When Pierce went for his interview, Zhang Hao glanced around. This year's McDonald's All-American Weekend Training Camp had over 70 participants. Ultimately, 18 high school all-star players, 6 slam dunk contest participants, and 6 three-point contest participants would be selected, with one player possibly competing in all three events.
Some people left right after getting their room keys, while others stayed around.
After Zhang Hao got his room key, he checked it: Room 404. This room number would never appear in China, but in the United States, it's usually Room 513 that doesn't exist.
Looking around, most of them were Black high school students, some in groups of three or five, some alone, and almost none of them familiar... Yet, there was a familiar face. Once again, it was the case where he knew others, but they didn't know him.
Coach Lu!
After thinking for a bit, Zhang Hao took the initiative to approach the small-statured Tyronn Lue and exclaimed softly, "Tyronn Lue! Wow, it is you!"
Tyronn Lue was waiting for his friend, the already confirmed future University of Kentucky inside genius, Nazir Muhammad, to report. While pondering whether to go to the University of Nevada or the University of Kentucky, he was suddenly called by name. He looked up... a Chinese person he didn't recognize.
Before Tyronn Lue could express doubt, Zhang Hao warmly said with a smile, "Hello, I saw your game when I traveled to Mexico City before. You were amazing! I believe one day you will definitely make it to the NBA!"
As the saying goes, don't hit a smiling face. Tyronn Lue, upon hearing this, thought: A fan? No, but at least someone who appreciates his high school basketball talent!
Almost everyone here were top high school basketball talents from various states.
"Buddy, I also think I can make it to the NBA..."
Initially perplexed, Tyronn Lue, upon feeling delighted, instantly turned into a buddy, which didn't surprise Zhang Hao as most Black people are like that.
Initiating conversation, Zhang Hao quickly became familiar with Tyronn Lue.
"Buddy, next time you're in Mexico City, you have to find me, you see. Went to Mexico City and got lost. Do you know why it's called Mexico City? Mexico you know? Kind of a no man's land... With me around, I'll surely take you to the best places..."
When Tyronn Lue said this, his expression revealed a hint of lewdness, especially resembling Gian from Doraemon, showing a look that men would understand.
Upon Pierce returning from the interview and seeing Zhang Hao chatting so warmly with the Missouri Basketball Mr. Basketball... This kid, finally wised up!
Pierce had always worried that if Zhang Hao got into university, he would be bullied. In this world, the weak aren't necessarily bullied, but the aloof are surely isolated.
Had it not been for Pierce always backing him up, Zhang Hao might indeed have had a hard time fitting in with the school team. With Pierce's support, Zhang Hao had the chance to be recognized by his teammates for his skills.
However, Pierce still felt Zhang Hao was too reclusive because Zhang Hao chose to chat with one of the most famous high school basketball athletes.
For various reasons, Pierce believed Zhang Hao was only enthusiastic about strong players.
But it's far better than pure reclusiveness. Those able to make it to the NBA are the world's top talents. Similarly, those making it to the NCAA are also the top talents among high school students, thus, Pierce felt relieved about Zhang Hao's future in university. At least, this guy is willing to engage with strong players.
Seeing Pierce come over, Zhang Hao nodded as a greeting.
Tyronn Lue also recognized Pierce. Among the high school talent pool, besides those super dazzling geniuses like Kevin Garnett and Kobe Bryant, even talents like Vince Carter aren't well-known outside of Florida, by the general public, that is.
Within the high school basketball athlete community, state basketball Mr. Basketballs are still quite famous.
For instance, Paul Pierce, known as the high school Barkley, although Pierce refused this nickname.
Tyronn Lue, nicknamed Little Hardaway, refers to the crossover dribble king, Tim Hardaway, not Penny who was an All-Star starter + First Team in his sophomore year.
Both were the best high school basketball players in their respective states and had met, albeit only once at last year's Adidas Training Camp, but both are the kind of future people experts in networking, and they quickly got along.
Zhang Hao also focused on Tyronn Lue's potential to become an NBA head coach in his thirties, knowing this guy has extremely strong communication skills and is definitely the kind to make friends... Apart from those exceptionally talented coaches, almost all other coaches are highly sociable, whether in the NBA or NCAA, there will be some coaches with average abilities but always able to find jobs.
Zhang Hao's goal is to become a head coach in the future, whether in the NCAA, NBA... or even the CBA, aiming to work until he dies of old age.
Therefore, networking is critical. Those who can become head coaches in the future might currently still be somewhat naive, merely showing signs of being sociable, but in the future, they will have an extensive network, like the Celtics legend McHale, didn't he find a head coach job after years thanks to his top networking skills?
Networking connects with networking, which is also networking... Saying a few words won't cost a thing...
It's just that Zhang Hao isn't well-known now. If he could have had the kind of fame that the Son of Akron had in high school in the future, he would definitely make good use of it. But now, given the chance, he mixes well with some high school players destined for the NBA in the future...