NBA: The Basketball Miracle

The most notable figure in the 1996 NCAA was Allen Iverson.

Although after the bowling alley fight in 1993, academic basketball did not like this rebellious little player, and no famous basketball schools sent him an invitation.

But when Georgetown University really signed Iverson, many famous schools secretly felt jealous.

Even though Iverson suffered some injuries when he came to college, his draft prospects were not affected at all.

Although he lost the championship regrettably, Iverson did not shed tears. After the game, at the press conference, he was still the focus of media attention.

"Even if we lose, as the No. 2 seed, we will make it to the finals, not the Eastern Conference finals, but the finals. I will bring the championship to Georgetown University!"

No one cared about Iverson's bragging, and the media reporters at the scene all liked such statements.

Different from Ray Allen's modest and cautious answer, Iverson was obviously more emotional, and with his big eyes that showed his emotion, many media also followed suit and cheered in a low voice.

"Allen, can you talk about the last play? Was it Lee's defense that interfered with your shot?"

Most media people expected Iverson to complete the buzzer-beater, as this kind of championship game script would suit everyone's taste.

Iverson didn't want to recall this round, but fortunately he noticed that the sports media at the scene didn't notice that he was blocked, so he immediately pretended not to care:

"The defense didn't bother me in any way, I just didn't make the shot, and God wasn't on our side tonight."

"As for Lee, maybe he should get a job in Hollywood and act in some action movies. By the way, his fists are so soft!"

Seeing Iverson, with his right cheek slightly swollen, jokingly posing as he did his starting pose on the stage, the media in the audience laughed in good faith.

They all gave him face and didn't ask about the conflict, but Iverson took the initiative to bring it up. Some media reporters whispered to each other and quickly gave their evaluation:

"Allen Iverson has really matured!"

".."

When head coach Jim Calhoun returned to the locker room with Ray Allen, everyone had already packed their bags.

Some black reporters don't like the talented Ray Allen, thinking that his behavior is more like a white person and his tone of voice is more like that of a British person.

"British boy" is a joke about Ray Allen.

But both the high school coach and the current coach Calhoun particularly like the self-disciplined and mature Ray Allen, and believe that he can become a true leader.

"Well done, Lee! Finally got a championship in college."

Ray Allen took the luggage and patted Clay Lee on the shoulder with a smile. This was his best friend in college.

Lee just smiled. He was not satisfied with such results. After joining the team, he was a bench player in his freshman year and a substitute in his sophomore year.

The stubbornness of academic basketball makes people feel powerless. Even a genius like Ray Allen started as a substitute in his freshman year.

"After a night of rest, we have to leave tomorrow. After arriving in Indianapolis, everyone will adjust their condition."

"I don't want to lose to Colgate University!"

Jim Calhoun is definitely the undisputed boss of the team. He has been coaching at the University of Connecticut for 10 years. As long as he makes a request, the players have to obey.

"Okay, Coach, we're all ready!"

White big man Travis Knight quickly made the assurance on behalf of his teammates, and after moving up to junior year, he is currently considered the leader of the team.

Everyone responded, and coach Calhoun nodded with satisfaction. No matter what the final result was, winning the Big East Championship was an explanation.

Last year, the University of Connecticut women's basketball team won the NCAA championship, while the men's basketball team was eliminated in the top eight, which was somewhat embarrassing.

The lack of talented players is no longer an excuse, and coach Calhoun is looking forward to better results this year.

Flying across states is not comfortable, and the players are not big stars, so they naturally cannot enjoy the treatment of charter flights by NBA teams.

In this age of entertainment scarcity, the only options for recreation are playing cards and reading magazines.

Ray Allen flipped through the magazine in his hand and said excitedly:

"The Bulls have a chance to break the regular season record. This year Michael Jordan will win his fourth championship. No one can rival him!"

In 1996, 9 out of 10 people who liked basketball were fans of Jordan. Lee was not as fanatical as Ray Allen. For him, making money was the most important thing at the moment:

"I bet the Bulls will win 72 games!"

Lee, holding his chin, raised his eyebrows at Ray Allen. This information was common sense to him.

"72 wins? That's too much, but Michael Jordan might really be able to do it!"

"Like Jordan, participating in the draft as a junior is definitely the right choice. Lee, I suggest you play for another year. The head coach will give you more playing time next year."

Seeing Ray Allen turned into a crazy fan, Lee secretly curled his lips:

"It has nothing to do with the data, it's just that those damn scouts look at people with tinted eyes. I just have smaller muscles, but these guys described me as a middle school student!"

"Data can't change prejudice. I need a job that can make money. I have to pay off my student loans. There are too many places where I need money."

Ray Allen shrugged his shoulders. He already had a son, so he understood Lee's idea. But as a good friend, he finally said honestly:

"You may not know Kevin Ollie. He is about the same height as you, but his explosiveness may be better."

"He was not selected in the 1995 draft. I remember his college stats were 6.3 points per game."

"There are too many guards in the league. You have to be mentally prepared to participate in the draft this year."

Lee nodded helplessly. This was also the reason why he didn't like academic basketball.

Last year, he was in the atmosphere group and averaged 4.7 points per game, which made him the ace player of the atmosphere group.

This year's average points per game is 9.8 points, 4.3 rebounds and 4.1 assists, which ranks fourth in the team, but he can still only play as a substitute.

Coach Calhoun took good care of him, but most of the main positions were occupied by several juniors.

Except for Ray Allen who has a few privileges, everyone has to run the tactics step by step and waste the offensive time.

Thinking of the uncertain future, Lee felt a little hesitant, and then he put all these thoughts of retreat behind him.

As a hanger-on, he needs to go to a league with more talent!

On March 14, the RCA Dome in Indianapolis was packed with nearly 40,000 spectators cheering throughout the arena.

In the first round of the NCCA Championship, the game between Colgate University and the University of Connecticut lasted 7 minutes and 43 seconds.

After Ray Allen hit a three-pointer from the right wing outside the three-point line, the score came to 21:5.

The University of Connecticut suddenly went on a 15:0 run at the start, and many fans shouted happily as they watched Ray Allen point his finger to the sky to celebrate the goal.

Head coach Calhoun is very satisfied with the team's performance. Perhaps they can make a breakthrough this year.

Lee, who was on the bench, waved his towel and returned to his seat, sighing helplessly:

"When the game is going in our favor, everyone will fight hard."