"what is that?"

Durant didn't react at first.

Because he had never heard of that brand before.

But after spending a long time with Lin Ying, he knew more or less Chinese.

"Chinese brand?"

So the next second, he spoke again.

Lin Ying nodded.

"Why did you choose a Chinese brand? They have no market here!"

Durant reminded.

Even if Lin Ying chooses something from Under Armor, it would be better than choosing a Chinese brand of sneakers.

Lin Ying smiled and said nothing.

There is actually nothing wrong with what Durant said, and the reminder from a friend is timely.

But in fact, there is a problem with this sentence itself. Why does it have to have a market in the United States?

The most important thing about sneaker endorsement is nothing but price. Where to sell shoes is not about selling.

"But who knows what will happen?"

But he then spoke again.

Choosing Anta was the answer given by Durant after questioning him based on his identity as a time traveler.

Anta is willing to invest in sneakers. The quality of the sneakers will be good in the future and the price will be relatively cheap.

And there was one thing he and Durant thought of working together.

Anta is not on the market yet!

It is difficult to directly obtain shares, but it is not impossible to cooperate first like Jordan did, and then develop a sub-brand in the future, and then receive high dividends.

This is something that brands like Nike and Adidas cannot provide.

Of course, these things have not been mentioned yet, and there are many other things that must be considered.

For example, the domestically produced shoes of this period, whether they were Anta or Li-Ning and Peak, the quality of their sneakers was not that good;

Another example is the stock issue. He is just thinking about it now. He doesn't even know how far he can play in the NBA, so why would anyone give it to him?

Maybe in the end they didn’t give you as much as Nike!

He will be short of money when he first enters the NBA, money is more important!

"And we haven't even signed an agent yet."

Lin Ying continued.

Durant smiled and nodded after hearing this.

This is true, they are not professional in the matter of sneakers, and they will definitely need an agent to discuss it when the time comes.

"However, I will definitely sign with New Balance!"

Durant still said firmly.

…

In the new draft prediction list updated the next day, Lin Ying moved from the 33rd pick originally predicted to the 29th pick!

He is expected to be drafted by the Phoenix Suns!

Although it is only 4 picks higher than the original, the first round and the second round have different meanings.

And the reviews given on the website are also spot on.

"He can shoot three-pointers and pass the ball well. He also showed the defensive talent that the Suns are very lacking."

It can be seen from this comment that it was not the triple-double that promoted Lin Ying, but the defensive ability he showed in the game.

This actually fulfills what Barnes said before, that challenges bring opportunities.

Lin Ying seized this opportunity.

The U.S. side is relatively calm, but the domestic side has exploded.

"With three consecutive double-doubles, the NBA door has been opened to him!"

The title of the latest issue of "Basketball Pioneer" is very eye-catching.

There is also a picture of Lin Ying's back on the cover, facing the slowly opening NBA gate, which is full of imagery.

In the article, Yang Yi reported the facts relatively objectively:

"What is the third person in history? In other words, Lin Ying is the third person in the NCAA in 68 years to do it! He is shoulder to shoulder with the two legends of 'Magic' Johnson and 'Big O' Oscar Robertson!"

"In an arena with more than 70,000 people, Lin Ying is like the strongest city wall in the world. No matter how many troops you have, your ships are powerful and your artillery is powerful, you can't get past the city wall."

"I saw Texas fans holding high the flag of the Lone Star Republic. If you have an interesting knowledge of history, you must know that at that moment, Lin Ying was the most powerful cowboy in the hearts of Texans!"

"I can say with certainty that Lin Ying will enter the NBA this year. He may even be selected in the lottery. He fully has this potential."

…

Is this called objectivity?

This lottery has been arranged, God is so objective!

But this really counts, because whether you are objective or not depends on the overall environment.

After a certain wave broadcast the first NCAA game, the evaluation of Lin Ying on the Internet has already skyrocketed.

This wave of three consecutive double-doubles put the media directly into carnival mode.

Then when you read the news reports on a certain wave, you will feel that Yang Yi... is no longer objective.

"Durant made way for him tonight. Who else would be the strongest rookie in this year?"

"The strongest insider in the NCAA, Oden is already trembling."

"Anthony watched the game live and bluntly said that the Nuggets are determined to win Lin Ying!"

"Even Jordan has never done it. Lin Ying surpassed the God of Basketball this night!"

