NBA : Formidable Center

**

The final whistle blew, signaling the end of Syracuse University's NCAA championship journey, while the North Carolina Wolfpack's Cinderella story continued onto the national stage.

Before the game had officially ended, the orange sea in the stands had already begun to recede, leaving behind patches of red that waved jerseys and celebrated exuberantly. The contrast couldn't have been clearer—victory bred joy, while defeat led to silent exits.

For Syracuse, this season had been a golden opportunity. Had they advanced past the Eastern Finals, they would have been guaranteed a spot in the Final Four, a historical feat for the program.

Unfortunately, reality was merciless.

---

**In the Stands**

Zhong Yuan, pacing anxiously, looked like a cat on a hot tin roof. While the crowd thinned out, he racked his brain trying to figure out how to contact Wang Song on the court.

His expression still carried traces of disbelief from his earlier phone call with the investor.

He had anticipated that convincing the investor to raise the budget would be an uphill battle. Surprisingly, the approval came not only easily but with a revised budget so generous that Zhong Yuan himself found it hard to believe.

The only catch? The investor insisted on a long-term contract, a condition that could complicate negotiations. Resolving this issue was precisely why Zhong Yuan was here today.

---

**On the Court**

The players and coaching staff hadn't dispersed yet, lingering to accommodate media interviews.

Wang Song, unsurprisingly, was the center of attention. With an impressive 85% shooting accuracy, he had recorded 18 points, 12 rebounds, and 5 assists, clinching the Eastern Finals MVP award.

The ESPN reporter assigned to interview him found his calm demeanor striking. Wang Song's responses were polite and formulaic, radiating the composed energy of someone far more mature than his 19 years.

When the camera shifted away, the microphone moved toward the game's biggest loser, Syracuse's star player, Carmelo Anthony.

Despite the loss, Anthony had posted impressive numbers: 27 points, 8 rebounds, and 3 assists in 37 minutes. However, his 11-for-28 shooting underscored his inefficiency in the face of Wang Song's defense.

Unlike Wang Song's restraint, Anthony approached the microphone with unreserved confidence.

"You know, basketball is a team sport, not an individual game. As players, we can only do so much to influence the outcome. I gave it my all tonight, and it's unfortunate we didn't make it to the Finals," Anthony began.

His tone was one of subtle defiance, as though refusing to fully acknowledge the loss.

But it was his closing remarks that caught the reporter's attention.

"Although our season ends here, my journey is far from over. I'll be preparing for the draft, and I'd like to send a message to any team with a top-three pick: I'm the championship piece you're missing. Choose me, and I'll prove it with results."

As for Wang Song, Anthony offered a half-compliment, half-snub:

"The Wolfpack's #9 is definitely a quality center. He's a first-round talent, and their upcoming opponents better watch out."

The underlying message was clear—despite the loss, Anthony still saw himself as the future NBA star, while Wang Song, in his eyes, was just another promising prospect.

---

**Backstage**

As the media frenzy died down, Anthony approached Wang Song, intending to offer some "veteran" advice and encourage him to enter the draft.

Before he could say a word, however, two groups of men approached Wang Song from opposite directions.

One group featured a lone Asian man, while the other included two sharply dressed individuals radiating the energy of big-city professionals.

"Scouts?" Anthony froze, choosing to observe the unfolding scene.

Meanwhile, Wolfpack head coach Herb Sendek was too preoccupied with an interview about Wang Song's development to notice, and his assistant coach, Jim, chose to turn a blind eye, quietly exiting the gym.

Jim, after all, had been the one to recommend Wang Song for the tournament. He saw no reason to interfere with the young man's rise, especially since he wasn't officially present at the moment.

---

**"Nice to meet you, Wang Song!"**

Zhong Yuan was the first to approach, extending his hand enthusiastically. Before Wang Song could respond, Zhong Yuan froze, noticing the two businessmen heading their way.

His initial thought was that Wang Song had prearranged a meeting with local scouts or business representatives, but Wang Song's puzzled expression quickly dispelled that notion.

"Guess I'll just wait and see," Zhong Yuan thought, retreating slightly.

---

On the other side, the two suited men—clearly from New York—were muttering to each other as they walked.

"Damn it, Earl! I told you to finish your drink faster. Now look, someone got to him first!"

"Well," Earl muttered sheepishly, "frugality isn't exactly a New York virtue. Who knew it'd backfire like this?"

As they drew closer, Earl's sharp eyes took in Zhong Yuan's unfamiliar face.

"Boss, I don't think that guy's a scout. I've never seen an Asian scout in all my years."

Scott Layden, the senior of the pair, nodded slightly, adjusted his tie, and resumed his approach toward Wang Song with a composed expression.

Check out my P@treon for advance chapter on [email protected]/Twilight_scribe1

*(To be continued)*