"Calm down, calm down—my enemy is just too soft!"
Thinking about it this way, Stackhouse was searching for a way to crack Su Feng's defense.
After all, he was the former North Carolina ace, and his talent was worthy of that reputation.
Without hesitation, Stackhouse didn't try to finesse past Su Feng—he simply grabbed the ball and went straight in for a slam.
Kobe, watching the scene unfold, silently shook his head.
Because no one understands how terrifying Su Feng's defense is better than Kobe.
As expected, Stackhouse once again heard the call—from Stackhouse himself.
But after cutting into the paint, he launched the basketball with too much force… and missed it completely.
Stackhouse: 囧!
As the saying goes, amateurs enjoy the action, experts watch the details.
76ers assistant coach John Davis was surprised: "If we look solely at defense, Su could rank top three on our team."
John Lucas nodded. "He reminds me of Doug Christie. Considering he's only 17, I believe he'll become an outstanding defensive specialist in the future."
On the court, Stackhouse was starting to question reality.
Is this really how strong high school players are now?
Sure, comparing today's Su Feng to Stackhouse, Su isn't yet on Stackhouse's level.
Stackhouse has comprehensive skills—he can play on and off the ball and has excellent athleticism.
But when it comes to one-on-one matchups, think about the opponents Su Feng has faced in the past year and a half.
In Su Feng's previous life, it was no surprise that Kobe managed to beat Stackhouse in a head-to-head before graduating.
With his polished offensive game, Kobe—who loves to study—had become a walking offensive encyclopedia.
During the Lakers' tryouts, he impressed with dazzling offensive combos.
When it came to physical talent, Kobe never conceded anything to Stackhouse.
Defensively, though Stackhouse wasn't a liability, he couldn't match Su Feng or Kobe's defensive prowess.
So the question arises—why, in Su Feng's previous life, was Kobe fetching water on the sidelines while Stackhouse was putting up big numbers?
The answer's simple:
First, the Lakers' coach at the time, the Silver Fox Harris, was cautious and reluctant to rush young players.
Second, Kobe's tactical understanding was still at a high-school level, which made teamwork difficult.
Third, Jerry West—the "Logo Man"—had been grooming Kobe as a star from day one.
He didn't want Kobe to adapt; he wanted him to evolve.
Stackhouse's path was completely different. When he entered the league, the 76ers were a hopeless team.
He had the freedom to shoot as much as he wanted.
With his ties to Jordan and his status as the No. 3 pick in 1995, many veterans were unwilling to challenge him.
But things changed when a man named Allen arrived.
In the 1996–97 season, just looking at shooting percentage, Iverson clearly outperformed Stackhouse.
But let's not forget—Iverson's lightning-fast drives drew double teams.
So while Stackhouse expected Iverson to play the supporting role, the 76ers management hit him with a harsh reality:
"Sorry, if you won't support Iverson, then you're out."
Ultimately, Stackhouse was a very talented player—but he followed the wrong script.
He was born to play the protagonist, but lacked the fate of one.
In Su Feng's previous life, Stackhouse was best suited for a sixth-man role—coming off the bench and firing freely.
His style would be highly efficient in the second unit.
After all, the talent gap between starters and bench players in the NBA was still wide at that time.
As a sixth man, Stackhouse wouldn't face intense defensive pressure.
Remember: from the '90s into the early 2000s, thanks to the "old rascal," nearly every starting lineup had a defensive specialist.
With the HC (hand-checking) rules still in effect, you needed a standout skill to become a star.
…
On the court, after three consecutive failed attacks by Stackhouse, Su Feng finally made his move.
This time, Stackhouse played it smart. After serving the ball to Su Feng, he immediately lunged at him defensively.
But did Stackhouse really think Su Feng wouldn't dare to shoot?
What a joke!
Su Feng knew before this one-on-one that his offensive arsenal was still developing. So to beat Stackhouse, he'd need a little luck.
That's why, at this moment, the shot he unleashed was none other than the iconic "Meddy's Dry Pull" — tailor-made for situations like this!
Swoosh!
That shot defied everything!
Over the summer, Su Feng had worked on improving his ability to ignore defenders and shoot from anywhere on the court. He even consulted Frazier on the subject.
