Back in the dorm, Snoopy buried himself in game footage of the University of Memphis, studying every frame, searching for weaknesses.
He was never the type to give up on himself, he believed that opportunity only favored those who prepared for it.
Two hours later, satisfied with his notes, he shut down the computer and stretched, ready to sleep. But before he could, his phone buzzed, it was a call from Miley Cyrus.
"Snoopy," she said, her tone surprisingly direct, "I'll be at Staples tomorrow to watch your game. My company's planning to promote it too. The VP listened to our duet, she thinks we could be the perfect couple for the spotlight."
She didn't stop there. "Today's news blew up. The company doesn't want to hurt any of the relationships between me, Selena, and Nick Jonas. So the best solution is, to admit that you and I are dating."
Snoopy froze.
Miley went on, her voice calm but strangely vulnerable. "I know you already have a girlfriend. I'm not here to mess up your life. I actually prefer women now, I'm not falling for any man again. But this publicity helps both of us. You're entering the draft soon, popularity matters. The company's even promised to include you in every event I perform at."
She took a deep breath. "I'm sure your girlfriend will understand. Half a year, tops, then I'll announce that we broke up because of 'irreconcilable differences.' You won't lose a thing. I swear."
There was a long silence before Snoopy finally replied, "Just don't kiss me again without asking. And talk to my girlfriend first."
On the other end of the line, Miley laughed softly, half-apologetic, half-amused. "We'll handle that through Jennifer Lawrence," she said. "As an actress, she'll understand this kind of, ambiguous publicity better than you."
When the call ended, Snoopy sat there, staring at his phone. What am I now, a contract boyfriend?
The NCAA Final Four was hotter than the NBA playoffs. Even with ticket prices double those of a Lakers regular-season game, every seat was sold out, scalpers were making a fortune.
Usually, the semifinals were held in massive football stadiums that could seat seventy thousand fans. But this time, due to scheduling, UCLA's matchup with Memphis would take place at the Staples Center, meaning thousands of fans from across the country were stuck outside, watching on big screens.
TNT had paid an enormous sum for exclusive broadcasting rights. That money would eventually flow to the participating schools, one reason NCAA coaches could sometimes earn more than NBA ones.
When Snoopy entered the arena, the roar of the crowd nearly lifted the roof.
"Snoopy! Snoopy! Snoopy!"
He blinked in disbelief, even he hadn't expected his popularity to reach this level.
The same surprise flickered across the faces of the Lakers scouting team sitting courtside.
"Jordan," Jeanie Buss teased Jordan Farmar, "looks like your little junior's even more popular than you were."
Farmar, who'd once led UCLA to the finals in '06, forced a laugh. "Who doesn't know he's been all over the tabloids with Disney's little princess? The Orange County Chronicle hasn't shut up about him for a month, Saturday specials, daily features, strength training updates, even his dunk attempts. Californians are basically watching him grow up day by day."
Coach Tex Winter nodded, flipping through his notes. "I know everything about this kid. His weight went from 95 to 98 kilos and now back to 96. His stabbing-drill time dropped from 32 minutes to 16. He's cutting down strength work and focusing on short sprints instead. Based on Darren Collison's leak to Sports Illustrated, his coordination's still off , he can't even dunk cleanly with the ball in hand. That growth spurt ruined his balance."
GM Mitch Kupchak nodded thoughtfully. "So, who has the edge tonight, him or Joey Dorsey?"
"Dorsey," Winter said without hesitation. "He's taller, stronger, heavier, almost thirty kilos more. For an interior player, size is a decisive advantage. The only thing Snoopy does better is free throws."
Kupchak understood Winter's stance, the old tactician clearly didn't want the team wasting a pick.
Then the crowd suddenly erupted.
From the VIP tunnel, escorted by security, the three Disney princesses, Miley Cyrus, Demi Lovato, and Selena Gomez, made their entrance.
Wearing matching UCLA #10 jerseys.
The arena lost its mind. Fans screamed. Cameras flashed like lightning.
"Disney's really going all out with the exposure campaign," Ernie Johnson muttered on the TNT broadcast.
"Didn't you notice they're all wearing Snoopy's number?" Kenny Smith shot back.
"So what, they're his fans?" Ernie asked dryly.
"I can't vouch for Demi or Selena," Kenny said, grinning, "but Miley? She's definitely his. She kissed him in the middle of Hollywood Boulevard three days ago!"
Charles Barkley rolled his eyes. "What kind of 'interaction' are you expecting tonight, huh? You want them to do it on live TV?"
The producer nearly fainted, thank God the cameras weren't live yet.
Time flew.
3:30 PM , Tip-off.
Both starting fives took the court.
The referee's whistle echoed through Staples Center.
The NCAA Final Four , UCLA vs. Memphis, had officially begun!