Chapter 3

The Roar After the Buzzer

When he was half asleep, Ze Yu recalled the scenes from that day's post-game events. On the arena's giant screen, a replay looped his game-winning shot—the one that clinched the victory in the final seconds. Back in the locker room, he slumped into his seat, listening to the incessant clamor of reporters outside. He knew that this game was destined to become his signature moment.

He set down the towel he'd been holding and glanced over at his teammates. In their eyes, he saw a mix of emotions—surprise, joy, but above all, anticipation. "You did it, kid," Coach Calipari said as he approached, patting Ze Yu on the shoulder. "But this is only the beginning. Get ready—there are more challenges ahead."

Ze Yu nodded, though his expression belied the inner turmoil he felt. The post-game buzz had swept in like a tidal wave; every major outlet was reporting on the contest, and his dazzling, game-winning shot was the talk of the town. Yet, even such a spectacular finish couldn't fully silence the lingering doubts about his abilities. Just as every moment of fame on the court is shadowed by unseen voices and mounting expectations, so too was his achievement met with skepticism.

Outside the locker room, the reporters' questions rang out incessantly. "Ze Yu, you played incredibly well today—can you tell us what was going through your mind?"

"What do you think about that game-winning shot in the final moments?"

"Will you be able to maintain this level of performance? How far do you see yourself taking this team?"

Clearly, in that moment, Ze Yu had become the media's darling. He had known, even before stepping into the NBA, that his transformation from an ordinary basketball kid to what they now called "the next superstar" would come with accolades and adoration—and with every honor and burst of glory, there would be countless challenges and doubts lurking in the shadows.

After leaving the arena, Ze Yu sought a brief moment of solace amidst the clamor. The cheers of the fans still echoed in his ears; though they celebrated his stellar performance, he understood that their gaze and expectations would only grow sharper with time. Indeed, to become an NBA player requires not only exceptional skill but also an extraordinary capacity to endure.

And so, with the noise of the world still ringing in his ears, Ze Yu resolved to face the future with unwavering determination, knowing that his journey had only just begun.

Before Dawn: A Silent Showdown

The first rays of sunlight had yet to pierce through the curtains when Ze Yu's alarm clock blared to life. He groggily glanced at the time—5:45 AM. After washing up, he grabbed his gear and headed to the nearby training facility.

The hallway was eerily silent, his footsteps echoing through the emptiness. The intensity of last night's game still lingered in his muscles, each step feeling heavier than usual. But he knew—stopping was never an option.

As he powered on the treadmill, its mechanical whir broke the stillness of the morning. The contrast between the gym's quiet surroundings and the rhythmic hum of the machine was stark. Ze Yu took off his jacket, laced up his sneakers, and prepared for another grueling training session.

Just as he was about to start warming up, the faint, rhythmic sound of a basketball bouncing reached his ears. He paused, brow furrowing slightly.

"Who the hell is out here this early?" he muttered.

Following the sound, he spotted a shadowy figure moving fluidly across the court, dribbling with an effortless precision that spoke of years of mastery. Every motion was crisp, every bounce of the ball controlled and deliberate.

As Ze Yu stepped closer, the figure finally stopped, turning his gaze toward him. Their eyes met—Ze Yu's filled with surprise, the other's with quiet composure. It was Sam Cassell.

"Yo, rookie," Cassell smirked. "You really out here this early instead of catching up on sleep?"

Ze Yu scratched his head, a sheepish grin forming. "Yeah, last night's game was more intense than I expected. Looks like I'll need a lot more work to live up to that whole 'next superstar' thing."

Cassell scoffed, crossing his arms. "That so? You're confident, I'll give you that. But dropping numbers like that in your first game? You're already starting ahead of a lot of guys. Don't be too hard on yourself."

Ze Yu nodded but knew deep down—his performance was far from perfect. His offensive game was solid, but on defense, he had plenty of room to grow.

"One-on-one," Cassell said suddenly, a glint in his eye. "I still owe you for last time."

The unexpected challenge made Ze Yu raise a brow, but he quickly smirked. "Alright. Guess I'll have to beat you again."

They stepped behind the three-point line, the silent gym setting the stage for an impromptu battle.

With the first possession, Ze Yu took control of the ball. But something felt different—maybe it was the lingering fatigue from last night, or maybe Cassell had been holding back in their last matchup. Either way, Cassell's defensive pressure felt suffocating.

