Chapter 20: Different Choices (Part Two)
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The team's individual tryout was entirely different from the combined one; every test was conducted without compromise. Everyone gathered at the sidelines, watching Li You complete each assessment.
At this moment, the only sounds in the gym, aside from the squeaking of Li You’s running shoes against the floor, were the assistant coach’s shouts and the swish of basketballs through the net.
Mark Bartelstein remained composed. Compared to the physical tests in early March, Li You’s physical condition had improved remarkably.
His baseline shuttle runs and three-quarter court sprints showed slight improvements; his standing vertical jump, running vertical jump, and standing reach also displayed upward trends.
Although some tests could vary due to chance, fundamental data did not lie. Overall, at under nineteen years old, Li You was still growing, with a promising future ahead.
When it came to shooting tests—whether stationary shots or full-court sprint shots—Li You’s performance impressed Jeff Van Gundy and others, who nodded in approval.
Immediately after sinking a shot, Li You pivoted and sprinted back. Near the three-point line, he slightly decelerated, received the pass, and released the shot instantly!
Swish! The three-pointer soared cleanly through the net.
Tom Thibodeau watched intently, his mouth slightly agape. Up to that point, Li You had missed only a few shots at the start.
After completing the stationary shooting test, Li You found his rhythm and didn’t miss again.
Dick McGuire, recalling games at Madison Square Garden from a few years back, smiled and told Mark Bartelstein beside him:
“Li’s performance reminds me of Reggie Miller. That kid left a deep impression on me!”
Mark Bartelstein was very satisfied with Li You’s display. No longer holding back, he confidently said:
“Not just the shooting—I swear, Li’s ball-handling skills are the best among his draft class!”
After the enthusiastic praise, Bartelstein still wasn’t done. Promoting a player was no simple task; he had to make Li You leave a lasting impression on the Knicks’ management.
As the shooting tests ended, John Starks by the sideline felt a pang of bitterness...
Because of his disappointing performances in recent playoffs, New York fans had been clamoring for him to be replaced.
This year’s draft saw the Knicks holding the 18th, 19th, and 21st picks. The hometown hero, Stephon Marbury, was no longer a hope. After winning the championship at UConn, many fans began donning Li You’s jersey in support.
Seeing the assistant coach beckon, Starks, who had been moving about to stay loose, immediately ran over.
When Starks first tried out for New York years ago, Patrick Ewing had pushed him to the floor, injuring his leg, which ironically secured his spot on the team.
Fortunately, a blessing in disguise: the Knicks gained a capable point guard, and Starks found his job.
The reason New York fans no longer supported him was largely due to his 2-for-18 shooting in the Finals, which cost them the championship...
The assistant coach signaled for a few one-on-one drills. Li You didn’t glance at Starks and nodded indifferently, signaling he was ready.
From the top of the key, Starks tossed the ball to Li You. Lowering his center of gravity, he murmured:
“Rookie, don’t expect me to go easy on you!”
The two were roughly similar in build, which was why the Knicks chose Starks to test Li You.
“You talk too much!”
As Starks lunged in defense, Li You immediately shielded the ball, pivoted swiftly on his right foot, then faked a step to the left front. Seizing Starks’ backward shuffle, he pulled his foot back and released a jump shot from the top of the key.
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Swish! The three-pointer sailed cleanly through the net!
Starks hadn’t expected Li You to be so confident, firing from beyond the arc without hesitation. His expression darkened.
The assistant coach quickly signaled for them to switch positions. This time, at the left elbow near the free-throw line, Li You received the ball with his back to the basket.
Starks lowered his stance, almost pressing his entire body against Li You, relentlessly applying physical pressure with his hands.
Li You leaned into Starks, rocking his shoulder, feigned a spin, then suddenly lowered his center of gravity. After a step forward with his left foot, he smoothly released the ball with his right hand.
Before Starks could react, Li You pushed off, stepped back quickly, and released a fadeaway jumper.
Swish! The two-point shot landed cleanly.
Starks’ face grew darker. Li You kept his movements minimal—once he read the defense’s balance, he shot immediately.
