Chapter 41: New York's Intentions and Akron's Prodigy

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**New York!**

Inside the New York Knicks' office:

"Mr. Scott, we must seize this opportunity to contact Wang Song as soon as possible. It would be best if we could arrange a workout for him with the Knicks in advance."

Earle Glendenfield's hands were slightly trembling as he held the latest scouting report in his hand.

This was the most recent scouting report on Wang Song, the MOP (Most Outstanding Player) of the NCAA championship.

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**Name**: Wang Song

**Height**: 213 cm

**Weight**: 95 kg

**Ceiling Comparison**: Tim Duncan, Wilt Chamberlain, Ben Wallace, David Robinson

**Projection**: Future Hall of Famer. Exceptional physical attributes and basketball IQ. Potential to match the greatness of the league's most dominant centers.

**Strengths**: Unbelievable court vision for his age, elite physical attributes, intimidating rim protection, lateral quickness allowing for both perimeter and interior defense, and extraordinary court awareness.

**Weaknesses**: Inconsistent shooting range, untested mid-to-long range capabilities, heavy reliance on height and wingspan during college play, and a need to bulk up for NBA-level physicality.

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This was a detailed scouting report compiled by the Knicks, based on observations from multiple scouts sent to Wang Song's games.

As the head of scouting, Glendenfield knew exactly what a player like Wang Song meant for a team. With just a bit more polish and experience, he could rise to the top.

The Knicks had already taken note of him during the regional finals. Despite Wang Song's earlier rejection of their initial outreach, they couldn't afford to give up on such a generational talent.

Now, after his stellar performance in the NCAA championship, Wang Song had proven himself as much more than just a traditional center.

To any NBA team, landing a dependable young big man was a potential cornerstone move. Pairing such a player with capable guards and wings could elevate a team to playoff contention—or even championship aspirations.

Scott Layden, sitting in his chair, pondered deeply before decisively rejecting Glendenfield's suggestion.

"No, no, no, Earle. If Wang Song shows any willingness to come to New York, we must make it as easy as possible for him. He can skip the workout altogether."

Glendenfield was momentarily stunned.

Scott Layden had always been rigorous when evaluating rookies. Yet here he was, rolling out the red carpet for an untested Asian center.

"We've already been turned down once," Layden continued. "This time, we need to make our sincerity unmistakable. The Knicks' doors should be wide open for him."

He then added, "Here's an idea: Look into his family background or his closest contacts. Find out if there's anything they need that we can assist with."

Glendenfield couldn't help but repeat Layden's words to himself.

It was clear now—Layden's interest in Wang Song far exceeded initial expectations. He was even willing to extend assistance to Wang Song's family and associates to sway the young star's decision.

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This wasn't just happening in New York.

Similar scenes were unfolding across various cities.

Every team with a top draft pick was strategizing how to secure Wang Song, placing him at the center of their scouting and recruiting efforts.

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**Akron, Ohio.**

Inside a modest apartment:

Two towering figures occupied the small living room, their imposing statures making them impossible to ignore.

"LeBron, I've already started talks with Denver. Their offer and promises seem pretty solid," said the man with the headband, breaking the silence.

He looked at his companion, a young man wearing a baseball cap, and continued, "Apparently, they've got a high chance of landing the first overall pick. Even if they win all their remaining games, they'll still finish at the bottom of the Western Conference!"

The man in the cap, LeBron James, offered a faint smile. "Congratulations, Carmelo."

He extended his hand for a handshake, only for it to be brushed aside by Carmelo Anthony.

"Come on, man," Anthony retorted. "You're already the darling of Cleveland. The Cavaliers have practically announced their intentions to draft you. You're a lock for the top three!"

"Ha! Let's just see which team gets lucky," James replied with a grin.

These two weren't just any players—they were future legends, LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony, members of the famous "Banana Boat Crew."

James had just claimed his third consecutive Ohio Mr. Basketball title and was preparing for the upcoming draft.

As Anthony had said, James was the favorite to be selected by the Cleveland Cavaliers. The team, its fans, and the city were all eagerly awaiting the arrival of their hometown hero.

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"Carmelo, have you heard the latest news?"

"Huh?"

"That Asian player who beat your team in the Eastern Finals just won the NCAA championship."

A hint of longing flickered in James's eyes as he mentioned the NCAA—a chapter in basketball he'd skipped entirely.

Anthony scratched his head. "Of course, I saw it in the latest Akron Sports Digest. That guy's smug face was plastered all over the front page. If Syracuse had made it to the finals, I would've beaten them!"

After a brief pause, Anthony asked, "Are you saying he might be one of our competitors? But he's only a freshman... right?"

"Well, I'm only a high school senior," James chuckled. "Word is, several NBA teams have already reached out to him. With the buzz from the championship, his draft stock is skyrocketing."

"Ugh, I don't want to think about it," Anthony replied, waving his hand dismissively. "Let's just focus on getting through this offseason and preparing for the draft."

James nodded, choosing to drop the topic.

Deep down, however, he couldn't help but worry about Anthony. While James himself had Cleveland as a safety net, Anthony's situation with Denver felt far less secure.

The emergence of Wang Song as a serious prospect could disrupt the plans of every other top draft candidate.

(End of Chapter)