Chapter 13 Reverse BOAT
"You're saying North Carolina University wants to play an invitational with us in a week?"
Hansen was pleased when Tois approached him after training to discuss this.
Tois nodded, looking troubled.
It was tricky to both accept and reject such an invitation: to decline would label you a coward, but accepting was an open invitation to a beating.
"This is somewhat unexpected," Hansen indeed hadn't thought of this.
Was it because of what he had said?
That shouldn't be the case.
North Carolina is Jordan's alma mater, one of the most renowned schools in the NCAA, quite literally a giant drawing the wind; they are frequently targeted in trash talk.
If they were to respond to each challenge, wouldn't they be overwhelmed?
"It's probably about face, considering we're just a second-tier league team."
Carrell's news had blown things out of proportion.
"Unlikely."
Hansen shook his head. North Carolina University isn't just famous; their current strength is off the charts, defeating them wouldn't prove anything.
But just then, he considered a possibility, "Coach, do you think we stand a chance against North Carolina University?"
"No," Tois shook his head without a moment's hesitation.
They had managed to defeat Michigan State University because the latter was too complacent. Without that, they'd hardly have had a chance.
And North Carolina University, there was no need to mention, Michigan State ranked fifth because they had the skills to be fifth, North Carolina ranked first simply because that's as high as it goes...
Taylor Hansbrough, Ty Lawson, Wayne Ellington, Danny Green, they are all NCAA elites, half a step into the NBA.
Besides, with Michigan State's lesson before them, North Carolina wouldn't take them lightly.
So, from any angle, Barry University didn't stand a chance.
"Yes, they can't lose. I even think that except for the 'March Madness', they wouldn't care about other games," Hansen had asked earlier just to confirm,
"So there's no difference between playing other teams and playing us, except playing us would be more topical."
Keep in mind that the invitational was for the League Committee to see.
"Then I'll refuse them."
Defeating Michigan State had given Hansen a flash of fame, but playing North Carolina University might demolish his reputation.
Yet Hansen shook his head, "Coach, this is the first and possibly the only time in our school's history we'll face North Carolina. We can't miss this opportunity."
...
The upcoming invitational between Barry University and North Carolina University drew massive attention from the outside world.
Not just the NCAA League hyping it up, but even mainstream sports media like TNT reported on it.
Such external attention finally afforded Hansen with another press conference opportunity.
This time, more reporters than those who attended the season opener showed up.
And right from the start, they targeted Hansen.
"You previously claimed you could defeat North Carolina University. Do you still believe that?" the inquiring reporter was quite haughty.
"Of course," Hansen remained calm and collected.
"But I can find no reason for your victory," the reporter didn't mince words.
"Before the game against Michigan State University, I guess your thoughts were exactly the same," Hansen shot back.
"What do you think your advantages are?" the reporter persisted.
"How about a bet? $500,000 that we win this game," Hansen switched tactics, challenging the reporter instead of answering.
The room erupted into murmurs.
Even Tois, used to Hansen's speaking style, was taken aback, staring wide-eyed at Hansen.
Betting with a reporter during a press conference—Hansen was pioneering an unprecedented move.
"Well? Do you dare to take it?" Seeing the reporter hesitate, Hansen pressed.
The reporter gave an awkward smile and then sat down.
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What a joke, his annual salary wasn't even $500,000, and who would be foolish enough to take on such a bet.
The venue buzzed with constant discussion; they truly couldn't figure out where Hansen's confidence came from.
But this also made them even more curious about the upcoming game.
If Barry University could really beat North Carolina University, then it wouldn't be just "passion" but a real "miracle."
Hansen's statement had fueled the upcoming match quite significantly.
Some anticipated Barry University pulling off another upset, while many more were ready to witness Barry University's embarrassment.
Due to the immense external attention, this game was scheduled to be held at the Heat's home court, American Airlines Arena.
It attracted nearly fifteen thousand fans to watch the game live.
Right from the start of the match, North Carolina University's players brought their A-game, showcasing extraordinary individual skills and teamwork.
Despite fighting with extra determination, the disparity in strength between the two teams was too large, and the score kept widening.
By the end of the first half, Barry University was trailing by nearly 20 points.
Come the second half, North Carolina University showed no signs of easing up, and they eventually decimated Barry University with a score of 95 to 41.
After the game ended, Hansen and the Barry University players walked with heads low towards the player's tunnel.
"Don't bother going to the post-game press conference," Tois called out to Hansen as soon as they walked in.
"I need to go," Hansen shook his head.
"They won't let you off easily," Tois reminded him, recalling the big talk Hansen had given before the match.
"Coach, I'm not someone who runs away," Hansen said to Tois, his expression calm.
Tois looked at Hansen for a long time before finally patting his shoulder and nodding.
When Hansen appeared at the press conference, the atmosphere instantly heated up.
As soon as he sat down, he became the target of everyone's arrows.
"You were so confident before the game, but you lost, and by a whopping 54 points to boot. What do you have to say about that?"
The reporter who was called upon couldn't wait and began questioning Hansen while still standing up.
The other reporters also stared at Hansen, waiting to see a joke unfold.
Their expressions of skepticism before the game were now gleeful in anticipation of his misery.
Even the reporter who had made the bet with Hansen looked annoyed; he could have easily won $500,000.
Seemingly losing by 54 points but actually winning by 4?
Hansen calmly moved the microphone closer:
"Michael Jordan joined the League in 1984, but it wasn't until 1991 that he won his first NBA championship. Before that, he was beaten time and again by the Pistons, but he didn't get discouraged. He kept honing his skills until he finally defeated the Pistons."
"That doesn't seem to have much to do with my question," the reporter couldn't help but interject.
Hansen smiled a bit, then continued:
"What I'm trying to say is, there are no perpetual winners in this world, and most of the time, the majority are losers. Learning how to face defeat is as important as winning a game."
Hansen's answer was profound: facing failure not with evasion or excuses but by working to improve oneself until victory is achieved. This is the charm of competitive sports and a lesson many never learn in a lifetime.
However, the reporters below were restless.
Hansen's words could not satisfy them; it was not about whether he was right or wrong, but they wanted to see a dejected and downcast Hansen, or perhaps an angry, out-of-control Hansen, but not the composed Hansen before them.
The questioning continued and so did the hard time, but Hansen's emotions remained steady.
It wasn't that he was unfazed, but in a game where victory was impossible, his goal was not to win but to accumulate "hate points."
He was previously two thousand "hate points" shy of unlocking the draw, and that was not a small number.
Under normal circumstances, with the invitational games ending in late December, he might not reach that goal by the end of the season.
After all, however exciting the game against Michigan State University was, and no matter how high the news peaked, it would slowly be forgotten.
But Tois's news changed everything.
He was merely surprised that North Carolina University would challenge them, not that he didn't want to play against North Carolina University.
In fact, his mood was the same as before the game with Michigan State University: eager.
Then, the result exceeded his expectations.
During this game, his "hate points" skyrocketed, breaking ten thousand before the game was even over!
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