NBA : Formidable Center

**

**Fan Stands**

"I can't believe it! That little Asian guy actually withstood the pressure from the crowd and managed to stay composed. Impressive!"

John beamed as he listened to the general manager, Randy Pfund, unusually in agreement with him.

"Mr. Randy, the pressure the crowd put on Wang Song has been returned to them tenfold."

"If this young player isn't suitable for the Heat, who is?"

"Hmm..."

Randy paused, reflecting carefully before replying. "If he can maintain this level of performance throughout the game, his draft prospects will surpass every player on this court."

"And then, I'm afraid he'll be out of our reach."

After this game, Randy had already reassessed Wang Song's value—from a second-round pick to a mid-first-rounder.

However, the reality of the draft could turn out even more complex. Most importantly, Wang Song carried the potential of unlocking a vast Chinese market, which could inflate his draft stock significantly—a notion Randy was still reluctant to embrace.

In his mind, the Heat needed more than just an immediate impact player; they needed a cornerstone for the next decade. But the durability of Asian players remained an open question.

---

**Court-Side**

During the timeout, Kansas head coach Roy Williams, who had initially been losing his composure, regained his calm and began analyzing strategies.

What had seemed like a surprise fast-break assault by the North Carolina Wolfpack turned out to revolve around their four-shooter, one-big system, anchored by an unexpected primary post threat.

Even more shocking was Wang Song's offensive dominance, far beyond what Roy had anticipated—especially in the low post, where his strength was deceptive given his lean frame.

"Coach, that Asian kid is just too agile. It's almost impossible to stop him one-on-one," Nick Collison admitted bluntly, unbothered by referencing his earlier struggles against Wang Song.

This was his professional mindset—no room for denial or excuses.

---

**Game Resumes**

Eight minutes remained in the first half.

Kansas returned with a more structured offense and a defense tailored to disrupt Wang Song's rhythm. They applied high-pressure feints to unsettle him and forced turnovers through intense double teams.

Combined with the deafening boos from the crowd, the intent was clear: psychological warfare.

But Wang Song remained unphased, his composure forged through repeated trial and error in countless games.

---

Nick Collison was bracing himself for another duel with Wang Song in the post. He anticipated his teammate rushing to double-team as soon as Wang made a move.

But before the double team could arrive, Wang pivoted and gained half a step on Collison. His teammate quickly abandoned the feint, committing fully to the double team.

Then, without warning, Wang Song flicked the ball backward.

The ball vanished.

Not only were the players on the court momentarily stunned, but even the camera struggled to track its path.

On the court, the two defenders froze, their heads snapping around in disbelief when they realized the ball was now in the hands of Wang's teammate at the top of the arc.

"When... when did he pass it?"

On the commentary desk, Charles Barkley looked just as bewildered.

Even with his clear view, he couldn't figure out how Wang had delivered the pass. Kenny Smith, equally dumbfounded, wore a face full of confusion.

Back on the sideline, North Carolina coach Herb Sendek was equally astonished. He couldn't let himself show it, though; professional pride demanded composure.

"Jim, did Wang Song's trainer teach him that behind-the-head pass?"

Jim shook his head.

Clearly, he hadn't seen Wang use this move before.

"That kid... always a step ahead of everyone."

Roy Williams finally saw the genius behind Wang Song's playstyle.

This wasn't mere luck—it was premeditation. Wang had anticipated the defender's movements and passed accordingly, creating the illusion of the ball disappearing.

"What a gamble!"

---

On the court, the top-of-the-arc shooter rewarded Wang Song's brilliant pass with a clean three-pointer.

On the next Kansas possession, they found their rhythm and attacked the Wolfpack's small forward, Julius Hodge, in the post, exploiting his lack of size.

The effort paid off.

But when the ball returned to Wang Song in the low post, he responded with a fake pass and a swift drive to the basket.

Collison's size worked against him; his slower footwork left him outmatched.

By halftime, the Wolfpack led 32–31.

---

"Among first-round prospects, there are always levels. Right now, Nick Collison can't hold a candle to Wang Song," Barkley remarked.

"It feels like I'm seeing the dawn of something special."

In the chatrooms, fans couldn't hold back anymore:

- **"Kansas is definitely targeting Wang Song's bench time to regain control in the second half."**

- **"Makes sense. The Wolfpack's shallow roster is their Achilles' heel."**

- **"Collison isn't bad! 8 points and 4 boards in one half—no wonder he's a projected first-round pick."**

---

**Locker Room**

On the way back, Wang Song found himself surrounded by teammates bombarding him with questions about the behind-the-head pass.

He simply waved them off.

"It's nothing special. The ball just goes where it feels like—it's all instinct!"

He wasn't lying. With his high passing ability of 70, Wang Song had already mastered several flashy passes naturally.

For a big man, this was an elite level.

Herb Sendek, walking behind the group, couldn't hide his astonishment.

To see a bunch of upperclassmen deferring to a freshman center for passing tips was surreal.

If he hadn't witnessed it himself, he would never have believed it.

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

**(Chapter End)**