NBA : Formidable Center

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**New Fox Sports Live Chatroom**

As Bai Yang's text commentary appeared, the live chat room exploded with activity.

- "Starting with such high stakes? Wow, this is intense!"

- "666, opening with such a brutal exchange—this game must be madness. Truly living up to its name, 'March Madness'!"

- "Wang Song seems to be playing with growing confidence after the playoffs. A true son of China—bold and self-reliant! Yao Ming's schooling those Americans in the NBA, and now Wang Song's teaching their rookies a lesson in the NCAA!"

- "Couldn't have said it better myself!"

- "Quick question, folks: beating a draft favorite one-on-one = becoming the top pick, right? Sounds logical to me."

- "Very reasonable!"

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**Inside the Arena**

Both coaching staffs observed the one-on-one low-post battle on the court with keen interest.

Though it deviated from the prearranged defensive strategies, Syracuse's head coach was willing to give their star player a chance to prove himself.

On the other side, Herb Sendek had no objections to letting Wang Song bare his fangs. The added exposure would be invaluable.

In fact, he'd already brainstormed potential headlines for tomorrow's news.

- If unsuccessful: *"Falling Short Against the Top Pick, NCAA's Premier Chinese Center Shows Promise."*

- If successful: *"Devouring a Draft Favorite: Meet the Real Top Pick!"*

Either way, they'd earn attention and exposure—a win-win scenario. Herb Sendek's confidence in Wang Song was absolute, mirroring Wang's unwavering shooting precision.

In the playoffs, Wang Song had averaged less than one missed shot per game.

From countless match footage reviews and post-game analyses, Sendek knew Wang's gameplay embodied reliability. If Wang was taking this matchup seriously, he'd deliver.

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**On the Court**

Wang Song wasted no time after gaining possession.

*Thud! Thud!*

The sound of bodies colliding echoed, followed by a muffled grunt from behind him.

Taking a quick glance, Wang noted Carmelo Anthony's stoic expression and smirked inwardly.

With a post-up stat of 70, Wang didn't expect a clear strength advantage. But his agility score of 99 granted him exceptional fluidity compared to Anthony's bulky frame.

Defense wasn't Anthony's strong suit.

*Heh.*

Wang Song sneered and initiated his attack. Since brute force wouldn't suffice, he resorted to technique.

Executing his signature "Spin Cycle," he pivoted, twisted, and maneuvered his way closer to the hoop.

Carmelo Anthony, caught off guard, faltered.

Although familiar with Wang's move, defending against it was an entirely different ordeal, especially given the 10-centimeter height disparity.

With his opponent overmatched, Wang sealed his position, backed into the defender, and delivered a clean hook shot off the glass.

*Swish!*

The scoreboard updated: **2-0.**

The Syracuse fans were stunned into silence. Their superstar—heralded as a versatile forward capable of playing all five positions—was unable to contain an "unknown" Asian center.

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Fortunately for Syracuse, their next possession saw Carmelo Anthony redeem himself with a steady mid-range jumper, calming his team and energizing the crowd.

Meanwhile, scouts in the VIP box were scribbling furiously, updating their notes with newfound insights.

In particular, Knicks executive Scott Layden's faint smile and glimmering eyes hadn't gone unnoticed.

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**Live Chatroom Updates**

"One-on-one in the post! Hook shot over the defense—score!"

"Damn, I swear I just saw shades of *that guy* in Wang Song."

"Did Wang secretly train with *him* in Houston?"

As Bai Yang shared the latest action, the live chatroom erupted again. The surging engagement confirmed that his strategy of thrilling both himself and the fans was hitting the mark.

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**Back on the Court**

Syracuse fans hadn't even finished celebrating when the Wolfpack sank another shot. Their guard, utilizing Wang Song's screen, nailed a mid-range jumper.

*Swish!*

The scoreboard now read **4-2** in favor of the Wolfpack.

"The Wolfpack has maintained an impressive shooting percentage to start the game. Both teams have delivered a captivating back-and-forth," the arena MC exclaimed.

"But the key will lie in defensive adjustments—over-reliance on offense could lead to inevitable scoring droughts."

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**Wolfpack Sideline**

Head coach Herb Sendek muttered under his breath, "This biased announcer is really testing my patience!"

Assistant coach Jim chimed in, "Agreed, boss. Once the season ends, we should file a formal complaint."

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Carmelo Anthony, however, answered back with another mid-range jumper, reigniting the Syracuse fans' chants of "MVP! MVP!"

On defense, Julius Hodge—tasked with guarding Anthony—felt the pressure.

"Stay tight on him, Hodge! I've got the paint covered," Wang Song reassured.

"If it gets rough, I can switch onto him."

Hodge, initially dejected, shook his head. Inspiration struck as he recalled Wang's blistering speed and defensive instincts in previous games.

"Wait a second—why am I holding back? With Wang's lateral quickness, he'll meet Anthony at the rim before he even realizes it!"

Emboldened, Hodge resolved to go all out. No way he'd let his younger teammate show him up!

*(Chapter End)*