Chapter 0009 Opportunity

Cole held Sun Ce's right hand with his right hand, while patting the back of Sun Ce's right hand with his left hand, smiling as he said: "Hello, Noah, the hardworking Chinese boy. I believe you must know me. If you say you don't know me, I would be very sad, as I just retired a few years ago"

Sun Ce was taken aback for a moment, thinking that it was overly enthusiastic, and it seemed to convey a sense of trying too hard to be humorous despite not being very funny.

With an official smile, Cole came up to shake hands with Sun Ce

Sun Ce saw that this fellow was actually practicing free throws with complete concentration

After speaking, O'Neal opened his arms wide towards Sun Ce. Upon seeing O'Neal, Sun Ce initially felt disdain, but as he approached, he began to feel excitement.

Such flattery perfectly circumvents the fact that Steve Kerr is merely a role player; whether in terms of shooting percentage or attempts, there is a disparity between Steve Kerr and Reggie Miller

It seemed that Sun Ce had just entered when O'Neal took the initiative to walk over: "Hello, you're Noah, right? I watched your training video, it's really cool. Let's work hard together!"

... ...

Although it is known to be a performance, the other party harbors no ill intentions; it is merely business

As Sun Ce approached, the journalists who had already seen his photographs and knew what he looked like hurried to take pictures

This season has long lost the hope of making the playoffs, and we can only engage in some superficial activities to attract the attention of the fans

Kerr himself is not particularly talented, but through sheer effort, he achieved the highest three-point shooting percentage in history during his playing days, a record that still stands today

Sun Ce hurriedly took the initiative to extend his hand, ensuring that politeness was observed

"Noah, come, let us stand here..." Cole warmly guided Sun Ce to stand between himself and Gentry, allowing the reporters to take photos

This child is quite remarkable. Initially, Gentry was not fond of such hype, but after witnessing the news from yesterday, seeing a young man who merely had the opportunity to participate in an NBA tryout and game experience, yet trained so hard for this chance, even Gentry, as an old-school basketball figure who transitioned to coaching after failing to break into the professional league in the 1970s, was moved.

That guy is too "dazzling", his physique is overly exaggerated, and he takes up too much attention

Arriving at the Western United States arena with a large bag of items to be given to the star player or to request an autograph, it was exactly 11:00 AM when Sun Ce got out of the car and saw a group of reporters at the entrance of the arena

However, after Sun Ce's trial training, Gentry became interested. Initially, he only intended to go for a photo opportunity, to cooperate with the "showing off," but now he genuinely wants to have more conversations with Sun Ce

Kerr is not optimistic about the boss's promotional plan. Besides Sun Yue, Kerr also pays attention to the CBA, after all, he is the general manager. However, upon reviewing the reports from scouts regarding Chinese players, he feels that Chinese individuals are only suitable for business... the three major ball sports... mainly the men's three major ball sports... Yet, seeing Sun Ce's intense training enthusiasm, he feels it is quite different from his impression of Chinese basketball players.

These are all living NBA stars

However, a good impression is just a good impression; Gentry only has a favorable impression of Sun Ce as a person, but when it comes to the game... Although it is an inconsequential farewell match, Gentry did not intend to let Sun Ce play for long.

Phoenix City, Western United States Stadium, General Manager's Office

At first glance, Sun Ce recognized the future top coach Steve Kerr and the current head coach of the Suns, Alvin Gentry, while he did not recognize several other staff members. The staff helped him carry his belongings into the arena.

... ...

A shooting coach does not necessarily need to possess exceptional shooting skills; in fact, most shooting coaches may have remarkably poor basketball abilities. They are simply adept at demonstrating proper techniques and are skilled in customizing suitable force application techniques for players

After taking the photo, Cole and Gentry took Sun Ce to the training court inside the gymnasium

Sun Ce originally looked forward to training with these stars for a day, playing a match together, even if it might only last a few minutes, but this was undoubtedly something he had always dreamed of

Stoudemire, Jason Richardson, Grant Hill, and other stars from the Suns came up to embrace Sun Ce

A superstar! The most dominant center in NBA history

Upon arriving at the training ground, the individual who caught Sun Ce's attention made him want to complain...

However, upon hearing O'Neal's words, Sun Ce really wanted to reply: "Work hard to become a ball with you?"

Moreover, Sun Ce did not say anything insincere; he merely spoke pleasant words. Compared to the original Sun Ce, he may not be as skilled in courting women, but he possesses much more experience in dealing with people, selectively choosing only flattering remarks.

One does not strike a smiling face; although Steve Kerr does not share the same sense of empathy as Gentry, the majority of people enjoy hearing kind words, and Kerr is no exception. The three-point shot is the proudest achievement of his basketball career

In the history of the NBA, among players who have attempted more than 200 three-point shots, Steve Kerr holds the record for the highest overall three-point shooting percentage. Additionally, among players who have made at least 50 three-pointers in a single season, Steve Kerr's three-point shooting percentage of 52.4% is also the highest in history

The main factor is that Sun Ce trained intensely for six hours, from 8 AM to 2 PM, practicing his shooting, which left a great impression on Kerr

"Hey, if this guy practices free throws so diligently every day, how could he miss over 5,000 free throws? Even little Jordan can make free throws; this guy has a much better touch than little Jordan..." Sun Ce thought to himself in frustration.

As the regular season comes to a close, the Lakers have signed a 22-year-old Chinese point guard this season, but that point guard has not been able to bring much in terms of popularity to the Lakers

"Hello, Noah, I am Steve..." Nash, still wearing his back support, came up to embrace.

When Sun Ce approached, several people came forward to greet him

"Of course, Mr. Cole, you are the best three-point shooter in my eyes," Sun Ce immediately flattered in response

Shaquille O'Neal

As Jin Tieli observed Sun Ce's shooting practice, he was struck by the remarkably standard form, which was almost shocking. He wanted to see it for himself and, if possible, have a conversation with Sun Ce about the role of a shooting coach.

This boy is more suitable as the protagonist for promotion than we expected Steve Kerr looked at the news about Sun Ce's intense training yesterday and felt that the boss's expectations might be slightly successful

Jin Teli wishes to provide Sun Ce with an opportunity, aiming to give a chance to the youth who, like him in his younger days, aspire to pursue their basketball dreams

Sun Ce, on this side, is still unaware that his frenzied training has already left a very good initial impression on some people

However, when facing these star players in person, Sun Ce found himself at a loss for words, his mind gradually becoming a blank...

In a state of complete laziness and lack of effort, with average abilities, the Lakers have only allowed him to play for 15 minutes as the season is nearing its end