In his previous life, Tyler Ulis shone the most during the 2015-16 season, which is the next season. At that time, Ulis averaged 17 points, 3 rebounds, and 7 assists per game, won the Bob Cousy Award (National Best Point Guard Award), was selected for the First Team All-American (becoming the shortest player to receive this honor since 1958), and accumulated 246 assists in the season, setting the University of Kentucky's single-season record.
"Hey, great job, keep pressing them."
"That's the way to do it."
The assistant coach with Lyles shouted, extremely excited.
Tyler Ulis raised his hand to signal that it was his fault; he really couldn't mismatch defend against Lyles.
Zeng Xingyang clenched his fist; he didn't want to lose the training match.
Group B's offense.
Tyler Ulis quickly dribbled to the frontcourt.
Although Tyler Ulis had just been overpowered by Lyles in a mismatch, he played very rationally and didn't do it himself but passed the ball to Booker.
The players from the University of Kentucky are stronger than players from ordinary NCAA teams, and even in training matches, the competition here is above average.
Booker held the ball and faced Lyles' defense, while Aaron Harrison, who had just taunted him verbally, was the one guarding Zeng Xingyang.
Aaron Harrison's defense really was tenacious; he didn't give Zeng Xingyang any open opportunities.
However, Zeng Xingyang exerted force with his shoulder from the right side of the free-throw line, confronting Aaron Harrison.
"Bang!"
Aaron Harrison was bumped open by Zeng Xingyang, who feinted towards the right but suddenly pivoted and ran left.
Aaron Harrison lost his balance, and Koulistan wanted to help defend but was blocked by Towns.
Zeng Xingyang found an opening at the left 30-degree three-point line area.
Such positioning techniques are experience, using feints and screens to create opportunities.
"Here!"
Just as Zeng Xingyang called out, Booker's pass came through his breakthrough.
This was the opportunity.
Zeng Xingyang caught the ball, suppressed his nerves and emotions, adjusted, and shot for three.
Zeng Xingyang's shooting posture was similar to Thompson's, textbook-like, and typical of a shooter's stance.
The basketball was launched lightly from the palm, skimming the fingertips.
By the time Koulistan's switched defense came rushing, it was too late.
The basketball was like a bullet fired from a sniper rifle.
"Swish!"
Accurately hitting the target.
As the basketball sank into the net, the net blossomed with flowers.
47 to 38.
"Whoa!!"
"Nicely done!"
Assistant coaches and staff on the sidelines applauded.
The entire series of actions of positioning, catching, and shooting was smooth like running water.
"Haha, I knew you'd make it." Booker, who just assisted Zeng Xingyang, happily came over to high-five.
"Your three-pointer is getting more stable."
"Your positioning is quite sassy, completely shedding the defense."
"The rhythm was fantastic."
Towns also came over and patted Zeng Xingyang on the backside.
The tactic agreed upon by the three became successful, making them all very excited.
"Hey, your coordination was great too."
Whether it was Towns' screen or Booker's pass, they both came at just the right time, showing they were genuinely paying attention to Zeng Xingyang's movement.
Zeng Xingyang didn't make a big celebration, acting calmly, as this was his foundation in the team. If he couldn't make three-pointers, what would the team need him for?
"Next, show off your defensive skills too."
Zeng Xingyang wanted to quickly change the coach's impression of him as someone who could only shoot threes.
He could now not only attack but also defend.
Whether it's power or defense, both are now at Level 2, meaning no problem handling defense in the NCAA.
Not outstanding, but definitely not a liability.
Zeng Xingyang wasn't worried about not being appreciated by the coach after performing well.
Coach Calipari's ability was evident. He was only worried about not being strong enough, not about being unnoticed.
Group A's offense.
"Give me the ball, I'll go one-on-one."
As soon as the point guard crossed half court, Aaron Harrison started calling for the ball.
He clearly wanted to "bully" Zeng Xingyang's spot.
After quickly passing three times, the ball reached his hand swiftly.
Zeng Xingyang did not shy away, lowered his stance, and spread his arms to meet Aaron Harrison's attack.
This time, Aaron Harrison didn't talk trash, using his shoulder to confront Zeng Xingyang first, then quickly dribbling down to look for a breakthrough opportunity.
Zeng Xingyang, confident in his current strength, did not back down and continuously disturbed Aaron Harrison's dribbling.
Zeng Xingyang's Level 2 defensive experience and skill allowed him to consistently disrupt Aaron Harrison's dribble.
Aaron Harrison had a certain speed, but the explosive power wasn't enough to shake off Zeng Xingyang's current defense.
"Bang!"
"Bang!"
Aaron Harrison repeatedly adjusted his breakthrough direction but failed, instead getting tangled up by Zeng Xingyang, his rhythm slightly disordered.
Zeng Xingyang's static defensive talent was added by his long wingspan.
Aaron Harrison didn't pass the ball when he should have and ended up forced near the sideline by Zeng Xingyang.
"Clap!"
When he adjusted to transfer the ball from right to left to dive past Zeng Xingyang, Zeng Xingyang extended his long arm, cutting the ball.
He got through, but the ball stayed, and Zeng Xingyang completed the steal.
To control the ball, Zeng Xingyang also lunged out, sliding on the floor before he went out of bounds, passing the ball to the nearby Towns.
"Whoa, whoa, what did I just see? Zeng Xingyang stole Aaron Harrison's dribble, this guy's defense has improved."
"From confrontation to weaving, then the steal, this defense is much stronger than before."
"A very diligent defense."
Seeing that his colleagues were taken aback by Zeng Xingyang's defensive capabilities, Kenny Paine also smiled.
"Now you have to reevaluate him."
Coach Calipari also said to the assistant coach next to him: "A very interesting young man."
He too felt that Zeng Xingyang was different from his previous perception.
Kenny Paine told Calipari: "Boss, trust that my vision is not wrong, this guy is making rapid progress, he completely has the talent to become a top 3D player."
Coach Calipari nodded and said: "Yes, his versatility is very strong. If he is willing to stay at the college for two years, the probability of being drafted is very high."
Kenny Paine sighed: "This may be difficult, his idea is still to enter the draft next year, being young, there's always a desire to move to a higher-level stage."
Coach Calipari remarked: "If he stays for only one year, then his future is uncertain. Next year, we also have to recruit a new batch of people."
The team had at least six to seven players wanting to enter the draft next year, which was a headache for Coach Calipari since the team's system would have to be rebuilt then.
Kenny Paine laughed: "In the NBA, there wouldn't be such frequent personnel changes."
Coach Calipari chuckled: "Haha, quite a few NBA teams have extended olive branches to me, maybe someday I will indeed go to the NBA."
Kenny Paine said: "You wouldn't be willing to leave these kids behind."
Kenny Paine wasn't surprised at such things. As long as Calipari wanted to, he could coach in the NBA anytime as many teams were willing to offer contracts.
But Coach Calipari seemed not inclined to coach professional basketball, partly because the game there wasn't as pure.
On the field, Aaron Harrison's originally dark face now looked darker, a change in expression, not skin color.
He was a bit incredulous that he actually got stripped one-on-one by Zeng Xingyang!