In 1999, the internet was not yet widely available in China.

Many people did not know immediately that Chen Fang had held a press conference, let alone why he had held one.

However, with reports from various media outlets, Chinese football fans quickly learned of Chen Fang's bold statement.

Some believe that Chen Fang will lead the Chinese men's basketball team to rise again.

After all, Chen Fang led his team to win the NBA championship for three consecutive years. It can be said that he is the best coach in the NBA right now, and also the best coach in the world.

In addition, with Yao Ming making a name for himself in the NBA, Chinese fans have also seen the future of men's basketball.

Some people believe it, while others are skeptical, and this group is not small.

After all, China only has one Yao Ming, while the United States has the entire NBA as its backing.

If the Chinese men's basketball team wants to win the Olympic gold medal, they must defeat the United States team.

But they simply couldn't imagine what the Chinese men's basketball team would rely on to defeat the American team.

Do we really have to rely on Yao Ming alone?

However, it must be said that Chen Fang's move directly drew the world's attention to himself.

Shanghai Sports Bureau.

"This Chen Fang, he did it on purpose."

"Regardless of whether he did it on purpose or not, what do you think of his candidacy for the head coach position of the Chinese men's basketball team?"

"What do you mean, 'how do you see it'? We've invited him before, but he refused. What's the meaning of him applying now?"

"Director Zhang, would you like to say something?"

The group argued for a long time, but no one knew what they were arguing about.

Seeing that Zhang Peng remained silent, they realized that it was this big shot who had made the final decision after all their arguing.

"I think..."

Before Zhang Peng could finish speaking, a staff member hurriedly pushed open the conference room door.

"Distinguished leaders, there is a young man outside named Chen Fang who wants to see Director Zhang."

"Chen Fang?"

Everyone gasped in surprise and turned to look at the staff member.

Before anyone could reply, Chen Fang swaggered into the conference room.

"Hey guys, long time no see!"

Chen Fang walked into the conference room with a calm expression, greeted everyone, and then plopped down in an empty seat.

"Chen Fang, do you know where you are? Who let you in?"

Xin Lancheng slammed his hand on the table, stood up, and scolded.

Chen Fang knew about Xin Lancheng.

This guy is the one who set the Chinese men's basketball team back thirty years.

He naturally wouldn't give Xin Lancheng a friendly look.

Chen Fang completely ignored Xin Lancheng and instead said to Zhang Peng, "Director Zhang, I've come uninvited today. You're not going to kick me out, are you?"

"you..."

Just as Xin Lancheng was about to order someone to throw Chen Fang out, Zhang Peng immediately waved his hand to interrupt him.

"Coach Chen is a distinguished guest. We are more than happy to welcome such a distinguished guest. How could we possibly turn him away? But may we ask what brings Coach Chen here today?"

With a smile on his face, Chen Fang tapped his fingers rhythmically on the table as he said, "I'm sure you all know about the press conference I held yesterday. I'd like to ask you all if you want to win an Olympic gold medal?"

"Coach Chen, what do you mean by that?"

"Are you suggesting that as long as you become the head coach of the men's basketball team, you can lead them to an Olympic gold medal?"

Zhang Bin said with a disdainful look.

He's now the head coach of the Chinese men's basketball team, and Chen Fang is clearly here to take his job.

"You must be Coach Zhang Bin. You're absolutely right. As long as I become the head coach of the men's basketball team, I can guarantee that I can lead the team to an Olympic gold medal."

Chen Fang looked at Zhang Bin with a confident smile on his face.

"What a joke! Anyone can talk big, why should we believe you?" Xin Lancheng mocked.

"You old dog, even Director Zhang hasn't said anything, what are you barking about?"

Chen Fang might maintain due respect for others, but he didn't need any respect for him.

"What did you call me?"

Xin Lancheng pointed at Chen Fang's nose and asked.

