But today, after practicing for just a short while, Zhang Hao realized where he needed to improve! Clearly, this was the effect of the Growth Card!
Previously, Zhang Hao just tried it out to see how the Growth Card would work. Now he knew that through training in the specific technique, he could understand where he needed to strengthen himself, and then independently carry out targeted training.
Through the Growth Card, Zhang Hao clearly felt what it meant to have "enhanced comprehension ability in mid-range shot training"!
Another effect is "strengthened muscle memory in mid-range shot training," though Zhang Hao hasn't felt this directly yet, as he's only made 150 shots. But there's no rush! There's still plenty of time, with almost half a year before freshman year begins, allowing him to take his time. If needed, he'll go door-to-door at universities asking for trial training.
On the other hand, improving his mid-range shot will greatly help in secondary leagues and street games.
So, practice is all that's needed!
Meanwhile, head coach Scott Collins noticed that, despite finding himself in such a tough situation, Zhang Hao was still maintaining his composure and training seriously. When strengthening his muscles, he wasn't doing venting-type training; he knew exactly which muscle group he was working on, clearly targeting it... Scott Collins felt even more regret.
Back in the day, Scott Collins and his brother Doug Collins were both formidable basketball talents in high school. They entered the NCAA together, but the result was that his brother went to the NBA, became an All-Star, and later coached the legendary Michael Jordan. Scott, however, performed only average in the NCAA and stayed on as the assistant coach of the college basketball team after graduation... mainly due to a lack of talent, athletic ability, and shooting skills.
Now, Scott Collins has become a high school gym teacher and coach, having nurtured a high schooler with a chance to enter the NBA, but this opportunity was cut off by the barriers at universities...
Suddenly, Scott Collins recalled his chat with Pierce and the chubby talkative guy mentioning Zhang Hao would participate in the McDonald's All-Star Dunk Contest. Right after the McDonald's All-Star event is the Adidas Training Camp...
Thinking of the call from his brother, Scott Collins had a miraculous idea that even he found both magical and... absurd!
...
Finishing the afternoon training, Zhang Hao returned to his apartment and pulled out the invitation for the McDonald's All-Star Dunk Contest he had received earlier, along with the Adidas Training Camp invitation.
These two letters were sent after the California High School Basketball League finals in January. At the time, Zhang Hao was busy sending resumes to various universities and put this matter aside when a call came to the apartment inviting him and Pierce, which he refused since he just got turned down by several schools and was in no mood.
Looking at the two invitations, initially Zhang Hao only wanted to participate in the McDonald's Dunk Contest, but seeing the Adidas Training Camp... he noticed the dates: one starts on the 25th at the end of the month and the other begins on May 10th the following month.
The two events don't overlap; McDonald's All-Star begins on the 25th and ends on the 28th, allowing participation in both events. This year, both are held in Los Angeles, and Zhang Hao, as a local high school basketball star, received an invitation.
Participating in one or both events makes no difference, so Zhang Hao took out the data cards from both invitations, filled them in, put them in envelopes, and stamped them, dropping them into the mailbox in front of the apartment.
In the evening, he had a couple of burgers for dinner with Pierce, then Zhang Hao returned to his room, showered, and got ready for sleep.
Lying in bed, Zhang Hao didn't wish this was a dream upon waking up. Although the current situation was quite difficult, he might not survive a year back home, staying in the United States could become a burden on his family, but it's not a dead-end, there's a chance to live through it smoothly. That's enough. He'd rather treat memories of the future as a dream.
"I am who I am; I am Zhang Hao... I was always Zhang Hao."
Zhang Hao hardened his determination, recalling the afternoon training, which stirred excitement in him once more.
Knowing how to strengthen himself and being aware of additional effects from intensified training, Zhang Hao gained some confidence in overcoming his current predicament. Thinking about joining the Adidas Training Camp, if he could improve his mid-range shot to the NBA's top level beforehand... a training camp like that surely has many colleges paying attention.
Seeing this era's memories with the eyes of future memories, Zhang Hao regretted his past self, feeling like he missed out on many things. Fortunately, now he's different, and regretting serves no purpose—focusing on seizing future opportunities is more important!