Lower Merion Basketball Hall
Since Philadelphia 76ers head coach John Lucas was coming to scout this afternoon, Coach Greggg didn't schedule any specific morning training.
"Boys, listen up — I'll set up a 5-on-5 scrimmage during halftime! And Kobe, Su's team… remember to share the ball," Greggg told the players before training began.
Honestly...
Even if Greggg hadn't set this up, who would dare refuse to pass to Kobe and Su Feng in Lower Merion?
One fierce glare, one blazing golden stare — even demons deflate under their gaze.
The players on Lower Merion's team weren't fools.
They knew that beyond being future fans, they were unlikely to ever cross paths with the NBA themselves.
So they were happy to support Su Feng and Kobe.
That way, when Su Feng and Kobe become stars, they could proudly say:
"I played alongside Su Feng and Kobe back in high school!"
Besides the Lower Merion players getting ready for practice, a trio from the production crew also visited the basketball hall that day.
"Director Zhang, did you hear? The head coach of the Philadelphia 76ers is here to scout Xiao Su and Kobe," said Su Junyang excitedly, pushing up his glasses.
"Well, I wonder what professionals like him will say about Xiao Su," Zhang Weiping replied with a smile.
"I just hope Xiao Su doesn't crack under pressure and can perform like he did in the high school league," said Xu Jicheng.
Unfortunately, Su Feng — busy warming up — couldn't hear their conversation. Otherwise, he'd have told them:
Don't stress about this kind of scouting.
Because if memory serves, when Kobe was a senior, John Lucas used his daughter as an excuse to watch Kobe play at least ten times.
After all, proximity breeds opportunity.
Sadly, although Su Feng's beloved Philadelphia once wanted Kobe Bryant, the 76ers ended up with the top draft pick.
High school players in the '90s were like gold of unknown purity — like mystery cards in Texas Hold'em.
No one could predict fate, and the risk of investing in a high school talent was enormous.
So John Lucas showing up to scout didn't stir any waves in Su Feng's heart.
He knew full well — John Lucas would be back again.
And if Stern was already keeping tabs on him, more scouts would soon follow to Philadelphia.
In Su Feng's mind, unless Lucas showed up with the big guns from the Stackhouse, it wouldn't mean much.
Because Su Feng also wanted to test just how pure his "piece of gold" really was — and he'd need legends to do that.
…
Strolling through Lower Merion's campus, Stackhouse felt like he was drifting back to his North Carolina days.
"Tsk, tsk… look at these high school girls," Stackhouse couldn't help but recall a quote he thought was Shakespearean:
'Even the tree-lined paths already seem full of life.'
Granted, Stackhouse wasn't exactly known for being philosophical.
If you had to translate his vague musings, that's probably what he meant.
"Jerry, you still obsessed with March Madness?" asked John Lucas as he looked out over the basketball court.
"Of course, Coach. No use hiding it — the thing I miss most is going head-to-head with Duke, i remember flying past two defenders mid-air and finishing with a reflexive dunk, the second I landed, the whole crowd exploded in cheers." Stackhouse laughed.
That kind of confidence was what John Lucas had come to know best after coaching Stackhouse for over a month.
As long as you gave him the ball, he wouldn't hesitate to take the shot.
In that moment, Lucas even recalled Stackhouse's NBA debut.
Originally, Lucas had planned for the rookie to come off the bench. But unexpectedly, Stackhouse stood tall, looked him in the eyes and said:
"People from North Carolina either become superstars — or they don't last in this league."
Believe it. Sophomores from North Carolina weren't to be underestimated.
Years later, another Tar Heel named Vince would say the same thing.
Especially after Michael Jordan elevated UNC to legendary status, every player out of North Carolina seemed to carry the aura of being the next Jordan.
…
Soon, the 76ers scouting crew arrived at the school gym.
"Dear Greggg, you're looking a little out of shape lately," John Lucas joked as he greeted him.
Lucas had met Gregg back in June at a coaching event in Philly, where he first asked about Kobe and Su Feng.
After all, their dynamic duo had become the hottest topic in town.
Lucas knew that if he didn't stay informed, he'd risk irritating Philly fans down the line.
"John, welcome to Lower Merion," Gregg said with a smile.
"Is that Kobe and Su?" Lucas asked, watching the two players tear up the court in a fast break.
"Yes, John — look at them go. Honestly, getting to coach those two is the luckiest thing that ever happened to me," Gregg replied.
As a former NBA No. 1 pick, John Lucas had a sharp eye for talent. "No wonder the fans love them — they're good-looking, they can jump, and they fly."
"Haha, they really can fly," Gregg chuckled.
