NABC Chapter 50 Then I must thank you!
Chapter 50 Then I must thank you!
The next day.
Team training camp.
After a brief intra-team scrimmage, the group had just sat down to rest when they saw a large crowd gathering at the exit of the training hall.
Reporters, carrying cameras and microphones, kept searching for positions amidst the security cordon to take photos of them from a distance.
This was the first time they had received such treatment throughout the tournament.
The finals are about to begin, and the word "crazy" in "March Madness" is finally being fully realized at this moment.
However, it is currently training time, and security has not allowed them to pass.
English looked away, a broad smile on his face, and said, "I feel like every cell in my body is dancing. I'm really looking forward to tomorrow's match."
TJ Taylor also said with a smile, "I just checked the schedule, and there are no NBA games scheduled for tomorrow. Hehe, it's the only national basketball game being broadcast. I wonder how many viewers it will get."
Lawrence chimed in: "Last year's Kansas vs. Memphis final had an average viewership of 19.6 million, nearly 20 million, and this year's viewership shouldn't be lower than that."
What does it mean to have an average viewership of nearly 20 million?
It's even higher than last year's NBA Finals between the Lakers and Celtics, which had over 1700 million viewers.
That was a battle between the yellow and green!
The Celtics' Big Three versus Kobe Bryant's Lakers – both are absolute top-tier superstars, generating immense buzz, media attention, and a reunion of arch-rivals, making this a must-watch for fans.
But it still couldn't beat the viewership ratings of last year's March Madness finale.
It's easy to imagine how crazy NCAA's March Madness is.
English rubbed his hands together inwardly: "Just thinking about stepping onto the nation's biggest stage is exhilarating."
Lawrence's face darkened: "We must win. We cannot let the highlight of my life end in regret."
Everyone echoed this sentiment.
Lyons, however, remained silent throughout.
English leaned closer curiously: "What are you looking at?"
Lyons finally snapped out of it: "ESPN's draft simulation has been updated."
This immediately caught the attention of Duze and Carol, who had also remained unmoved. Almost simultaneously, they asked, "So? What's your ranking?"
After exchanging a glance, the two looked away, their hearts filled with even greater urgency.
Lyons gave a faint smile: "I've finally made it onto the mock roster."
However, his smile seemed somewhat forced, and he pursed his lips before continuing, "I'm only ranked 24th in the second round."
That is to say, he is 54th overall.
With a total of 60 draft picks, he's ranked 54th?
This position certainly makes it hard to be happy.
Having just stepped into the simulation stage, there is absolutely no guarantee of success, and it is easy to become an undrafted player.
Lawrence was quite perceptive: "Leo, you should be happy. At least you still have a chance to enter the NBA, while I don't even have the qualifications for a simulation."
Upon hearing this, Lyons's three lines of anxiety finally dissipated somewhat: "Don't be discouraged. Being selected is just the beginning. Besides, we're still on our way. As long as we win the championship, anything is possible."
Lawrence shrugged: "Hopefully, I really don't want to sell egg rolls at KFC."
The room fell silent at this point.
The atmosphere suddenly seemed to become heavy.
With the finals approaching, they are undoubtedly excited, but reality is right in front of them, and they still need to face it.
After the final, they will embark on a brand new chapter in their lives, never having to train or get up early again.
But, where to go?
of course.
The NBA, hailed as the pinnacle of basketball and the most successful commercial sports league in the world, remains the ultimate destination for these players.
If they are chosen, then in the public's story, they are the chosen ones.
If you are not selected, there are only a few paths you can take.
First, go play in a secondary league, such as the NBA's Development League.
Second, playing in overseas leagues offers less competition, but it means leaving the Micah club.
Going to a foreign country to work and earn money, and living a happy life like cattle and horses, is not everyone's first choice.
Third, he went to training camps to work as a sparring partner and transitioned into a trainer.
Fourth, teach at a primary or secondary school, or work as a teaching assistant to make ends meet.
Fifth, change careers and say goodbye to basketball.
The vast majority, however, chose the fifth path.
Selling egg rolls at KFC, as Lawrence mentioned, is a very common practice.
TJ Taylor comforted him, saying, "Don't think too much about it. Just focus on playing well. What Matt said earlier makes a lot of sense. Don't leave any regrets during your highlight moments."
The heavy atmosphere dissipated as soon as these words were spoken.
Lawrence then seized the opportunity to ask, "Where are Duze and Demar ranked?"
Lyons didn't look at his phone, clearly having already seen it, and gave the answer directly: "Duzer was ranked 27th in the first round of the mock draft and was selected by the Memphis Grizzlies."
Upon hearing this, Du Ze's eyes suddenly lit up.
This jump from 52nd overall in the second round to 27th overall in the first round is truly... a huge surprise.
It seems that the March Madness stage is indeed the biggest exposure spot for Miracle.
Before the tournament began, he was an unknown and unnoticed nobody.
After playing only two tournaments, he became a rising star in the simulation.
Now, after five rounds, he has surged to the end of the first round, a truly astonishing rate of advancement.
His rapid rise to prominence is mainly due to his outstanding performance throughout the tournament, but also to his undeniable physical talent.
This is very important.
Lyons continued, "Demar was selected 22nd overall in the first round of this updated mock draft and was chosen by the Portland Trail Blazers."
Carol, who was standing to the side, suddenly dimmed her radiant light.
He finished last in the first round in the last simulation, and now he's led his team to the tournament finals but failed to make the lottery, which is undoubtedly disappointing.
This is far from the ranking I expected, and I'm quite disappointed.
Of course, there is another factor.
The Lotto zone and the end of the first round are two completely different positions.
Being selected in the lottery means you are considered to have development potential, and the team will be more patient with you to adapt. Even if you make mistakes, the coaching staff will generally be tolerant.
The middle and late stages of the first round are essentially a test of immediate impact. Teams won't give you many opportunities, and one mistake could mean sitting on the bench for half a season before you can regain the coach's trust.
These two are worlds apart.
English encouraged him, saying, "If we can win the tournament and make it into the lottery, it'll be a piece of cake."
Upon hearing this, Carroll's expression softened slightly: "No matter what my draft position is, it won't affect my determination to lead the team to a championship."
These words sounded rather high-sounding, but nobody cared.
Everyone in Missouri, regardless of their motives or purposes, shares a common goal: to win the championship.
Lawrence, who was standing nearby, suddenly patted Du Ze on the shoulder: "Don't panic when dealing with Hansbrough tomorrow, I'll help you double-team him."
Everyone understood immediately and burst into laughter.
Du Ze said, "Then I should thank you in advance."
You really know how to rub salt in the wound. Do you think I'm stupid?