…

Fortunately, Lin Yingren is in the United States and cannot see these domestic reports, otherwise he would really vomit blood after reading it.

However, these reports are relatively true.

In history, during Yi Jianlian's first year in the NBA, similar reports emerged one after another.

"With a slight smile, he has won the coach's trust."

This sentence is simply the standard format of news headlines in this era.

…

After two days of rest, the NCAA eight-to-four games began one after another.

Compared to several other divisions, the finals in the Central and Western divisions should have received the least attention.

There is no way, the encounter between the two big dark horses, the starlight itself is relatively weak.

After 40 minutes of fierce battle, the University of Texas defeated UNLV 68-58 and moved closer to the final four!

After completing this feat, they not only exceeded the Elite Eight goal set by Barnes at the beginning of the season, but also tied the best record in team history!

However, the game process is not as simple as many people think.

For the University of Texas, facing UNLV in the finals is the best result for them, and it is a missed opportunity.

But on the other hand, what about UNLV?

The University of Texas defeated the University of Kansas, the No. 1 seed in the Midwest Region, which also helped them defeat their strongest opponent!

Therefore, after the game started, UNLV's high fighting spirit allowed UNLV to exert ultra-high-intensity defensive pressure.

Moreover, UNLV also implemented the "Jordan Rules" that the University of Texas has never encountered before.

The Jordan Rule is a strategic rule invented by the Pistons in the last century specifically to target Jordan.

Its core content is: Use various methods to defend Jordan to death, and use all possible means.

In this game, this law can be called the "Durant Law".

Because UNLV really does everything it can to defend Durant.

Double-teaming is the norm, and even one-on-one situations will never allow Durant to enter the offensive rhythm he wants.

This strategy of UNLV can be said to be completely fine.

As a team without many stars, defense is the only thing they can rely on.

Their previous upset victory over UCLA relied on a coordinated defense.

Against the University of Texas, they put all their defensive focus on Durant.

Not only in the regular season, even after entering the crazy three games, Durant averaged 30 points per game in three games!

Limit Durant and they have a chance to win!

This idea is also in line with the central idea of ​​"Jordan's Law".

They would rather not be defeated by Jordan's teammates than be defeated by Jordan.

Likewise, UNLV players would rather be defeated by Durant's teammates than by Durant.

Then, they seek benevolence and get benevolence, and they get what they want!

Durant was defended only 11 times in this game and only made 3 goals. He finally scored 14 points by making 8 of 12 free throws and made 4 turnovers.

His shortcomings in holding the ball and average passing ability were clearly exposed in the game.

This is also the first time since he entered the "Crazy Three" that he scored less than 20 points.

But the rest of the University of Texas combined for 54 points!

This is also the most since the University of Texas entered the "Crazy Three"!

Augustin had 13 points and 10 assists, Abrams had 15 points, Lin Ying had 17 points, 12 rebounds and 4 assists, and he made 4 of 7 three-pointers!

After this game, the outside world's view of the University of Texas has fundamentally changed.

Although Lin Ying has consecutive triple-doubles, the outside world still defines the University of Texas as "Durant's team."

But now that Durant is being tightly guarded, others can step up and score, and more than one person can step up.

Taking off the dark horse coat, this University of Texas is full of quality.

They seem more like...underestimated!

But if you think about it carefully, they have no shortage of talent!

Even if you say you have no experience, fighting "Crazy Three" all the way is just a process of accumulating experience.

Of course, the most intuitive feeling is that Lin Ying's sense of presence is getting stronger and stronger!

…

"Yao, have you watched the news?"

In the Rockets locker room, Alston looked at Yao Ming in disbelief.

"What? Danny Ainge got fined?"

Yao Ming turned around and asked.

There is a very popular news these days, which is that Anji was fined 35,000 yuan by the league for sitting and chatting with Durant's mother at the game.

No one knows what they talked about, but when the Celtics have a high probability of getting the top three picks, it is indeed against the rules to have contact with Durant's mother.

You must know that on the current draft prediction list, Durant is expected to be selected by the Celtics.

"No, no, the University of Texas has entered the Final Four. It's incredible. Yao, how did you know?"

Crazy Three frequently failed, and most of the Rockets died in this wave.

Now the only ones left are Ohio State University bought by Tracy McGrady, University of Florida bought by Alstom, and University of Texas bought by Yao Ming!