Ze Yu jab-stepped right before driving in that direction. Cassell reacted instantly, staying on his hip. Seeing this, Ze Yu pulled back and, as Cassell adjusted, he executed a smooth behind-the-back move to explode past him.

In that split second, Cassell was left a step behind. Ze Yu finished at the rim with ease.

Cassell rolled his neck, chuckling. "That damn behind-the-back move of yours is annoying."

On the next play, Ze Yu's three-pointer rimmed out. Cassell snatched the rebound and immediately attacked. His veteran instincts kicked in as he bulldozed his way into the paint, using his strength to carve out space.

A slight pump fake was all it took—Ze Yu bit on it. Cassell leaned in, absorbed the contact, and finished through the foul.

"And one," he said with a grin, his tone laced with just a hint of provocation.

Ze Yu wiped the sweat forming on his brow, unfazed. He squared up, ready to defend.

Their battle continued, each possession a test of skill and endurance. For Cassell, it was just another casual one-on-one. But for Ze Yu, this was real work—an opportunity to learn. Cassell's experience and sharp instincts were proving to be a masterclass in veteran savvy, forcing Ze Yu to constantly adapt.

As the game intensified, so did Ze Yu's offense. His moves became sharper, his attacks more unpredictable. Cassell, however, countered with physicality and well-timed defensive maneuvers, making every bucket a hard-earned one.

In the end, Ze Yu sealed the game with a crafty move in the paint, using flawless footwork to shake Cassell before finishing at the rim.

Cassell let out an exaggerated sigh but couldn't fully hide the glimmer of approval in his eyes. He patted Ze Yu's shoulder.

"Keep this up, kid," he said. "If you do, your future's gonna be scary."

As Cassell walked off, Ze Yu stood alone on the empty court, a quiet fire burning within him. He knew he was still far from where he wanted to be, but every step—every challenge—was bringing him closer.

And he wasn't about to stop now.

Crossroads of Ambition: First Business Decision

After leaving the training facility in the afternoon, Ze Yu boarded the team bus back to New Jersey. As soon as he got off the plane, he received a text from his agent, Joe Lane.

"Are you free tonight? Let's grab dinner and talk about your business plans."

After a moment's thought, Ze Yu replied, "Where?"

"Downtown at Smith & Wollensky, 7 PM."

Before long, it was 7 o'clock in the evening. Stepping into the restaurant, the warm, soft lighting bathed Ze Yu in a refined glow; the entire atmosphere exuded an air of elite sophistication. Guided by a waiter, he was led to a private booth in the corner where Lane was already waiting, with a bottle of red wine laid out on the table.

"You're here? Have a seat," Lane greeted him with a smile.

After sitting down, Ze Yu casually scanned the menu and noticed that the prices were several times higher than a typical restaurant, which made him feel a bit uneasy. Sensing his discomfort, Lane chuckled and said, "Don't worry about it—tonight's on me."

Without hesitation, Ze Yu agreed and ordered a steak with sides. Once the waiter had left, Lane began, "You know why I asked you out, right?"

"Business plans?" Ze Yu responded, raising his water glass and taking a sip.

"Exactly," Lane nodded. "Your NBA career is just beginning, but your market potential is already emerging. Especially with your Chinese heritage, you'll have extra commercial opportunities."

Seeing that Ze Yu remained silent, Lane continued, "Let's start with endorsements." He opened his tablet and handed it to Ze Yu. "Right now, three brands are interested in you. One is AND1, a homegrown American brand that wants you to star in an ad; the other two are Chinese sports brands, Li Ning and Anta, both relatively new companies that are eager to sign you and develop your own signature sneaker line."

Ze Yu flipped through the materials and nodded. "These brands all seem pretty good."

"Exactly, but you need to think beyond just the money. Consider your long-term positioning. Do you want to become a basketball icon like Jordan, or a cultural bridge between the East and the West? That will affect the type of commercial partnerships you choose."

Ze Yu fell into thought. To be honest, he had never really considered these issues in depth before. He wanted to play ball, get stronger, and win games, but the business side… that was a reality he could no longer ignore.

"So, what do you think I should choose?" Ze Yu asked.

"For now, I suggest you focus on basketball and pick endorsements that help build your personal brand image, rather than chasing high-paying deals immediately," Lane replied with a smile. "Establish your identity first, and then you can expand later."

