NBA : Formidable Center

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"The game is over, and the North Carolina Wolfpack have secured a spot in the Final Four."

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Just as Bai Yang was about to end his perfect live broadcast, an unexpected scene unfolded on the screen.

The focus of the finals, Wang Song, was suddenly surrounded by three men of varying builds from both sides.

"Uh-oh, folks! Wang Song is surrounded! Could this be court violence?" Bai Yang exclaimed in surprise.

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**[Viewer Comments]**

- "Streamer, are you sure you're not joking?"

- "With Wang Song's speed during the game, he could probably outrun them even in such a large arena."

- "Classic Anthony move—if you can't beat them in the game, try off the court."

- "The Syracuse fans who stayed behind hit the jackpot—this is way more entertaining than the game!"

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Bai Yang didn't notice the surge in viewer comments. After observing the situation more closely, he quickly apologized.

"Oops, my bad, folks. No fights here—it looks like scouts have surrounded Wang Song!"

"But this is odd. Why is it so quiet on Carmelo Anthony's side? He had a decent game too. Yet, there he sits on the bench, as if waiting for scouts to approach him."

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**[More Viewer Comments]**

- "Our boy Wang's getting mobbed by scouts! What a king!"

- "How dare you call him 'little Wang'? He's King Wang! The big deal!"

- "Does Anthony really think he's a guaranteed No. 1 pick? With his inefficient shooting today, if I were a scout, I'd bump him out of the green room entirely."

- "Anthony in the corner: 'Who's the real top pick here?!'"

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**On the Court**

"Wang Song, who's this?"

Zhong Yuan, having introduced himself, glanced at the sharply dressed duo from the Knicks. Compared to his casual attire—a polo shirt and dark jeans—he felt a bit underdressed.

However, he knew he had the upper hand in connecting with Wang Song as a fellow countryman. He had to make this count to offset the apparent disadvantage in appearance.

When the Knicks representatives introduced themselves, Zhong Yuan froze in disbelief.

"Wang Song, hello!"

To everyone's surprise, Knicks President Scott Layden greeted Wang Song in Mandarin.

Scout director Ernie Grunfeld looked puzzled but kept a polite smile.

"Hello!"

Wang Song replied in Mandarin, then seamlessly switched to fluent English:

"I can communicate in English. If you have anything to say, please feel free to share."

Though Layden had just spoken Mandarin, Wang Song doubted the man had any Chinese heritage.

"My name is Scott Layden. I'm the president of the New York Knicks. This is our scout director, Ernie Grunfeld."

After introducing himself and his colleague, Layden continued, "Is this your friend? We'd like to find a private place to talk about the NBA draft."

Layden was direct, cutting straight to the point without any unnecessary small talk.

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Before Wang Song could respond, Zhong Yuan's heart skipped a beat upon hearing Layden's title. His eyes widened in shock.

He'd done his homework on Wang Song's background before the game. As far as he knew, Wang Song hadn't disclosed any plans about his professional career after his freshman season.

Yet here was the Knicks president, personally approaching Wang Song to discuss the draft.

"Could this kid have secretly struck a pre-draft deal with the Knicks?" Zhong Yuan wondered.

For an NCAA freshman to have an NBA team president come to him directly was almost unheard of.

As a seasoned sports journalist, even Zhong Yuan found the situation surreal.

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Layden handed Wang Song his business card with a sincere expression. His gaze toward Wang Song was unfiltered, brimming with admiration.

Everyone noticed. Zhong Yuan, the surrounding media, and even the departing fans caught sight of this scene.

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Realizing that this was no ordinary negotiation, Zhong Yuan quickly summarized his business proposal to Wang Song, handed him his contact information, and left the arena.

He knew that with an NBA team showing interest, securing Wang Song as a brand ambassador wouldn't be easy. Convincing him would take serious effort—and money.

As Zhong Yuan exited the venue, he couldn't help but marvel at Wang Song's potential.

Not only had he caught the Knicks' attention, but even their president was treating him with utmost respect.

"Time to step up my game," Zhong Yuan muttered to himself.

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Back inside, Layden and Grunfeld wasted no time.

"Wang Song," Layden began earnestly, "have you considered bringing your talent to the NBA after this NCAA season?

"If so, I hope you'll consider joining the New York Knicks. We're planning a major roster overhaul this summer, and our goal next year is the Eastern Conference Finals.

"I can guarantee you a spot in the green room during the draft, and the Knicks will use our first-round pick to select you.

"In fact, we can even sign a pre-draft agreement right now if you're interested."

Ernie Grunfeld, who had worked with Layden for years, was taken aback by his boss's humility.

In front of this young Asian center, the usually authoritative Knicks president seemed almost... deferential.

Grunfeld couldn't think of a single reason why Wang Song would reject such an offer.

For a freshman to receive a direct invitation from an NBA team president was nothing short of extraordinary.

Most NCAA players could only dream of getting an invite to an NBA tryout, let alone a guaranteed first-round draft promise.

Yet, seeing Layden's earnestness, Grunfeld wisely kept his thoughts to himself.

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Check out my P@treon for advance chapter on [email protected]/Twilight_scribe1

(Chapter End)