As they entered the gym, Zhang Hao tossed the pile of small cards and packages he was carrying, eliciting cheers from the juniors.
Even though the senior season was over, with the semester not yet halfway through, joining the school team and attending the thrice-weekly training sessions was still necessary.
In the United States, high school basketball, or even middle school basketball, is more than just for fun and fitness. It's a place where many kids' dreams start. Even if one can't become a professional player in the end, striving for a state championship, aiming for the NCAA is everyone's dream.
It's a tradition for popular upperclassmen to bring "little gifts" to the team, but by senior year, apart from players still hoping to join the NCAA, many seniors choose to leave the team to prepare for college entrance exams.
Pierce and Zhang Hao are the only two seniors left this season, as both are among the best high school players in the state, with a potential to become professional players.
Of course, at present, it's just a potential.
"Aix..."
Hearing someone shout, Zhang Hao raised his hand to catch the ball flying towards him, discarded his jacket and bag to the side, and went one-on-one with Pierce.
In high school games, any school with two players ranked in the top 50 nationwide is basically unbeatable. This year, they managed a record of 33 wins and 2 losses, clinching another county championship for the first time in 26 years, all thanks to these two.
Zhang Hao averaged 22 points, 14.4 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 2.8 steals, and 3.4 blocks per game, while Pierce averaged 31 points, 11.4 rebounds, 6.2 assists, 4.4 steals, and 2 blocks per game. Together, they were unstoppable in the state! The two losses were due to a conflict in one game. The reason was simple: discrimination, which led to Pierce standing up, and the whole team got into a fight. Several players were suspended. Even though it was just two games, both Zhang Hao and Pierce couldn't play, and they lost both.
Back when Zhang Hao and Pierce used to play bullfighting, they didn't think too much, just played, but today, Zhang Hao's mind was filled with numerous distractions.
Usually, he could rely on his athletic ability to hold his own, but this time it was a one-sided crush.
After playing 20 rounds, Zhang Hao and Pierce sat by the hoop to rest for a while. Pierce asked, "Aix, what's up? You're not like yourself today!"
During this one-on-one with Pierce, seeing Pierce's comprehensive skills, capable of almost anything, Zhang Hao couldn't help comparing himself, which caused several lapses in concentration.
Without voicing these worries, Zhang Hao replied, "Just a bit tired today."
"Don't worry too much, there's always a way. I'll speak to the University of Kansas coach, get him to recruit you too!"
"You're still in high school, aiming for a ball hog title already? I'll keep trying, can't make it to Division I, then Division II is fine, it's cheaper too."
"God, there aren't many good universities in Division II, you're almost at 1400 points, playing so well, what school can't you get into... Are those bastards blind?"
"You forget, I'm Chinese."
"..."
When mentioning Chinese, discrimination or not was secondary, Pierce recalled a Chinese genius forward recruited by the University of Utah three years ago. He couldn't remember the name, but that forward took a spot on the Utah team, causing quite a stir among college players. Those who weren't even related to them felt their opportunities were taken. More importantly, this so-called genius was rather average in games, reportedly regretted by Utah.
Compared to high school students, college students are much more realistic. Transitioning from high school to college is another world entirely.
Moreover, back then, information and communication technology was still lagging; widespread computer and mobile communication was a thing of a few short years. At that time, people were still relying on newspapers, TV, and radio for news outside. Away from the California basketball scene, Zhang Hao didn't have much of a reputation.
Let's leave that aside, Pierce wanted to change the subject and suddenly remembered something, saying, "Aix, this morning I received an invitation from McDonald's; they want me to enter the dunk contest."
"..." Zhang Hao looked at Pierce. If this guy mentioned something, he was already prepared to participate, but he still couldn't believe it and replied, "I heard Vince Carter from Daytona Beach Continental High School is entering the dunk contest this time..."
"I'm going to beat him!"
Looking at Pierce, this short, 196 cm tall, nearly 110 kg chubby guy, who couldn't jump higher than him, Zhang Hao asked, "Paul, are you dreaming?"
"You think I'm definitely going to lose? Then I must participate even more!"
Pierce was frustrated!
When he told his mother, she advised him not to participate; his coach said the same; even the kid next door who idolized him advised against it... Now there's another one!
"Come on! Need me to help you with passing?"
"Do you think I can catch your alley-oops? I might as well serve you an alley-oop... wait, I remember hearing them say you got an invitation, but declined."
"I have no time to participate in any dunk contest. Juggling those college interviews is enough of a headache..."
Just as Zhang Hao waved his hand to indicate his refusal to participate, a sudden subtitle appeared.
"Special Contract Player Growth Task: Shine! Dunk Contest Triggered."
"Shine! Dunk Contest:
Objective 1: The host's special contract player Zhang Hao has received an invitation to the 1995 McDonald's High School All-American Dunk Contest, please appoint him to participate.
Reward: 15 days of lifespan.
Objective 2: The appointed player must complete at least 1 perfect score dunk in the contest.
Reward: 30 days of lifespan."
"..." Zhang Hao looked at the newly triggered task, and then at Pierce, who began his chattering mode again...
"Aix, you should participate. You see, many people don't know your strength. You're well-known locally in California, but not elsewhere. If you make a splash at the dunk contest, a university might notice you..."
Even Pierce didn't believe his own words at this point. Zhang Hao's situation wasn't due to lack of ability being acknowledged; perhaps some doubted Zhang Hao's skill, but more of it was due to underestimating Zhang Hao as a Chinese player.
It's an insoluble issue. Zhang Hao played so well in his senior year, although not as good as Pierce in one-on-ones, in terms of team contribution, there wasn't much difference between Zhang Hao and Pierce. They complemented each other, only Pierce being flashier since he carried the ball.
Pierce knew well that his smart friend Zhang Hao wouldn't believe such reasoning.
But Pierce really didn't have any means, he truly didn't know how to help Zhang Hao.
After hearing Pierce's words, Zhang Hao nodded, "Paul, you're right. I'm preparing to enter the dunk contest. What about you?"
"Me?" Pierce blurted out, "I'm not participating; if I go, it's just for laughs... huh?"
Suddenly, Pierce realized, agreed just like that?
"You really agreed to participate?" Pierce's eyes widened, "I was just saying casually! If you participate, then I won't get any spotlight!"
Upon seeing Zhang Hao nod, Pierce hooked his arm around Zhang Hao's shoulder, saying, "Then we'll enter together! The Los Angeles Fly Boys are coming on stage!"
"I think the reporters are right, you're more like Charles Barkley..."
"You sharp-tongued guy, I'm going to duel you!"