Frazier told him: "Your form is already solid. But if you want to nail tough shots in high-level games, you need to raise your release point."
"Keep your body straight, elbow and wrist at a right angle. Even if you're stopped mid-motion, always maintain a clean shooting posture."
That's how the handsome baller unlocks the door to ultimate cool — elegance in every forced jumper!
Su Feng understood the reality of the era's hand-checking (HC) rules. Speed alone wasn't enough.
And let's not assume future "primary school kids" could just copy this kind of shooting form.
If Curry's style were so easy to replicate, then half the NBA would shoot like him.
As a die-hard Kobe fan, Su Feng had always modeled his game after Kobe's, which helped him develop a visually stunning jumper.
Su Feng was built for the dry pull—given his height and wingspan, why waste that advantage?
Guided by Frazier, Su Feng continued to perfect his signature style: forcing shots while gracefully ignoring defenders.
That was the game back then. If you couldn't shoot under pressure, you couldn't survive.
It's not like you could just yell "tie tie lao tie!" at the opponent in Mandarin and expect a pass.
Interestingly, while the system's equipped shooting style didn't technically alter Su Feng's form in real life...
Every time he equipped "Meddy's Dry Pull," Su Feng instinctively tried to flash his scissor-kick finishing pose.
If Stackhouse hadn't dodged quickly, he might've taken a foot to the chin!
Score: 3–0.
Stackhouse's jaw practically hit the floor.
Is he really going to beat me?
The realization that Su Feng had "figured him out" sent Stackhouse into a spiral of panic.
Underestimation. Sloppiness. Mental collapse.
The normally composed, cool, and refined Stackhouse… unraveling.
All thanks to one thing: the dashing Su Feng.
…
10 to 8!
Even though Stackhouse had "Stark" in his name like a bootleg Iron Man, and Su Feng didn't — it was Su Feng who delivered the moonlit knockout in this bullfight showdown!
With grit and unwavering defense, Su Feng emerged victorious, smiling to the end.
The trio from the commentary team was speechless, unsure how to even evaluate Su Feng anymore.
Su Junyang kept shaking Coach Zhang, exclaiming, "Coach Zhang! Coach Zhang! Xiao Su just beat an NBA player! Did you see that? Did you see that?"
Dizzy from all the shaking, Coach Zhang groaned, "Yes, yes, I saw it! Stop shaking me, old Su, I'm about to puke..."
"As the waves of the Yangtze push forward, the new generation rises — Xiao Su really opened our eyes today," said Xu Jicheng, smiling.
Suddenly, the basketball hall at Lower Merion erupted!
My goodness!
Su Feng actually beat Stackhouse!
At that moment, all the tools and staff at Lower Merion felt that every struggle they'd endured before had meaning — a gift from fate!
"Su, want a sip? It's still hot — fresh from the side!" Swartz shouted, handing Su Feng a mug of goji berry tea with excitement.
"Thank you," Su Feng replied warmly, taking a sip.
So cool.
So stylish.
Not boastful, not arrogant — even after defeating an NBA player, he remained humble. That's Su Feng.
In Swartz's eyes, at that moment, Su Feng was the embodiment of simple, quiet brilliance.
…
The camera cuts back to the stadium, and Stackhouse is absolutely losing it...
Who am I? Where am I? Did I just get beaten by a high schooler?
In that moment, Stackhouse was so furious he nearly snapped—violent thoughts flickering through his mind.
If word of this spreads... how do I even show my face again?
No, no... breathe. Stay calm. Gotta act like I wasn't even trying.
Yeah, that's it!
I'm an NBA player—why would I go all out against a high school kid?
Seeing Su Feng surrounded by an excited crowd, Stackhouse composed himself and walked over.
He gave Su Feng a thumbs-up and smiled. "You played well. Keep it up. I wasn't at full strength back there, but honestly... you look ready for the NBA."
Nice save, Jerry.
Stackhouse silently applauded his own quick wit.
The onlookers, chewing through their snacks, paused for a beat.
Wait—he didn't play seriously?
Well... he is an NBA player, after all. Still, Su Feng played out of his mind!
Say what you want—Stackhouse has a gift for theatrics.
