes, Wang Song was double-teamed relentlessly, limiting him to just two defensive rebounds and no points.
However, the Wolves' coach, Herb Sendek, quickly adapted. He assigned players to set screens for Wang Song, freeing him to move off-ball and receive passes closer to the rim.
With his teammates' help, Wang Song broke free from the defensive shackles and resumed his dominant play.
### **A One-Man Show**
Wang Song's relentless attacks exposed the Jayhawks' defensive flaws.
Abandoning his steady first-half approach, he mixed in deceptive fakes and explosive drives, keeping the defense guessing. His stat line became increasingly impressive as the game progressed.
By the final minute, the Wolves had extended their lead to 76–67. Even with a nearly 10-point gap, Jayhawks fans clung to hope for a miracle.
But two precise assists from Wang Song dashed their dreams.
When the buzzer sounded, the North Carolina Wolves emerged victorious, defeating the Kansas Jayhawks 82–71 to claim their first championship in nearly two decades.
### **Tears of Triumph**
As the game ended, Coach Herb Sendek wept openly on the sidelines.
He knew this championship marked a fitting conclusion to his collegiate coaching career.
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The North Carolina Wolves' victory was not just a testament to Wang Song's unparalleled skills but a reminder of how one player's brilliance could reshape the game's narrative.
And somewhere in the stands, Randy Finley's resolve wavered as he contemplated the once-dismissed prospect who had now become the talk of the basketball world.
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*(To be continued)*