"Whoa, did you see that move? Man, that backing by Su — it reminded me of Michael Jordan," Lucas said.
"And when reporters say Kobe's flying through the air — they're not kidding," Gregg added.
"My God, coaching these two? You really hit the jackpot, Gregg."
John Lucas was increasingly stunned by what he saw.
For a moment, he even wondered: if Kobe and Su Feng skipped college, could they jump straight to the NBA?
Because if they were juniors or seniors already, he'd just say "Nice job."
But at 17 years old...
No one understood the weight of age in this league better than John Lucas.
Meanwhile, watching Lucas hype them up like that, Stackhouse felt his coach was totally bedazzled.
Coach, get a grip — you need judgment!
Stackhouse knew the Lower Merion players were clearly setting up Kobe and Su Feng to shine.
He couldn't take it anymore. If this continued, he'd turn into a full-blown soap opera.
"Coach, if you keep watching like this, you're not seeing anything real," Stackhouse said to Lucas.
Lucas frowned, thought about it, and realized Stackhouse had a point.
How could he form real conclusions after just watching one training session? Wasn't that the same kind of lazy scouting the Philadelphia Evening News called out for copying Elvin's tape?
"We've got a high school league game tomorrow. Want to come watch, John?" Gregg asked, sensing Lucas's silence.
"No can do — we've got practice tomorrow," Lucas sighed. With an 82-game NBA season, midyear left him little breathing room.
"So…" Gregg trailed off, unsure what else to offer.
That's when Stackhouse smiled and said, "Gentlemen, if you don't mind, I can scrimmage with them."
"Oh?" Lucas perked up — sounded like a solid idea.
"But Jerry, what if you get injured?" Lucas asked.
"It's fine, Coach. They're just high schoolers. I won't go full throttle. It's just a casual run," Stackhouse laughed.
"Gregg, any objections?" Lucas turned to him.
"How about I ask Su and Kobe first?" Gregg replied.
"Perfect!" Lucas nodded. No hesitation — that's how he liked to roll.
…
After Gregg blew the whistle to suspend play, the rest of Lower Merion's players stepped off the court with curious excitement.
Kobe and Su Feng were led over to the trio from the 76ers.
On the sidelines, Zhang Weiping and his team were full of question marks as they witnessed the scene.
"What's happening here?" Zhang asked, puzzled.
Xu Jicheng and Su Junyang shook their heads repeatedly, equally stunned.
Actually...
They weren't the only ones feeling overwhelmed.
Because when Su Feng spotted that familiar face, his expression froze.
Holy hell—
Wasn't that Stackhouse?
As a lifelong NBA fanatic, Su Feng could never mistake Jerry Stackhouse.
Wait...
Hold on!
"Judging by his face, he's not here for smiles. Is he planning to challenge me and Kobe to a one-on-one?"
Su Feng, who had been a bit groggy that afternoon, instantly snapped into full awareness.
After Gregg introduced him and Kobe to the 76ers trio, Su Feng noticed Kobe's eyes spark with anticipation too.
"Su, Kobe — how would you like to face off against an NBA player?" John Lucas asked.
Just as expected—
"Of course!" Su Feng and Kobe replied at the exact same time.
Notably, Su Feng spoke a split second faster than Kobe — earning a dissatisfied kick from him.
"Su, give me this one!" Kobe frowned.
"Nope. I'm claiming this!" Su Feng winked playfully.
While Su Feng and Kobe exchanged glances and raised eyebrows...
Stackhouse had already taken off his jacket and, like an over-the-top anime rival, struck a confident pose:
"Who wants to go first?"
Su Feng didn't even let Kobe respond — he stepped forward and said, "I will."
Stackhouse gave him a nod of approval.
Hmm… He looks better than in the papers. Maybe I'll go a bit easy on him.
Meanwhile, Kobe was fuming. He swore he was done with Su Feng.
Luckily, before the duel began, Su Feng leaned in to soothe him.
"Chill. I'll test him first. If he can't handle me, why waste your time?"
Then, with a sly smile, Su Feng added:
"Also, do you know what I'm having for dinner tonight?"
That caught Kobe off guard.
"What are you having?" he asked, confused.
"I'll tell you after the match," Su Feng grinned.
"Then get going! The faster you finish, the faster it's my turn," Kobe urged.
"Deal!" Su Feng cracked his knuckles and warmed up.
Just as he was preparing to play, Swartz ran back onto the court holding a thermos.
"Su! What are you doing? I brewed your tea — it's steaming hot!" Swartz shouted, confused by the empty court.
Su Feng patted him on the shoulder. "Hold it for me. I'll drink it after this."
Though unsure what was going on, Swartz couldn't help but admire Su Feng's back as he walked toward Stackhouse. There was something heroic about it.