Under the assistant coach’s direction, the two continuously switched positions. Li You’s offense was always concise, without flashy dribbling. Fueled by excellent touch, he made all five shots from different spots.
Jeff Van Gundy and assistant coach Thibodeau exchanged remarks.
“Tom, what do you think of Li?”
Thibodeau, noticing Starks was nearing his breaking point, smiled wryly.
“Matches the scouting reports. Started playing basketball before six years old, solid fundamentals. Calhoun’s coaching really transformed him—he’s no longer flashy like in high school.”
“A classic college-style guard, with better-than-expected athleticism.”
Van Gundy nodded, emphasizing Li You’s ability to control the game.
Defense was also tested. When Li You took the defensive role, some weaknesses appeared. Starks seized the opportunity, aggressively driving past him despite the defense.
In the low right post, utilizing his experience, Starks executed two turn-around fadeaway jumpers.
However, on an attack near the right elbow, Starks carelessly exposed the ball too early, allowing Li You to cleanly strip it away.
“Shit!”
Feeling embarrassed, Starks muttered under his breath.
Li You remained calm. He had played countless one-on-one battles since childhood, often against older opponents.
The Knicks hadn’t arranged for forwards to test him, so he wasn’t under much pressure.
“Take a break, impressive performance. Li, you’re even better than we expected!”
Dick McGuire called for a rest and water break, smiling warmly as he patted Li You on the shoulder. He was very pleased with the tryout.
Mark Bartelstein grinned from ear to ear, then moved beside Jeff Van Gundy to continue his enthusiastic promotion.
Starks, feeling a bit humiliated, initiated light conversation with Li You, acknowledging his skill:
“Hey man, you’re from New Mexico, right? Is it true they have drug lords there? How are the girls?”
Li You was used to such small talk in these times and, taking a sip of water, smiled and replied:
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“Albuquerque does have drug dealers, but the public security is pretty good. There are more Latina girls there—way more passionate than the white girls in New York.”
Starks’ eyes lit up. He was never a good boy himself—he hadn’t finished high school properly, had been to jail before, and liked the thrill of danger!
Jeff Van Gundy, overhearing their chat, quickly changed the subject:
“Let’s head to the office for a talk. Li, I just took over the team this season, and I want to hear your thoughts on the Knicks.”
Mark Bartelstein subtly signaled to Li You. Following their earlier plan, when speaking with the head coach, Li You was to cater to the coach’s tactical preferences.
“No problem. Since coming to UConn, I’ve been a big Knicks fan!”
Li You strode toward the coaching staff, knowing this tryout had been a success.
At 4 p.m., Mark Bartelstein bid farewell to the Knicks personnel along with Li You.
Once in the car, Bartelstein pumped his fist excitedly:
“Perfect performance, Li! If the Knicks draft you, I promise to get you a lucrative contract!”
“Drafts are like that sometimes. We have to show precise intent!”
In high spirits, Li You nodded, approving Bartelstein’s approach.
Teams with top 10 picks had also extended invitations, but they chose to try out with the Knicks first.
It was a practical choice; top 10 teams were unlikely to consider him.
“Drafts demand choices from players and pragmatic decisions from agents.”
“Arn Trom still clings to hope, expecting Philadelphia to draft that high school kid. That’s just dreaming!”
“I bet you bottom dollar, top 10 teams won’t even look at that high school point guard!”
As the car started moving, Bartelstein resumed gossip about rival agencies.
Recently, agent Arn Trom had taken Kobe Bryant to try out with several teams.
Unlike Li You’s group, Trom was highly confident in Kobe and had arranged tryouts with the 76ers, Celtics, and Nets.
Hearing Bartelstein’s schadenfreude, Li You guessed those tryouts hadn’t gone well.
“Where to next? Phoenix or Los Angeles?”
Li You asked.
Without hesitation, Bartelstein answered:
“Of course Los Angeles—that’s a major basketball city!”
Choosing teams with later picks, Li You nodded. He wasn’t naive; he knew Bartelstein still lacked certainty.
...