Ze Yu nodded, about to ask another question when the waiter happened to bring over his steak. Lane smiled, raised his glass, and said, "We'll talk about all this later—let's eat first."

Taking up his utensils, Ze Yu began to contemplate the direction of his future.

After dinner, as he left the restaurant, the night had grown deep. Sitting in the back of a taxi, Ze Yu gazed out at the flickering streetlights through the window, which illuminated his thoughtful profile. Just before leaving, Lane had reminded him, "Remember, commercial partnerships are just one part of your future path. Right now, you need to focus on the court and respond to those doubts."

Proving Ground: vs Indiana Pacers

The next morning, the locker room still carried the warmth of the victory from the night before. Teammates joked, whispered, and discussed the various opinions flooding the media.

Ze Yu sat in the corner, organizing his sneakers, but his mind kept replaying Lane's words. He knew all too well that praise and criticism were often separated by a fine line; what truly mattered was performance on the court.

Soon after, the game began. The Pacers opened with a calm yet relentless defense. As Ze Yu stepped onto the court, he immediately felt the pressure. "The Terminator" Reggie Miller and forward Antonio Davis were all over him, trying to limit his play with quick switches and intense pressure.

On his first possession, Ze Yu attempted to space the floor for a shot, but the Pacers' airtight defense made his dribbling difficult. Every time he tried to break through, they were there to rotate and cover. A low murmur of sighs and boos filled the stands, as if every bit of doubt was bearing down on him, making each step feel like a struggle.

Despite this, Ze Yu fought to adjust. He changed his approach, opting to pass more and work with his teammates instead of forcing individual plays.

Five minutes into the first quarter, Cassell delivered a brilliant pass, and Ze Yu, positioned at the corner, received the ball and fired a three-pointer. The ball arced through the air, swishing cleanly through the net. The crowd erupted into applause, and the Pacers quickly adjusted, tightening their defense on Ze Yu.

As the second quarter began, the Pacers switched to an even more aggressive defensive lineup. Every attack felt like Ze Yu was navigating a battlefield.

On one play, Ze Yu attempted a drive from the wing, but the defense quickly closed in, cutting off his path. Just as he was about to pass, he was trapped by a double team, and in the rush, he turned the ball over.

The turnover left Ze Yu momentarily stunned, but he quickly regained his focus. His teammates cheered him on: "It's alright, man, keep looking for your chances, we believe in you."

Soon after, Ze Yu had another opportunity. The defense was just as tight, but with quick reflexes, he faked his way past the defender, then used a pick-and-roll to create space for a mid-range jumper. The ball dropped through the net, and for a moment, it felt like his heartbeat and the crowd's cheers had become one.

The Pacers Intensified their efforts to disrupt his every move. Mark Jackson frequently used his body to block drives, while Antonio Davis leveraged his height to contest every shot. Ze Yu felt the combined weight of the physical and mental challenges.

On the court, he was sometimes forced into sudden stops under tight pressure, and at other times, he found brief moments of space off a pick. Each possession, each mistake, made him reflect on the doubts and expectations surrounding him. He knew every moment was a chance to prove himself. As the coach had said, "The real test is whether you can remain calm under pressure."

As the first half neared its end, the score remained tight. Ze Yu found another opening. After receiving a pass from a teammate, he noticed a defensive lapse and stepped back to take a jumper. The ball hit nothing but net. The crowd erupted once more, almost as if it were a declaration that he was steadily proving the doubters wrong.

When the halftime buzzer sounded, the score was still close. Players made their way to the bench, and the coach began discussing the game plan for the second half with the assistants. Ze Yu wiped the sweat from his brow, took a deep breath, and looked out at the court. Every collision, every play, hadn't just been about scoring—it was about silencing the doubters and proving his worth.

Standing at the bench, Ze Yu felt a storm of emotions. He reflected on his conversation with Lane the night before, the encouragement from his teammates, and the hopeful glance from his coach. His journey would undoubtedly be filled with challenges, but it was these very trials that would push him to grow and break through.

At halftime, Ze Yu tied his shoes, silently vowing to prove that no matter the doubts from the outside, he would use every shot, every effort, to show that his relentless determination was not to be underestimated. Facing the Pacers' stringent defense and the mounting pressure, he was ready for the even greater challenges that awaited in the second half.