Basketball Terminal

Chapter 87 Brocade Clothes
After discussion, the interview was arranged in the gymnasium of Huntelaar Community College in Flushing, as Li Wei wanted to visit his alma mater. This decision received strong support from the school; after a phone call in the morning, the principal said he could come to visit the school at noon, and they were all ready.

As the saying goes, "It is like wearing fine clothes at night to not return home in glory," Li Wei, as the first player in the history of Flushing Hunter College to enter the NBA and achieve such an explosive performance on the court, naturally received a warm welcome from the entire school's faculty and students.

I arrived at the school in ESPN's interview vehicle at noon. Principal Tang Feng, along with faculty, staff, and some students, greeted me at the main gate. Li Wei got out of the car; the sunlight felt wonderful on his skin. He had slept well last night, and all his fatigue had vanished. Next up was a week-long All-Star weekend break, a time for some relaxing days.

Li Wei didn't have a deep impression of Ms. Tang, the principal. During his years at the community college, he had never seen this doctor of education except when he heard her speak at the entrance and graduation ceremonies.

But when the two met, they acted like teachers and students reunited after a long time, smiling and embracing, shaking hands and taking photos in front of the camera, and then leading Li Wei and the ESPN crew on a tour of the small campus.

Li Wei was surprised to find his photo and biography already posted on the gymnasium bulletin board and in the teaching building corridors. He had become one of the school's historical figures. The efficiency was truly impressive.

While Hunter College isn't known for its basketball program and is essentially a community college, it boasts a long history, excellent faculty, and significant influence in Flushing. Many chefs, construction workers, photographers, painters, and auto mechanics in Flushing are Hunter College graduates. It may not produce top lawyers, politicians, or wealthy businessmen, but its graduates form the foundation of a community.

Principal Tang took this opportunity to promote Hunter Academy. She had no idea the school had a student named Li Wei before, and was currently struggling with promotion and fundraising; everyone was short of money. Upon learning that the wildly popular NBA player of Chinese descent was a graduate of her school, the principal felt like she'd been struck by lightning.

At noon, the principal hosted Li Wei and the ESPN reporter in the school cafeteria. The head chef from the Hunter Chinese Culinary Training Program personally prepared classic Americanized Chinese dishes, including General Tso's Chicken, Sweet and Sour Pork, and Yangzhou Fried Rice—all of which were quite delicious.

During the meal, Principal Tang sat next to Li Wei and, after exchanging some pleasantries, said, "Welcome back to the school often. It's an honor for the school. We're planning to name the school's gymnasium after you. What do you think, a Chinese name or an English name?"

Listen carefully to what's being said. Li Wei thought, what's the difference between using a Chinese name and an English name? Can't they just use both? Besides, venues named after individuals require donations. It seems the principal is after him for money.

Li Wei thinks I only get a basic salary, and after working myself to the bone for a game, I only earn a little over ten thousand yuan, which isn't even enough to cover my own expenses. I'm certainly not at the point where I can donate money to the school. Besides, don't you have any idea whether the school has even nurtured me? I'm already being lenient by not charging you for publicity; how dare you ask me for donations?

“I’m still young and haven’t achieved much yet; I’ve only gained a little fame. I can’t afford to take on such a big responsibility as naming a stadium after myself. It’s better to wait until I’ve achieved greater success before considering this issue,” Li Wei politely declined.

Principal Tang wasn't giving up, and after a while changed the subject: "I heard you have a younger brother who isn't very bright?"

Li Wei thought to himself, "This is really bad. My little trick in the publicity strategy has blown up. Now the whole of America knows that my brother is mentally challenged!" He felt really sorry for Li Yue. Luckily, he was actually involved, otherwise he wouldn't be able to explain himself later.

"He's alright, not that bad. He has Asperger's, but he's actually quite smart."

"Really, that would be great! If he could come to our school, I think it would be fantastic. We have spots for direct admission to good universities, like Columbia or Connecticut."

Community colleges have very low admission requirements, and most people can attend. Many students who didn't do well in high school and couldn't get into regular universities choose community colleges as a stepping stone before applying to their desired universities. It's similar to the relationship between the G League and the NBA: if you're not drafted, you develop in the G League to try and get signed by an NBA team.