Meanwhile, the confused trio approached Kobe.
"Kobe, what's all this for?" Xu Jicheng asked.
Kobe smiled. "You're in for a show, see that guy? That's Jerry Stackhouse — picked third overall by the 76ers this year.
Best national high school player of 1993. UNC's ace."
The trio nodded, amazed.
"He's going head-to-head with Su now," Kobe said.
"One-on-one?" The trio froze.
"You're saying Xiao Su is going to face an NBA player right now?" Zhang Weiping asked in disbelief.
"This is insane! So this is American basketball — so raw and intense!"
"Instructor Zhang, didn't you say Xiao Su needed someone on his level to test him?" Su Junyang tugged on Zhang's sleeve in excitement.
Xu Jicheng's eyes sparkled. "Old Su, take pictures! This moment is legendary!"
"No worries!" Su Junyang replied.
"Zhang, focus. This is a rare chance!" Xu reminded him.
"I'm watching — no more talking!" Zhang Weiping crouched down, notebook in hand, fully locked in.
On the court, Su Feng and Stackhouse had moved to the left side of the gym.
"Let's play ten possessions. No rebounds. If one misses, the other takes the ball. Sound fair?" Stackhouse asked while dribbling.
"No problem!" Su Feng replied, energy coursing through him.
Though tempted to make jokes, Su Feng knew that standing in front of him was a real NBA player.
Let's go. Time to see where I truly stand.
Originally, Stackhouse planned to let Su Feng attack first.
But Su Feng pointed at him — Stackhouse would start.
Is he nervous? Wants me to take the first turn? Fine… He's being respectful.
Just as Stackhouse was preparing a relaxed move, Su Feng lunged at him like a starving tiger.
On the sidelines, John Lucas stopped talking — every second on court was blowing his mind.
Stackhouse dribbled. Su Feng stuck close.
Stackhouse faked right. Su Feng shadowed.
Stackhouse went for a step-back jumper…
Su Feng was still there.
Magnetic defense.
Bang! Su Feng blocked Stackhouse's first shot.
Stackhouse staggered. The pressure from Su Feng felt nothing like a typical high school defender.
Even in college, Stackhouse hadn't faced defense this tight.
Still, it was just one possession — no big deal.
Swish! Su Feng took the ball and drained a jumper.
Stackhouse: "…"
Are you kidding me right now?! Is this how we're playing?!
"Uh… Jerry, does that one count?" Su Feng asked innocently, scratching his head.
"Count it… Of course it counts," Stackhouse nearly hissed through his teeth.
I'm an NBA player. What am I supposed to say? 'No' to a high school kid? That'd be humiliating.
1–0. Stackhouse ball.
This time, he decided to bulldoze through using his weight advantage.
But Su Feng held firm.
No surprise there — HC rules made elbow work incredibly effective.
And Stackhouse hadn't mastered his "iron elbows" yet. He was maybe 4–5 kg heavier than Su Feng, easily neutralized.
Stackhouse's flashy style had flair but lacked refinement.
He didn't have a signature move — one reason he never became an NBA superstar.
Even during his monster season with the Pistons, averaging 29+ points, he relied on volume — 24 shots per game with a 40.2% success rate and 15 misses nightly.
Sure, taking 24 shots per game proved he had tools — but let's be honest…
You can have all the tools in the toolbox, and still be swinging like a blacksmith.
This time, while trying to power through Su Feng, Stackhouse misjudged his jumper — the rookie hadn't fully refined his shot yet, and his form leaned forward a bit.
Another miss.
The sidelines erupted.
"Insane defense! Xiao Su's speed and timing — unreal!" Zhang Weiping shouted.
"Two straight stops against an NBA player?! Instructor Zhang, Xiao Su is destined for the league!" Su Junyang exclaimed.
"Totally worth the trip to the US. Xiao Su's a basketball genius!" Xu Jicheng grinned.
Meanwhile, even the Sixers' coaching staff was locked in.
Because Stackhouse… was rattled.
Especially when he remembered how Su Feng had humbly tricked him earlier.
He realized he'd been played.
"This guy's a monster…"
Stackhouse swore he'd never give Su Feng another easy bucket.
So he passed him the ball.
Then…
Swish!
Stackhouse: "…"
"Beautiful!" shouted Kobe, who was thoroughly enjoying watching Su Feng torment the NBA rookie.
"I mean… You… You…" Stackhouse felt like he had a dictionary's worth of words jammed in his throat.
But none came out.
Su Feng tilted his head. "Is something wrong?"
After a long sigh and a deep breath of fresh gym air, Stackhouse smiled faintly:
"No problem. Let's keep going."