Chapter 45: They Know Now

Oliver had been training relentlessly for three hours when Golin and Müller walked into the gym. The steady rhythm of the bouncing basketball and the squeak of sneakers against the polished hardwood filled the air.

"Hey, Oliver! I knew you'd be here," Golin called out, grinning as he approached.

Oliver, catching his breath, returned the smile. "You too. No surprise there."

The two exchanged nods of mutual respect. Any player serious about their craft understood that greatness wasn't just built on talent—it was forged in moments like these, through sweat and perseverance.

Without wasting another second, the trio jumped into training, pushing each other to their limits, fine-tuning every movement. For Oliver, there was no such thing as 'enough practice.'

That evening, ESPN aired an in-depth feature on Oliver's rise, dedicating a full thirty-minute segment to his impact on the NCAA. The program didn't just highlight his performances—it also included commentary from some of the most respected figures in basketball, from legendary NBA coaches to current stars.

Gregg Popovich, the esteemed San Antonio Spurs coach, spoke highly of Oliver, his tone carrying the weight of decades of coaching experience.

"This kid is rewriting the rulebook," Popovich remarked. "He's only 5'9", but his instincts, skills, and sheer determination make him a nightmare for defenders. He has a way of making the impossible look routine."

The coach paused for a moment before adding, "What impresses me most is his versatility. He's an elite scorer, a phenomenal passer, and—somehow—he even blocks shots. That's unheard of for a player his size. Aina University is built around him, and with him on the floor, they play at an entirely different level."

His final words left no doubt about his belief in Oliver's future.

"I have no doubt we'll see him in the NBA. And when we do, he's going to make waves."

Popovich was known for being reserved with his praise, especially when it came to players who hadn't even entered the league yet. That made his words all the more impactful.

Lakers head coach Phil Jackson also weighed in, expressing both shock and admiration for Oliver's playstyle.

"I've seen a lot of great players, but I can't recall ever watching someone quite like him," Jackson admitted. "A 5'9" player averaging a triple-double? That alone is mind-blowing. And his performance against Marquette University? That was something else. I was there in person, and I could feel the energy shift every time he had the ball. It was like watching history unfold."

The legendary coach chuckled before adding, "If you'd told me before the game that a player his size could drain five straight threes under pressure, I would've laughed. But he did it. Over and over again. Oliver is a miracle on the court."

Jackson even went as far as extending an open invitation.

"I hope we see him in the NBA soon. And if he happens to land with the Lakers? Well, let's just say I wouldn't complain."

It was rare for Jackson to openly express interest in a college player, especially before the draft. But Oliver wasn't just any prospect—he was already turning heads in ways few could have imagined.

Even LeBron James, the projected number-one pick in that year's draft, couldn't hide his admiration when asked about Oliver.

"Man, I don't even know how to explain it," LeBron said, shaking his head in disbelief. "I've played against some incredible guys, but Oliver's game is different. His court vision, his shooting, his passing—everything about him is elite."

LeBron leaned forward, his voice carrying genuine amazement.

"And his shot-blocking? That doesn't make sense. A guy his size should not be sending shots into the stands, but he does. It's like he doesn't care about limits. He just goes out there and proves everyone wrong."

LeBron then smiled, a competitive glint in his eye.

"I can't wait to see him in the NBA. I'm looking forward to that matchup."

Another NBA star who had taken notice was Yao Ming. The towering center, who was already making a name for himself, had a clear message when asked about Oliver.

"I hope he ends up in Houston," Yao said with a grin. "It would be incredible to share the court with a player like that."

Following Oliver's breathtaking performance against Marquette, the basketball world erupted. Overnight, he became one of the most talked-about players in the country. Sports analysts, former players, and fans alike debated his future, dissecting his game and speculating about his NBA potential.

NBA scouts flooded Aina University's practices, eager to see Oliver in person. Some even brought team executives with them, a clear sign that interest in him had reached a whole new level.

More than that, his presence had shaken up the draft landscape. Originally, Oliver's name had barely been in the conversation for the lottery picks. The projected top selections included high school standouts like Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh. But now? Oliver wasn't just on the board—some analysts were predicting he'd go in the top three.

The hype was real. And it wasn't slowing down.

Aina University, however, wasn't letting the outside noise become a distraction. As the NCAA Championship game approached, Coach Boeheim implemented strict closed-door practices, limiting media access and cutting off external distractions.

He knew the truth.

Their success up to this point had been largely due to Oliver carrying them on his back. But in the finals? That wouldn't be enough.

Their opponent, Syracuse University, was a powerhouse. And their star, Carmelo Anthony, was being heralded as the most dominant forward in the tournament.

"Melo is a generational talent," Boeheim told the team. "No single player is stopping him. That means we need to play as a unit. We tighten our defense, we move without the ball, and we capitalize on every opportunity."

The team knew what they were up against.

Syracuse had size. They had experience. And they had Carmelo.

But Aina had Oliver.

And if there was one thing everyone had learned by now—it was to never count him out.

The night before the championship game, Boeheim made an unexpected decision.

"You've all earned this," he told his players. "Tomorrow's the biggest game of your lives, but tonight? Tonight, you rest. Go relax, clear your heads, and come back ready to give everything you have."

For the first time in weeks, the team wasn't practicing.

Oliver, instead of spending another night in the gym, found himself at a small gathering with some teammates, enjoying the rare moment of normalcy.

As he sat there, surrounded by laughter and conversation, he knew one thing for certain.

Tomorrow, he would step onto the court with one goal in mind.

To win.

No matter what it took.