Chapter 43 - 31 God’s Gaze (New Book Seeking Collection, Monthly Tickets, Recommendation Tickets)

points, 22 rebounds, 7 assists, 4 blocks, 2 steals. The next day, as he examined the stats he delivered last night, Qin Yue fell into deep reflection. Although Duncan, who called to congratulate him, found Qin Yue’s self-reflection to be incomprehensible... Just as Qin Yue couldn’t understand why Duncan was congratulating him, Duncan also couldn’t understand why someone who performed so well would need to reflect? "My reason for congratulating you is simple; through this game, you proved that you still have a lot of potential to tap into." On the phone, Duncan said to Qin Yue. After a pause, Duncan continued, "Moreover, this year, you’ve led Wake Forest to tie the second-best record of my college career." Indeed, even someone as strong as Tim Duncan only managed to lead Wake Forest to the Elite Eight once at best during March Madness. The Sweet Sixteen was already the second-best record of Duncan’s college career. Moreover, from this year’s performance in March Madness, Duncan was pleased his junior had followed his previous earnest advice. Especially in the battle against Connecticut. Even knowing the challenges ahead, he still frequently posted up low and successfully drew the other team’s three main players away for his teammates. On the court, he would always tirelessly set screens for his teammates. Even if the screens didn’t provide him with more visually stunning statistics, he still did it without hesitation. On defense, he was a replica of himself from back then: ——Standing solo in the paint, ignoring winds from any direction. Because Duncan and Qin Yue shared the same "roots," Duncan naturally felt a closeness to Qin Yue. And now? "During my sophomore year, after scoring 25 points in a game against Wallace University, Jerry West identified me as the year’s top draft pick (though Duncan became the top pick two years later). And now, I want to tell you that if we hold the first pick next year, I’m sure to persuade ’Pop’ to bring you to San Antonio." In Qin Yue, Duncan saw more than talent and perception. More importantly, he saw his indomitable will and the noble character of being willing to sacrifice for the team. People come and go, and in the NBA, where only championship flags wave, Duncan had seen many geniuses. Duncan knew clearly that most of them would eventually be like meteors, flashing by briefly. Because their character couldn’t support them to keep climbing up, reaching Mountain Peak. "The next year is crucial for you, do you have Dave’s contact info? He’s someone who is strict about basics for post players...making you repeat every subpar move hundreds or even thousands of times like a devil. If you need it, I’m sure he’d be happy to help you." On the phone, Duncan told Qin Yue. However, just shortly after Duncan gave Dave Odom’s contact information to Qin Yue... Qin Yue suddenly shifted the topic: "If I want to improve my perimeter skills, senior, do you have any good suggestions?" Hearing this, Duncan fell silent. Even though Duncan hit a total of 17 three-pointers during his college days, and sometimes in games, he’d bring the ball over half-court himself like a guard after grabbing a rebound to start a fast break... Duncan still couldn’t fathom why Qin Yue was so obsessed with developing his perimeter offensive skills. Does he, standing at 211 cm in shoes, intend to pull off a cool mid-range shot after crossovers like Michael Jordan? Or perhaps, like Allen Iverson, use an almost floor-touching Crossover to shake off defenders? Or does he genuinely believe himself to be Magic Johnson II, wanting to pass the ball to his teammates with those unpredictable passes? At this moment, Duncan did not stop his junior from dreaming of a bright future. After all, it’s not a bad thing for young players to want to develop all-around skills. But... Duncan still hung up the phone first. To this, Qin Yue was bewildered, even thinking for a moment that he might have inadvertently offended his senior during the conversation. Actually, after entering March Madness... The reason Qin Yue gave off the impression of being closer to a traditional power forward was mainly because his current perimeter skills couldn’t support him in showcasing anything special in March Madness. In the ACC, because Qin Yue had more room for error, he could certainly try various things. But in March Madness, Qin Yue knew clearly that by playing to his strengths and avoiding his weaknesses, he could best present himself to the world. This is the adjustment players have to make as the competition level rises. Take Yi Jianlian in Qin Yue’s memory, for instance. As the sixth pick in the NBA first round, when Yi Jianlian’s skills couldn’t support his role as an interior core in the NBA, he naturally became a space-oriented power forward. What if you don’t want to accept that? Well, unfortunately, even if you’re the prestigious sixth pick in the first round, even with the vast potential market in China behind you, the NBA will still shut the door on you. In this life, able to visualize his talent through the Mountain Peak system, Qin Yue was sure his future wouldn’t stop at being a traditional power forward core. He wanted to gain more ball-handling responsibilities like Jokic, thereby increasing his influence over the game. He also wanted the ability to shoot freely from any spot on the court like Durant. But the prerequisite to achieving all this is...