"If you're hard of hearing, I suggest you wear a hearing aid," Chen Fang said sarcastically.

Coach Chen!

Seeing that the two sides were about to start arguing, Zhang Peng immediately scolded Chen Fang.

Chen relaxed his shoulders and said, "I'll give Zhang a break today and not bother with you, you old dog."

"you..."

"enough."

Zhang Peng slammed his hand on the table, his eyes filled with displeasure as he looked at Chen Fang.

"Coach Chen, if you're here to cause trouble, please leave."

Seeing that Zhang Peng was truly angry, Chen Fang then revealed the purpose of his visit.

"I'm sorry, Director Zhang, but I just couldn't help myself when I saw this person. You know I don't target anyone for no reason."

"Coach Chen, get to the point, don't ramble on," Zhang Peng interrupted again.

"Alright, then I'll tell you why I'm here today."

"Director Zhang, I suggest forming two national teams."

"Two national teams, what does that mean?"

Zhang Peng asked, puzzled.

Not only Zhang Peng didn't understand Chen Fang's meaning, but everyone present was also unaware of Chen Fang's intentions.

Chen Fang nodded and continued, "That's right, there are two national teams. One of them will continue to be coached by Zhang Bin, who will lead the team in the Asian Championships and other international competitions."

"The core of this national team will be the current members of the national team."

"The other national team will naturally be coached by me. The team will mainly consist of players who play in overseas leagues. All players must be personally selected by me, and the General Administration of Sport and the Basketball Association must not interfere in any way."

"The goal of this national team is to win an Olympic medal in 04 and to compete for an Olympic gold medal in 08."

Chen Fang then explained his plan.

The concept of two national teams was borrowed from the later concept of red and blue teams in national teams.

That was a new national team model that the Chinese men's basketball team was trying out in the post-Yao Ming era.

However, the skill levels of the men's basketball players at that time were uneven, and the two teams could not effectively leverage their respective strengths.

But things are different now; the older generation of players still have a fighting chance.

The new generation of players has not yet fully matured.

This allows veteran players to continue contributing their skills and gives the next generation of players time to develop.

Once the new generation of players has matured, the older generation of players will be nearing retirement, which will be the perfect time for the transition between the old and new generations.

"What do you mean by two teams? What do you take the national team for?"

Xin Lancheng immediately stood up and objected.

Chen Fang ignored Xin Lancheng's words and instead looked at Zhang Peng.

After a moment of contemplation, Zhang Peng asked, "Coach Chen, how confident are you about winning the Olympic gold medal?"

"One hundred percent!" Chen Fang said confidently.

"So what are your thoughts on player selections?" Zhang Peng continued to ask.

"With Yao Ming as the core, the starting lineup consisted entirely of players who had played in the NBA."

"What a joke. There are no Chinese players playing in the NBA right now except for Yao Ming and Liu Wei. Even if you add Wang Zhizhi, you still can't put together a starting five."

Xin Lancheng retorted again.

It's not that he looks down on Chinese basketball players, but it's just that it's extremely difficult to make it into the NBA. To date, there are hardly any Chinese basketball players who have made it into the NBA.

Chen Fang's audacious claim that he could assemble a starting lineup entirely composed of players who had played in the NBA was utterly delusional.

"ignorance!"

Chen Fang sneered, then showed everyone a video.

It was a video of Zhu Ba, Wang Qi, and others playing basketball in the United States.

"These kids are all promising talents I discovered in China. In a few years, when they reach the right age, they will participate in the NBA draft. With their abilities, I believe they will be able to adapt to the pace and intensity of the NBA very quickly."

After watching the video, the conference room fell silent. Even Xin Lancheng didn't know what to say.

After a long silence, Zhang Peng slammed his hand on the table and said, "Coach Chen, let's do it your way and gradually build two national men's basketball teams!"

"Director Zhang..."

Zhang Peng waved his hand to interrupt, saying, "That's settled then, no more talk!"

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