blogombal Chapter 10 Status Update: Mobility Evolution
Chapter 10 Status Update: Mobility Evolution
The statistics show that almost all of Lian Dao's attributes have been significantly improved, and his passing and ball control abilities have reached the upper limit of his current talent.
Since his one-on-one victory over DeRozan, Lian Dao hadn't received any new missions, which surprised him somewhat. However, he didn't dwell on it too much, because he understood that he still had many skills that needed to be honed through extensive training—especially after skill levels exceeded 60, when the time and effort required for improvement increased exponentially.
His increased strength has given him more efficient scoring methods. In practice matches, opponents find it difficult to contain him with one-on-one defense—he boasts a 223cm wingspan, a 90 three-point shooting percentage, and a 79 strength rating. Even when opponents attempt to double-team him, he can skillfully assist his teammates with precise passes.
The improvement in his data and skills brought Lian Dao a great sense of accomplishment, and further fueled his desire to compete in the NCAA league. He couldn't wait to shine on the court.
Lian Dao's rapid development prompted the coaching staff to reassess his talent. Tim was very satisfied with his progress and decided to make Lian Dao his star player in the NCAA league.
Besides his improved positioning, Vucevic has also made significant progress. He has successfully gained weight, making him more suitable for the center position—from 99 kg to 109 kg. Although still relatively thin for his height, he is capable of playing the role. Vucevic's agility, speed, and excellent low-post scoring ability, combined with his superb three-point shooting and passing skills, provide the team with more offensive options and tactical variations.
DeRozan has also made significant progress. His mid-range shooting is more accurate, and his increased strength is evident. Extensive ball-handling practice throughout the summer has made his offense more fluid and sharp. Furthermore, he has strengthened his passing skills, which will enhance the team's outside offensive firepower and enrich their tactical system.
Gibson's progress, though subtle, is significant. He has become a better scorer in the paint, and his rebounding and defensive skills have also improved.
Although other team members may not have undergone the same high-intensity training as Lian Dao, Vucevic, DeRozan, and Gibson, they have all returned to their best form through hard work since the start of the semester.
Tim was extremely pleased with the team's overall improvement. Before the start of the NCAA season, he set an ambitious goal for the team: to reach the NCAA Tournament Final Eight.
Reaching the quarterfinals is a formidable challenge. USC last achieved this feat in the 2006-07 season, when they reached the Sweet Sixteen. Historically, they have reached the semifinals twice, most recently in the 2000-01 season under coach Henry Bibby.
Tim's goals were already very high, but what Lian Dao said next surprised everyone and stirred up a wave of ambition within the team.
"I believe we can set our goals higher this year—strive to reach the semifinals, or even win the championship," Lian Dao said.
He spoke softly, but the atmosphere in the training hall instantly became tense. His teammates looked at him, their eyes filled with a mixture of surprise and determination.
"He really dares to dream," someone whispered. However, looking around, every player's eyes gleamed with desire and determination. Lian Dao's words ignited a flame in everyone's hearts, and even Tim couldn't ignore it; a satisfied expression appeared on his face.
"This young man knows his stuff," Tim commented.
In competitive sports, victory reigns supreme. Contrary to popular belief, friendship often takes a backseat. In this world, only championship titles make it into history.
Lian Dao's words were not empty boasting, but rather a reflection of the team's potential this season. Although the team has brought in several new players, and may lack experience and roster depth, their talent is comparable to that of previous years.
Players like DeMar DeRozan, Taj Gibson, and Nikola Vucevic were all first-round picks in the NBA draft, a testament to their talent. DeRozan was selected ninth overall by the Toronto Raptors in the 2009 draft, Gibson was selected twenty-sixth overall by the Chicago Bulls in the same draft, and Vucevic was selected sixteenth overall by the Philadelphia 76ers in the 2011 draft.
"For those players who lack experience and talent, we will make up for their shortcomings!" Lian Dao said confidently. With his NBA-level skills and the current strength of USC, reaching the quarterfinals of the tournament, or even competing for the championship, is no longer just a wish, but a realistic goal.
Furthermore, advancing to the Sweet Sixteen signifies much more than just the honor itself. It means increased exposure—every game is broadcast live. This exposure not only attracts the attention of NBA teams and media but also increases a player's chances of a higher draft pick.
In essence, the "sweetness" in "Top 16 Sweeties" not only symbolizes fulfillment, but also the sweet rewards brought by recognition and opportunities.
There's still a week until the start of the new NCAA season.
"Alright, guys, I know you've been training really hard lately, and now that school's started, there's a lot of other stuff to take care of. So, take a couple of days off," Tim said, noticing the players' tired expressions after the intense training. While allowing them rest, he emphasized, "Our NCAA preseason starts in a week. I don't want you to just relax—this is the first step towards our goal."
Tim explained that the preseason games do not affect divisional standings, but they are crucial for assessing the strength of each team for the invitational tournaments. These games typically pit teams from different divisions against each other to prepare for the regular season and to evaluate potential matchups for the March Madness Tournament.
The NCAA consists of 308 Division I teams divided into 33 conferences. The University of Southern California belongs to the Pac-10 Conference, also known as the Park 10 Conference.
In addition to the preseason games, there is also a regular season. Each team plays home and away games against the other nine teams in the same conference, striving to rank their teams by the number of wins. The top eight teams advance to the conference playoffs to compete for the conference championship.
The winners of the conference playoffs automatically qualify for the March Madness Tournament, a competition comprised of 65 top teams. The remaining 32 spots are determined by a selection committee based on a team's overall strength, primarily considering wins and opponent rankings. Preseason games play a crucial role in this process—beating strong teams significantly enhances a team's competitiveness.
Given USC's ambitious goals, their preseason opponents were carefully selected, all possessing the ability to reach the top 65 and being strong contenders for "March Madness." Lian Dao and DeRozan eagerly checked the preseason schedule provided by Tim, preparing for the upcoming challenges.