No wonder that, even after getting humbled repeatedly in another timeline, he still ended up feeding Vince Carter experience points at the 2000 Dunk Contest.
Su Feng didn't mind Stackhouse's spin. He could do the math, but chose not to bother.
What mattered was measuring how far he really was from NBA-level talent.
After this match, he had a decent idea: still quite a gap.
But he now knew he was walking the right path.
Calm. Composed. That's Su Feng.
But here comes the twist.
Su Feng might not care—but someone else did.
"Really? Then play me. No excuses this time. I want your 200%!"
Kobe, who had come over to celebrate with Su Feng, wasn't having it.
Not serious? Didn't go all out?
Oh, so that elbow was affectionate now?
Kobe was furious. He felt Stackhouse was belittling Su Feng by hiding behind his NBA status.
And as Su Feng's closest friend, Kobe wasn't about to let that slide.
Suddenly... Stackhouse was up again?
Looking around helplessly, he searched for his coach—but the two "Johns" were too deep into heads-up strategy talk to notice.
"What's the matter? Scared? Aren't you Jordan's little brother? Did you leave your guts and pride back in North Carolina?" Kobe sneered.
Stackhouse: "?????"
Wow.
This world really had changed.
What happened to rookie respect?
Now any high schooler thought they could take him down?
"You're Kobe, right?" he asked, eyeing Bryant with disbelief.
"Yes," Kobe replied coolly.
"Same rules as before. Let's use basketball," Stackhouse said.
"No problem," Bryant responded.
On the sidelines, the melon-eating spectators resumed selling drinks, seeds, and sodas.
No one expected this—Su Feng vs. Stackhouse just wrapped up, and now Kobe's stepping in!
This time, whether it was the commentary trio or the 76ers coaches, everyone focused intensely on the court.
Before tip-off, Su Feng pointed to his thermos and said to Kobe:
"Want a sip? It's still hot—tastes great."
Su Feng knew Kobe would've played this match regardless. But remembering how Kobe had stuck up for him just now, he was genuinely moved.
That wolfberry tea, mixed with nutrients? Definitely something you share with your brother.
"No need," Kobe grinned. "I'll wrap this up quickly."
Seeing Kobe's confident grin, Su Feng couldn't help but flash a thumbs-up.
…
On the court, it was Kobe vs. Stackhouse.
Same rules as before... and Stackhouse got picked clean by Kobe!
"..."
What kind of international joke was this? Even before stepping onto the court, Bryant had been carefully studying Stackhouse's every move.
The Mamba—known for his sharp observation—never misses a chance to read his opponent like a book.
Kobe had noticed that Stackhouse dribbled with a high center of gravity. So if he attacked from the weak side, there'd be an opening to steal the ball.
Kobe's defense was nothing like Su Feng's. If Su Feng's style was sticky like brown sugar, never letting go of Stackhouse...
Then Kobe was a porcupine—attacking from all angles, sharp and relentless.
Stackhouse was careless.
Even if he wasn't underestimating his opponent this time, he still didn't grasp how much Kobe and Su Feng had evolved.
After all, in a world without developed internet, what arrogant NBA player would waste time scouting two high school kids?
"No worries... that was just a fluke," Stackhouse muttered to himself.
But next...
It was Kobe's turn with the ball. As he drove left, it looked like he'd lost control of the ball.
Stackhouse thought it was a slip-up.
But in that precise moment, Kobe snapped it back behind his body.
Then—bam! A smooth between-the-legs dribble, and Kobe was already gone, blowing past Stackhouse toward the hoop.
BANG!
A ferocious dunk from Kobe!
"Your defense is nowhere near Su's. At least Su doesn't let me blow by so easily."
"This kind of one-on-one? I play dozens of matches like this every day. If it weren't for Su, I wouldn't even need effort to score."
"NBA player? Please. I'll be there soon enough."
Kobe stared coldly at the stunned Stackhouse, his voice dripping with disdain.
Su Feng, despite knowing Kobe was flexing hard, still felt—
Nice!
Keep going!
Push harder!
Okay... Kobe's trash talk was actually kind of awesome.
Meanwhile, the peanut gallery was silent—except for Su Feng.
They were stunned.
Dear heavens...
