Chapter 4: A Unique Playing Style

Whenever the game shifted into a favorable situation, Li You’s playing time was somewhat affected.

Once the NCAA tournament began, numerous scouts crowded the stands.

Of course, these scouts weren’t there for Li You—they had their eyes on Ray Allen.

Travis Knight, the tall white forward from the University of Connecticut, also attracted considerable attention. Although a bit slender, players standing 2.13 meters tall were a rarity.

In the United States, guard positions were the most competitive, with a vast number of black guards around 1.9 meters emerging every year.

Li You officially stepped onto the court 8 minutes and 56 seconds into the first half, by which time his team already led by 18 points. His mission was to maintain that lead.

Among the spectators, scouts from the Philadelphia 76ers caught the media’s eye. This year’s draft was almost guaranteed to yield the first overall pick for the 76ers.

Because the Memphis Grizzlies and Toronto Raptors had joined the league only recently, both teams were ineligible for the first pick before 1999, giving the 76ers, who were second to last, a significant advantage.

Though it was not yet May 19, many reporters were certain that the 76ers would secure the top draft pick this year.

With a 33.7% chance of winning the lottery, if they still failed, Pat Croce, the newly appointed president of the 76ers, might well punch David Stern to the ground.

Scouts reacted differently to Li You’s performance.

At the top of the key, Li You, holding the ball in his left hand, slightly lowered his center of gravity and performed a subtle in-and-out dribble with his left hand, then suddenly executed a rapid behind-the-back dribble.

After creating half a body length of separation, he switched to his right hand, shielding the defender, and drove straight to the basket.

Some scouts watching this quietly shook their heads and casually jotted down in their notebooks:

“Technically refined, but lacks explosiveness; first step struggles to shake off defense.”

However, some patient scouts noticed that during Li You's drive, he never stopped dribbling; instead, he circled inside the paint and discreetly assisted a cutting teammate who easily scored two points.

“Excellent court vision, always aware of teammates’ positions, demonstrates superb tactical discipline.”

When Li You, during a transition, made a highly risky bounce pass that pierced the opponent’s defense and again assisted a fast-breaking teammate for two points, some scouts shook their heads once more:

“Reckless passing, lacks game control.”

Yet, to other scouts, such a pass earned praise:

“Innovative passing, bold yet meticulous, with outstanding fundamental skills.”

This polarized feedback reflected differing basketball philosophies.

Still, in an era favoring half-court sets, pounding the paint, and creating off-ball screens for shooters, sometimes both sides shared common evaluations.

With seven seconds left in Connecticut’s possession, after a screen at the top of the key, Li You accelerated suddenly with the ball in his left hand.

Adonal Foyle, Colgate’s starting center, was late switching defenses.

Facing a mismatch against a nearly 2.10-meter big man, Li You, having just crossed the three-point line, performed another behind-the-back dribble, exploiting Foyle’s delayed defensive shuffle. Switching to his right hand, he smoothly executed a half-turn fake.

Pausing briefly beyond the arc, Li You lowered his center of gravity and lunged forward, ball in his right hand feigning a drive.

Foyle stumbled backward, his feet tangled, watching Li You cross step back behind the three-point line for a quick shot. Attempting to block, his body couldn’t keep up with his mind, and he lost balance, falling hard onto the floor.

“Oh!”

The ball swished cleanly through the net, eliciting an excited roar from the crowd inside the RCA Dome.

Li You smiled, raising both hands, encouraging the cheering to grow louder.

Fans adored such flashy plays, but scouts of this era instinctively critiqued:

“Poor shot selection despite having a mismatch advantage inside!”

At halftime, the score stood at 45-26, with Connecticut effectively securing the victory.

Coach Calhoun never restricted Li You’s offense.

When he discovered Li You back in New Mexico, he valued this unique style of play.

Just as he demanded more from Ray Allen than just three-point shooting—refusing to let him become a pure shooter—Coach Calhoun also didn’t want Li You to become a traditional point guard like Stockton.

During the break, in the Connecticut locker room, everyone awaited the coach’s address.

“Well done. Don’t let up in the second half. You’re all juniors now—I don’t want any miracles happening against us!”

Coach Calhoun reminded the starters, and Ray Allen immediately pledged:

“We won’t relax until we secure the win!”

In the tournament, the coaching staff shortened their rotations, often relying heavily on starters in these win-or-go-home games.

Li You played 9 minutes and 46 seconds in the first half, shooting 2 of 4 from the field, including 1 of 2 beyond the arc, and made both free throws, finishing with 7 points, 2 rebounds, 4 assists, and 1 steal.

Compared to earlier qualifying games, as long as the starters performed well, his minutes diminished.

Li You didn’t complain; such was the basketball environment. Coach Calhoun treated him well, and the basketball scholarship was thanks to this kindly old man.

In the second half, Colgate failed to stage a comeback.

Adonal Foyle managed 21 points, 14 rebounds, 6 blocks, and 3 turnovers, barely salvaging some pride for Colgate.

Ray Allen led the game with 24 points, alongside 3 rebounds and 1 assist.

Li You played just under 8 minutes in the second half, concluding with 12 points, 3 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 steals, and 1 turnover.

At 74-59, Connecticut advanced to the second round.

Satisfied fans left the arena, pleased with the star players’ performances—tonight’s ticket was well worth it.

On the morning of March 15, after team practice ended, Ray Allen and Li You, both in sportswear, headed as planned to a café near the training facility.

Mark Bartelstein waved them over and casually ordered three coffees once seated, then eagerly said:

“Ray, the Boston Celtics have already shown their intentions. That’s definitely good news for you!”

Having been in basketball circles for years, Mark Bartelstein was finally catching a big break this year.

As an agent, signing a prodigious talent like Ray Allen, if managed well, was a veritable cash machine.

Ray Allen was unsurprised by the news; back in his sophomore year, many NBA teams had already showered him with offers.

If it hadn’t been for the championship pursuit, he could have declared for the draft last year.

Seeing no smile on Ray Allen’s face, Mark Bartelstein turned to Li You and said helplessly:

“Li, maybe you should play another year. I know you have talent, but those idiots don’t understand you. Joint tryouts won’t help!”

“Those tryouts can’t showcase your strengths. If you get an individual tryout invitation, I’m confident you’ll be picked in the first round.”

Hearing this, Li You teased back with a smile:

“Mark, if I play another year, won’t we just fall in the first round next year?”

“The NCAA is always full of surprises. Who can guarantee a team’s success?”

Looking into Li You’s eyes, Mark Bartelstein didn’t offer empty promises.

Finally, the balding white agent spoke seriously:

“Even if you go undrafted, I’ll get you into the NBA. Opportunity favors the prepared. We all have to be ready.”