Many NBA star players have community college experience because they had poor high school grades. They played basketball at a community college for a year or two before transferring to a top university. This is indeed a path to a good university, provided you have the connections. Playing basketball is one way, but other paths depend on your relationships and whether you have connections or referrals.

Li Wei genuinely wanted Li Yue to attend a good university, and Principal Tang's suggestion was quite appealing. However, Li Wei didn't readily agree, only saying he would consider it. As for naming the school gymnasium after him, that could be discussed after Li Wei secured a large contract. In short, everyone kept a channel for future favors open, waiting to see when it might be needed.

When Li Wei arrived at the stadium in the afternoon, he met his former basketball coach, Maurice Carson. Apart from surprise and disbelief, it was hard to detect any other emotion on his face.

Because he really couldn't believe that Victor, who used to be a benchwarmer on the team and was considered to lack fighting spirit, talent, and nothing special except for his height and physique, would rise to become an NBA player in just a few months after graduation.

He defended LeBron James, scoring 20 points and grabbing over 20 rebounds in a single game, locked down Luka Doncic, and hit a game-winning three-pointer. Carson watched every game Levi played after he entered the NBA, constantly telling himself that this guy just looked like Victor, he wasn't Victor at all.

Seeing Levi again, he looked him up and down. It was indeed Viktor, but he was completely different from before. Could a person really change so much in just a few months?
“Viktor, I…”

"This is my coach, Maurice Carson. He gave me my basketball enlightenment. I learned a lot in school. He taught me a tough basketball attitude and instilled in me my belief in life. Basketball is an important factor in my transformation. It was Maurice Carson who truly led me into the hall of basketball."

Carson was a bit stunned by what he heard. He hadn't paid any attention to Levi in ​​the past, mainly because the team lacked tall players, and Levi's physique was already outstanding in D3. "Your basketball team should at least have someone two meters tall, they could even be a human cigar!" he thought.

"Coach, play along. I know you haven't taught me anything, but that's just not right, is it? Actually, you've taught me a lot, you just don't know it. You're an excellent coach, but you haven't had your chance to shine in Hunter Valley. I'm your unexpected but also your best creation, aren't I?"

Li Wei and Morrison Carson whispered to each other. Morrison slowly recovered from his daze and realized that this was his opportunity. What's the best way for a grassroots coach to make a name for himself? It's not how many wins he leads his team to—who cares about D3 team wins? It's about producing a star pupil, a student who makes a name for himself across the country.

“That’s right, Victor is my most outstanding student. I’ve always had high hopes for him, but… but, but because of his skin color, Chinese players don’t get the recognition they deserve! That’s why he had to take a much more difficult path in basketball, it was so tough. Fortunately, he made it through, and I’m so happy for him, really.” Carson said, his eyes reddening and two tears falling.

The afternoon interview proceeded smoothly, with all questions pre-arranged, the questions and answers planned, and the key points and turning points all designed. Scott Mitchell even considered giving Li Wei'an a persona of being an avid reader, having him read philosophy and history books to add depth to the character.

Li Wei thought to himself, "I don't read any books other than novels. Why would I read philosophy or history? Do you expect me to read the preface? No need. No fan will appreciate a player just because he likes to read. It's just adding unnecessary details."

Kate Anderson looked radiant in a pearl-white suit in the somewhat run-down school gymnasium. Sitting on a high stool, her legs elegantly crossed, her approachable demeanor made one want to confide in her. A professional interviewer is indeed different from a regular reporter; ESPN's choice of her is certainly justified.

The meeting ended smoothly, and Levi breathed a sigh of relief. Kate Anderson leaned closer and tiptoed to help Levi remove the miniature microphone clipped to his collar. Levi glanced down and saw a beautiful cleavage, and a sweet, cloying fragrance assaulted his nostrils. White people's perfumes are just so strong.

The two exchanged contact information, with Kate Anderson saying, "I look forward to your future performances and hope to see you at the All-Star Game."

Li Wei was very direct: "Only All-Stars can date you?"

Kate smiled but didn't answer directly, instead saying, "At least, there should be another opportunity for an exclusive interview."

(End of this chapter)