Lower Merion really has two high schoolers dominating NBA players?!
76ers head coach John Lucas lost his mind.
"Tell Elvin—we want weekly scouting reports on Kobe and Su! Three copies!
If he dares plagiarize from the Philadelphia Evening News again, fire him!"
John Davis could tell Lucas was utterly captivated by their talent.
Honestly? He was too.
Heads-up games may not tell the full story, but—
These two are seventeen!
And while the two Johns tried to process it all... back on the court—
BANG!
Another failed attack by Stackhouse. Kobe used his speed to blow past him again, finishing with a reverse slam in mid-air.
"Poor Stackhouse..."
Su Feng knew he'd completely lost his way.
…
10 to 7.
Kobe's heads-up win came much faster than Su Feng's.
Although Stackhouse showcased his full range of skills as the No. 3 pick, he was ultimately helpless…
Bryant's experience in one-on-one play was simply off the charts.
From a young age, Kobe played no fewer matchups than his dad.
As he grew up, heads-up duels became his thing—even against teammates.
After meeting Su Feng, Kobe studied how to dominate him every single day.
To put it bluntly, Stackhouse was crushed by the Mod Culture gap.
Kobe and Su Feng were already preparing for the NBA.
But Stackhouse still treated them like high school kids.
Isn't that basically galloping in on horseback just to be humbled?
"I…" Stackhouse wanted to ask Kobe and Su Feng for a rematch.
But somehow, he just couldn't say it.
"Kobe, Su, I'll have John [Davis] send you a few Sixers tickets. If you're interested, come watch us anytime," Stackhouse offered.
After the duel, 76ers head coach John Lucas walked over to Kobe and Su Feng:
"You guys are seriously good. Who knows? Maybe we'll work together in the NBA someday."
"Absolutely," added assistant coach John Davis. "There's real potential here."
Kobe beamed at the praise. Su Feng remained calm.
Because Su Feng knew that John Lucas was making a show of goodwill.
But he also understood something important:
If the Sixers still hold the top pick this season, they're not choosing anyone else.
And if Su Feng's memory was correct, Lucas wouldn't even be their head coach next season.
So those promises? Basically meaningless.
Su Feng was honored to be recognized by an NBA coach—but as a steady-minded person, he didn't let it cloud his focus.
Until things are set in stone, it's all just noise.
"Incredible… what kind of psychological resilience is that?"
Assistant coach John Davis silently admired Su Feng's composure.
…
And that's it...
Stackhouse lost.
He had swaggered in like a knight on horseback, but rode out defeated—disappearing down Route 11.
After unknowingly gifting Kobe and Su Feng a load of experience points, the NBA veteran—branded by merit and past glory—had to clean up and return to the league.
And with that, the trio's trip to Philadelphia came to an end.
For these three scouts, the journey was groundbreaking—shattering expectations and rewriting their view of the basketball world.
Especially the duel between Su Feng and Stackhouse—it convinced them:
A Chinese player will soon enter the NBA.
Not long after Kobe and Su Feng passed their "purity check"...
"Interesting… you mean 76ers coach John Lucas brought their ace, Jerry Stackhouse, to the Lower Merion gym?"
In Los Angeles, upon receiving the call from his scout in Philly, Jerry West suddenly felt wide awake.
"Yes, sir. Stackhouse even played bullfight-style one-on-ones against Kobe and Su Feng at the gym," the scout reported.
"What was the result?" West asked, intrigued.
"Kobe and Su both won," the scout replied calmly.
"Is there a video?" West pressed.
"No, boss. But I swear on everything—every word I'm saying is true."
"Alright, I'm not doubting you," West said, tapping his desk.
"I just wish I could've seen how they beat Jerry Stackhouse…
After all, that's Michael's "little brother"—this year's No. 3 pick."
After pausing a moment, West added, "Anyone else know about this?"
"Besides the 76ers? No one. I can guarantee we're the only ones," the scout replied.
"Good. Well done. Keep your cover tight—I don't want anyone to know we're scouting Kobe. No one."
"Understood, boss!" the scout responded, then hung up.
"Philadelphia, huh…"
Jerry West picked up the day's Philadelphia Evening News, flipped quietly to the sports section, and began to read with keen interest.