December 15th, 4 PM.
Inside the gym's weight room.
Zeng Xingyang's muscles suddenly tensed and then relaxed after a continuous weight lifting session.
Zeng Xingyang took a deep breath.
"Ding, Power Level 2 upgraded to Level 3."
[Power: Level 3]
[Experience: 2/10000]
[Note: Power has reached the average level of NBA guards]
With the upgrade in power, Zeng Xingyang could feel his core had further strengthened.
Yet, seeing the 10,000 experience points needed for the next upgrade stunned Zeng Xingyang.
With a better understanding of the system, Zeng Xingyang knew that acquiring this attribute's experience was easy at first, but as the level increases, the difficulty in gaining experience increases, as does the total experience required.
A day of intense power training could at most add 30 points, which would take a year to reach the next level. But he couldn't solely focus on strength training; there were other aspects to work on too.
Of course, playing games could expedite the process, but short-term upgrades remained challenging.
Shaking his head, he decided not to overthink it; it was merely a goal.
.....
After finishing strength training, Zeng Xingyang went back to the court for 4 sets of suicides.
Running back and forth 17 times between the two sidelines of the basketball court constituted one set.
Seventeen shuttles totalled 255 meters, but the difficulty mainly lay in the abrupt stops and starts, putting immense stress on the heart, lungs, knees, and ankles.
"Whew!"
"Whew!"
After finishing, Zeng Xingyang caught his breath and steadied himself quickly.
This type of training wasn't considered difficult for professional players; it was merely a warm-up.
"Ding, speed training attribute activated."
[Speed: Level 1]
[Experience: 55/100]
[Note: Level 10 is the highest, reference: Allen Iverson.]
Zeng Xingyang knew that through certain attribute-related training, he could awaken some attributes, and he attempted such exercises during his free time.
Of course, the absence of some attributes did not mean they did not exist; it was merely that he couldn't noticeably improve them through training, and his progress was similar to others'.
The speed attribute, for instance, hadn't shown before. It didn't mean he couldn't run fast, just that training couldn't significantly boost this aspect.
Now with the speed attribute visible, he knew how to train more efficiently and progress faster.
Zeng Xingyang was delighted to see the speed attribute because speed immensely benefits players on the court.
When positioning, greater speed allows him to shake off defenders faster.
During fast breaks, increased speed means quicker finishes.
In breakthroughs, it simplifies getting past opponents.....
The advantages of speed are manifold; as long as his speed elevates fast enough, his threat level multiplies.
"Sigh, there's just not enough time to allocate."
There are too many attributes to train, which gave Zeng Xingyang a headache, so he chose to focus on the most crucial ones.
He understood the principle of not biting off more than he could chew.
Zeng Xingyang was aware of some of his limitations on the court; if opponents consistently sent speedy small defenders to guard him, his shooting would still be affected.
He needed to increase his speed to break free from most of the small defenders' entanglements.
The training intensity continued, and he put even more effort into the games.
December 16th.
The University of Kentucky continued their road trip to face Boston University.
Boston University wasn't considered a strong team in the NCAA Division I.
"The University of Kentucky boasts impressive talent, and this game should be a breeze for them." the ESPN commentator remarked.
One must admit, the commentator's prediction was a bit overconfident.
Once the game began, the entire University of Kentucky team played somewhat relaxed, while Boston University fought tenaciously.
Boston University opened with a 2-3 zone defense.
Zone defense is a common strategy weaker teams use against stronger ones to avoid man-to-man defense breakdowns.
Towns was contained by the zone, and Booker found himself isolated.
The University of Kentucky found themselves trailing by as much as 12 points in the first half.
At the start of the second half, Calipari made lineup changes, placing Booker and Zeng Xingyang on the wings, having players rotate passes on the perimeter for three-point opportunities.
Yet, both Booker and Zeng Xingyang had mediocre shooting tonight.
Boston University's players were relentless in defense, significantly affecting the shooters.
Seeing that three-pointers couldn't break the zone, Calipari swiftly changed tactics to a 1-3-1 formation.
Lyles moved to the free-throw line area to facilitate.
Lyles had mid-range shooting ability, forcing Boston University to help on defense, giving Towns opportunities inside.
With his outside shots off, Zeng Xingyang focused on defense.
Zeng Xingyang's defense repeatedly stifled the opponent's shooting guard's scoring attempts.
The score gap was narrowing.
The University of Kentucky could allow themselves to lose to super teams but not to a team of Boston University's caliber.
Through steadfast defense, the University of Kentucky went on an 18-6 run, tying the game score.
With 6:11 remaining in the second half, the score was tied at 58-58.
Boston University called a timeout for adjustments.
After the break, Boston University continued to exhibit tremendous resilience.
Shooting guard Hankson set a pick and roll with the center, switching with Towns and Zeng Xingyang, attacking Towns decisively.
Towns committed a foul upon Hankson, still managing to make the basket.
This was a three-point play.
Towns angrily slammed the ball to vent his frustration, but his action wasn't severe enough to draw a referee's reprimand.
Seeing this, Boston fans couldn't help but cheer wildly.
The commentator marveled, "Boston University isn't powerful, but their resilience and tenacity show they're unwilling to concede."
Hankson took the free throw and secured the additional point.
58-61.
The University of Kentucky's offense was met with full-court press defense from Boston University.
As the game reached a crucial moment, they gave it their all.
The crowd continuously cheered and encouraged Boston University.
Tyler Ulis brought the ball past half-court, executing a set play to create a shooting opportunity for Zeng Xingyang.
He first passed to the right side of the free-throw line.
Booker didn't attack immediately but paused.
Zeng Xingyang moved from the right corner to the top, and Booker passed him the ball.
Zeng Xingyang received it but was tightly defended.
He passed to Lyles at the free-throw line.
With Towns' screen, Zeng Xingyang continued his movement.
Lyles dribbled right, then passed back to Zeng Xingyang, using his momentum to screen the trailing defender.
A series of screens gave Zeng Xingyang a small opening from the right 60-degree three-point line, and he shot in stride.
Perfect rhythm, consistent form.
Even with a rough shooting night, Zeng Xingyang maintained his confidence.
Whenever there was an opportunity, he shot decisively.
"Swish!"
The ball cleanly swished through, scuffing the net.
61-61
Finally, it went in.
The crowd hushed, and Zeng Xingyang spread his arms and glided back.
This basket made Zeng Xingyang feel like he had found his rhythm.
Calipari clapped, for this was one reason he kept Zeng Xingyang on the court during crucial moments.
Even when his touch was off, Zeng Xingyang was willing to take the shot when the chance arose, without fear.