Chapter 25: Chapter 24: The Butterfly Effect Unfolds: Georgetown’s Triumph and the Lakers’ Bold Moves
The Verizon Center was electric. Georgetown had just secured their first Big East Championship in seven years, demolishing the Connecticut Huskies with a dominant performance led by Allen Iverson and Alex Mo. Fans roared as the trophy was raised, but for the Georgetown twins, this was just the beginning.
The Post-Championship Buzz
As the confetti settled, the media swarmed Georgetown's stars. Allen Iverson, still dripping with sweat, gave his trademark confident grin.
"Our goal isn't just the Big East," he declared. "We're here for the NCAA Championship. Period."
Next to him, Alex Mo's towering presence loomed large. When asked about his record-breaking 41-point, 25-rebound, and 11-block performance, he shrugged with a smirk.
"Just doing my part," Mo said. "But the job's not done."
The reporters ate it up, headlines forming in real time:
"Georgetown's Dynamic Duo: The NCAA's Unstoppable Force!""Big East Conquered: Is the National Title Next?"Jerry West's High-Stakes Gambit
While Georgetown celebrated, Jerry West was already back in Los Angeles, orchestrating his master plan. The Lakers' bold declaration about entering the free-agency market had sent shockwaves through the league. Every major media outlet speculated about their targets.
Would it be Shaquille O'Neal, the dominant center from Orlando?
Or perhaps a blockbuster trade to bring Allen Iverson or Alex Mo to Hollywood?
West's strategy was calculated. By making the Lakers' intentions public, he was creating leverage. He wanted players, agents, and teams to see Los Angeles as the ultimate destination. The Lakers' market size, storied history, and sunny appeal would do the rest.
But the real genius was behind the scenes. West had quietly instructed his scouts to monitor Georgetown's progress. He needed every detail about Mo and Iverson. And if the opportunity arose, he'd pull the trigger on an unprecedented move to bring both to LA.
Auerbach's Counterplan
Meanwhile, in Boston, Red Auerbach observed the Lakers' moves with a knowing grin.
"They're making too much noise," Auerbach muttered, lighting his iconic cigar. "Jerry's playing his hand too early."
The Celtics' legendary leader had no intention of competing in the media frenzy. Instead, he focused on securing a top draft pick. Boston's record was already dismal, and Auerbach had quietly encouraged a "strategic development phase" to ensure they stayed in the lottery.
"Let the Lakers chase headlines," he told his staff. "We'll take the prize."
Auerbach's dream was simple: pair Alex Mo with Tim Duncan. The idea of a twin-tower dynasty fueled his quiet determination. If Boston could secure Mo in 1996 and Duncan in 1997, the Celtics would dominate for years to come.
Georgetown's Confidence Skyrockets
Back on campus, Georgetown was buzzing. The Big East Championship banner would soon hang in the arena, and the team had its sights set on the NCAA Tournament.
Iverson and Mo's chemistry had reached new heights. Their dual attack was overwhelming. Iverson's dazzling handles and fearless drives complemented Mo's unmatched physical dominance and defensive prowess.
"I think we're the best team in the country," Iverson said bluntly during a post-practice interview. "No one can stop us."
Mo agreed. "We've proven we can dominate anyone. Now it's time to finish the job."
The Butterfly Effect Takes Flight
Mo couldn't ignore the growing ripple effects of his presence. The NBA draft landscape was shifting. In the original timeline, the Lakers' pursuit of Shaq and their quiet drafting of Kobe Bryant had set the stage for their future dynasty.
Now, with the Lakers openly targeting him and Iverson, everything felt different.
"Do you think this changes things?" Mo asked Iverson one evening after practice, referring to the Lakers' sudden aggressiveness.
Iverson smirked. "Man, they can chase all they want. But we've got bigger things to focus on. Let's win this championship first."
The NCAA Awaits
With their Big East triumph, Georgetown was seeded No. 1 in the NCAA Tournament. The nation was watching. Could the Georgetown twins carry their dominance to the biggest stage in college basketball?
As the NCAA Tournament loomed, Mo Ran felt a growing sense of purpose. This was his moment—not just to rewrite history for Georgetown, but to solidify his legacy and reshape the NBA draft.
In the stands, scouts from every NBA team watched with bated breath. Among them, representatives from the Lakers and Celtics, both plotting their next moves.
The stage was set for a collision of basketball's brightest young stars and the machinations of two of its greatest franchises.
The only question was: who would come out on top?