Chapter 8: Regional Semifinals (Part II)

Mississippi State University's strategy was simple: after point guard Marcus Blatt crossed half-court, he would pass the ball to the big man Russell Walters stationed at the free-throw line.

Then Dampier positioned himself low on the right side, ready to establish position. Once he secured the spot, they would immediately execute a high-low play.

Knight's physique was still somewhat slender, and this time Dampier successfully boxed him out. Fortunately, Rudy Johnson's quick double-team defense forced Dampier to pass the ball back in frustration.

With few screens set up, the team's primary tactic was to attack through Dampier in the low post.

On the court, Lee You watched as the opponents scored and played well, so he followed the smaller player Darryl Wilson, running back and forth.

The future “top center in the West” still lacked finesse. Near the 35-second mark, he edged into the paint but missed the layup. This time, Knight was first to secure the defensive rebound.

“Shit!”

Dampier, who was playing intensely and failed to grab the rebound, cursed under his breath. But when he turned his head, he saw Lee You sprinting with the ball, already past half-court...

Both teams’ big men were still backcourt, but Lee You didn’t wait for his teammates to get into position. Noticing Darryl Wilson retreating quickly on defense without tight coverage, Lee You slowed down just inside the three-point line.

With the opponent’s confused gaze fixed on him, Lee You suddenly stopped abruptly, quickly gathered the ball, and launched a shot!

Swish! Another three-pointer!

At 18:15, the gap shrank to just three points in an instant. Dampier, still hustling back on defense, was stunned—what a reckless shot!

After scoring, Lee You patted his chest, raised his right hand, and held up three fingers. The Connecticut University fans erupted once more—they were about to tie the game!

[Sharpshooter] This was a talent Lee You had unlocked after two and a half years of dedicated three-point shooting practice.

Though he never explained it, this newfound skill gave him boundless confidence and was the reason for his sudden transformation in high school play style.

Coach Calhoun cheered loudly from the sidelines before shouting:

“Hold them for one possession! Play solid defense!”

Ray Allen, struggling with his shooting, constantly reminded the big men to focus on rebounding.

Mississippi State University stuck mainly to the Flex offense, with everyone setting screens before passing to the low post.

Dampier, crouched low on the left side, received the ball but was immediately double-teamed. The 35-second shot clock gave the defense time to adjust comfortably.

Lee You continued shadowing Darryl Wilson, darting chaotically. The smaller man kept trying to find a good shot opportunity.

The offense stalled completely. With only six seconds left, Darryl Wilson caught the ball on the left wing.

Immediately, he held the ball with his left hand and made a step-in drive. Wilson tried to use his speed to shake off Lee You, but lacking explosive first-step power, he collided straight into Lee You’s arms.

The shot clock was about to expire. Positioned in the left block, Wilson threw the ball toward the basket with his left hand.

The ball had just left his hand when Lee You jumped and delivered a thunderous block!

“Oh!”

Wilson was knocked to the ground, and the crowd gasped. Lee You grabbed the ball and quickly threw it forward.

Ray Allen, already near half-court, caught the pass and sprinted furiously.

With Marcus Blatt defending closely, Allen took three big strides in the paint, snatched the ball with his right hand, fended off his defender, and finished with a finger roll layup!

Squeak! Bang... Swish!

The referee’s whistle blew as the ball banked in. Allen, who had lost his balance and fallen to the floor, got up pumping his fist wildly, roaring in triumph.

The Rup Arena erupted, and the Connecticut University fans jumped and cheered loudly.

Commentator Billy Parker didn’t expect Lee You, after less than three minutes on the court, to nearly erase the deficit:

“Lee has changed the momentum of the game, impressing on both ends!”

“We should be less biased; basketball is, after all, a game decided by what happens on the court.”

Lee You ran to the frontcourt and helped Ray Allen up with a smile, encouraging him:

“Nice finish—you’re finally finding your rhythm!”

Suddenly, Lee You seemed like the team leader. Ray Allen, standing up, confidently responded:

“I’m going to dominate here!”

Teammates gathered around to celebrate. With a free throw coming up, they were about to tie the game.

Coach Richard Williams, hearing the renewed cheers, reluctantly called a timeout.

Ray Allen made the free throw, and Connecticut University had gone on a 9-0 run...

In terms of individual skill, Ray Allen was utterly overpowering the opposing perimeter players at this moment.

With Lee You easing the team out of trouble, Allen returned to form, scoring relentlessly both inside and outside.

Near halftime, Allen hit a contested three-pointer from the left wing.

At 35:43, Connecticut University had completely turned the game around.

Lee You, now back on the bench, waved his towel, knowing the game was essentially won.

As the next game began, Mississippi State’s fans gradually despaired, and Coach Richard Williams’ loud calls were to no avail.

With double-teams clogging the paint, Dampier struggled to score. Their perimeter shooting suddenly went cold, and several fast-break attempts were thwarted by Connecticut’s counterattacks.

When the deficit reached 12 points, Coach Calhoun finally relaxed completely. Connecticut University resumed a more deliberate pace.

Lee You, returning in the second half, played methodically, deliberately slowing down even on transition opportunities.

Dampier could only grow anxious but was powerless— not every player can perform well when facing adversity...

As the game neared its conclusion, Rup Arena echoed with the cheers of Connecticut University fans. For the second consecutive year, they had reached the Elite Eight!

The final score: 65-77. Mississippi State University’s Cinderella run ended in the Sweet Sixteen.

On the bench, Ray Allen and teammates cheered loudly. Lee You smiled as he joined them—this year, they had a real shot at the Final Four!

Lee You left a deep impression on commentator Jim Nantz, who couldn’t help but praise him:

“Stepping up when the team was in trouble—I believe Lee will succeed.”

“We should focus more on the talent he’s shown rather than fixate on flaws. There’s no such thing as a perfect player in this world.”

Billy Parker, hearing his partner’s words, immediately joked with a smile:

“Isn’t Michael Jordan perfect enough?”

“God, Lee is just an 18-year-old kid, only 6’3”. Let’s not expect too much from him!”

...

In 19 minutes of play, Lee You shot 5-for-8, including 2-for-4 from three-point range, tallying 12 points, 3 rebounds, 5 assists, and 1 block.

The stats were modest, but many scouts in attendance began to revise their preconceived notions.

Dave Wall pondered for a moment, then jotted down in his notebook:

“Clutch player?”