NBA : Formidable Center

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**Xinhu Sports Live Broadcast**

"Rough start for the Wolfpack, folks. The Kansas Jayhawks' starting five are showing their strength, and they've taken control of the game early."

"The Wolfpack's perimeter players are struggling, especially compared to Kansas' Kirk Hinrich and Jeff Graves, who are both RSCI-ranked prospects with bright futures ahead."

"With this contrast, the Wolfpack's backcourt really looks a bit out of place," commentator Bai Yang remarked during his live stream, discussing the game's developments with viewers.

— **"Started watching the Wolfpack from the regional finals, and the streamer's right. Usually, they begin with balanced or slightly favorable starts. Falling behind is definitely new."**

— **"This officiating is ridiculous. Wang Song got hugged multiple times in the post, yet no fouls were called!"**

— **"To be fair, scoring has never been Wang Song's forte. His value lies in off-ball playmaking and defensive presence. But today's opponent isn't just a one- or two-star team; it's a squad of five scoring threats, which is outrageous!"**

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**On the Sidelines**

Coach Herb Sendek was momentarily stunned by Julius Hodge's suggestion.

Hodge, usually a 2/3 swingman, had volunteered to play inside alongside Wang Song.

A swingman suddenly proposing to pivot into a big-man role?

Sendek glanced at assistant coach Jim, who shrugged in confusion. This wasn't one of his usual experimental tactics.

Hodge quickly explained the rationale:

"Coach, the plan is to space the floor and let Wang isolate in the low post. Sure, I'll be battling guys like Simien or Collison, but I'm only giving up about two inches. Trust me, I can handle it."

Hodge glanced confidently at the bench, raising his chin.

"Besides, I've got Wang backing me up."

Jim double-checked Hodge's intent and, upon confirming his resolve, nodded.

At first, the entire coaching staff found the idea audacious—borderline reckless.

The "four-out, one-in" lineup was far from mainstream in this era. Three-point shooting wasn't yet consistent enough league-wide to justify sacrificing defensive size and risking mismatches.

But Coach Sendek ultimately decided to gamble.

With the team trailing and running out of options, why not shake things up?

The substitution was swift: the starting power forward exited, replaced by a designated sharpshooter.

The Wolfpack's lineup change immediately caused a stir among spectators.

"What's this nonsense? Four dwarfs and one clueless Asian giant?"

"Seriously? This isn't soccer; it's basketball!"

"North Carolina's bald old coach must've lost his mind. Who throws a lineup like this into the NCAA Finals?"

---

Meanwhile, at the commentators' table, TNT's Charles Barkley burst into laughter.

"Kenny, this is easily the most ridiculous lineup I've ever seen!"

Kenny Smith smirked but quickly composed himself. "Charles, maybe the Wolfpack's strategy deserves some credit. From what I see, this might be their hidden trump card, saved specifically for the championship. A four-out, one-in setup, with all perimeter players capable of shooting threes—it's a bold experiment."

Smith was reminded of the budding "run-and-gun" strategy some NBA teams had started exploring. This approach emphasized rapid transitions, seamless ball movement, and exploiting mismatches.

For it to work, the center needed strong rebounding and outlet passing skills, while the power forward had to stretch the floor with perimeter shooting and speed in fast breaks.

Smith found himself impressed by the Wolfpack coaching staff's audacity. Implementing such an innovative system on the biggest stage required guts.

---

**On the Court**

The Wolfpack's reshuffled lineup raised eyebrows. Even Kansas head coach Roy Williams was puzzled.

He recognized the concept's potential but doubted its feasibility against his team's intense perimeter pressure.

"Stay sharp and transition back quickly!" he instructed his players.

For their part, the Jayhawks grew wary, their earlier overconfidence fading.

---

**In the Game**

The Wolfpack's point guard brought the ball up slowly, signaling a pick-and-roll. Three teammates moved to the left wing, congesting that side of the court.

The clustered positioning puzzled the defense, but before they could react, a shadow darted into the weak side, sealing off his defender and demanding the ball.

The pass was crisp, and Wang Song caught it in stride.

Facing Collison, Wang felt the defender's nervous energy—the hands pressing on him, the subtle nudges.

"Come on, little Asian boy. Let's see if you've got the guts—"

Before Collison could finish, time seemed to freeze.

The brief contact between them sent Collison flying backward, his balance and control obliterated.

To the crowd's astonishment, Wang exploded upward, planting his feet and soaring for a thunderous dunk.

**Boom!**

The rim rattled as Wang Song slammed it home, leaving the arena stunned into silence.

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*(To be continued)*