Those two teams are popular teams in their own right. If you buy them right, you won't actually make much money. They are just a lottery.

But Yao Ming’s odds are 200 to 1!

Alstom even felt that Yao Ming didn’t buy enough. If he really bought it for 88,000...

This is more than Yao Ming earns in a year!

The performance of strength was missed perfectly.

"Looks like we can have a big meal."

Yao Ming said with a smile.

After he said this, there was a burst of cheers in the locker room.

Yao Ming's emotional intelligence is very high.

Although I have already said before that if I win once, I will treat the whole team to a meal.

But that was just a casual remark. If I repeat it now, it is basically certain.

"No, Yao, Texas can't win the next game."

Maddie came over and said with a smile.

McGrady's emotional intelligence is of an unstable kind.

When you are high, you can say "he is very good" when evaluating cxk's skills;

When you are low, you can say in front of the media that you have never worked with a superstar.

Yao Ming looked at Alston in confusion.

"Texas' next opponent is Ohio State."

Alston spoke.

Yao Ming nodded after hearing this.

No wonder McGrady said that, because he bought Ohio State and a lot of it.

"That must be difficult, but I still send text messages to encourage my little brother."

Yao Ming quickly skipped the topic.

The relationship between him and Tracy McGrady is actually not as good as the domestic media exaggerates.

This is actually easy to understand. Apart from the different personalities shown in this small detail, there is another point that is easily overlooked.

Tracy McGrady, the Rockets acquired Francis in exchange for him!

Who is Francis? The player with whom Yao Ming has the strongest connection in the NBA.

Francis was furious for Yao Ming back then. Who didn't in glf?

Although from a professional point of view, such personal emotions should not be mixed in, but which player can really do this?

After Yao Ming finished speaking, he took out his mobile phone from the closet.

He first read the news, and then sent Lin Ying a text message.

Basically some words of praise and encouragement.

Of course, in addition to these, he also added one more thing.

…

After taking a shower after the game, Lin Ying had just sat down when he heard his cell phone ringing.

I took it out and saw it was a text message from Yao Ming.

He was not surprised by the previous content. It was the same words of encouragement as last time.

But there is one last thing.

"If you have decided to participate in the draft this year, we can sit down for a meal and chat again."

Yao Ming probably wanted to give him some advice as someone who has experienced it.

This may seem inconsistent with Yao Ming's previous image of being cautious and not being a teacher, but in fact this is indeed what Yao Ming would do.

Because the nature of these two incidents is different.

Of course, when giving technical advice to Lin Ying, you need to be cautious and consider the consequences.

But to give some experience in adapting to the NBA, this thing will be of no harm.

In fact, after Yi Jianlian confirmed his candidacy that year, Yao Ming gave two suggestions during media interviews.

First, let Yi Jianlian learn Western culture and take the initiative to deal with and communicate with people on the team;

The second is to let Yi Jianlian increase confrontation, especially increase upper body strength training, so that he can adapt to the intensity of NBA games earlier.

Those suggestions were entirely based on his personal experience, and they later proved to be very accurate.

It's a pity that the two had no direct contact information at the time, and it is unknown whether the media message was finally reached.

The end result is that it doesn't work as it should.

For Yao Ming, there is no essential difference between Lin Ying and Yi Jianlian.

And because of their previous contact, he had a better impression of Lin Ying.

Since he has direct contact information, of course he is also willing to take the initiative to give some similar suggestions.

Of course Lin Ying would not refuse!

Even though he is playing well now, his draft stock is also rising all the way.

But he knows the difference between the NBA and the NCAA.

Also, unless he really goes to the same team as Durant, a big problem he will definitely face is communication.

There is no problem at the University of Texas. On the one hand, these teammates are really good, and another very important reason is that he brought Durant with him when he came in.

In the team's warm-up match, if it wasn't for Durant, Augustin wouldn't have passed the ball to him, and he wouldn't have had the chance to show off his organizational skills.

It's definitely unrealistic to ask him to change his gender overnight. Maybe Yao Ming can give him some useful suggestions in this regard.

After all, Yao Ming has been playing in the NBA for 5 years, and everyone has taken the initiative to find him, so he must have told him everything.

Of course, these are actually things that come later.

He now has one more thing that he must ask Yao Ming for advice in advance.
Chapter completed!