Skip college and head straight to the NBA?
Kobe and Su Feng together?
"Interesting. Very interesting."
In the stands, gazing at center court inside the capital stadium, Kobe Bryant held the championship trophy with Su Feng beside him. Miami Heat scout Jackson stroked his chin and smiled.
"I... I mean, guys, I know this is huge news...
But we're not like those reporters. We don't need to chase stories.
Listen... listen to me, because everyone's going to be talking about this anyway.
So... what's everyone's take on Kobe and Su Feng?"
Sitting a few rows behind Jackson, a stuttering scout named Foyman chimed in:
"Yes, who wants to go first?"
"Let Elvin start—after all, this is his home court."
"Elvin, remember Sean Bradley from Birmingham University? Haha!"
"Why are you guys like this? What's wrong with Sean Bradley?"
"Ugh, I give up. I can't even finish editing this. Someone else take over."
The one being mocked in the stands was none other than the former chief scout of the Philadelphia 76ers, now downgraded to assistant scout—
Elvin Martinez.
A bunch of Bitch bastards!
Why do they have to bring up the past three years? Must they always mention it?
In that moment, Elvin was mentally shattered.
Because in the summer of 1993, under Elvin's strong recommendation, the 76ers used their No. 2 overall pick on a 229 cm tall beanpole—
Sean Bradley, nicknamed "The Essence of the Human Dunk."
The 76ers had somehow dodged every good option in the 1993 draft.
Entranced by Bradley's towering height and humble, soft-spoken demeanor, they took a gamble.
Sadly, Bradley couldn't bulk up no matter how much he ate.
Sure, he could make countless women swoon off the court,
but on the hardwood, he was nothing short of a tragic figure.
In fact, few were more well-known than Bradley during this NBA era—
but mostly for the wrong reasons.
A search for his name on YouTube would turn up clips like
"Bradley's Top Ten Posterizations" or
"If You Haven't Dunked on Bradley, Can You Even Dunk?"
With his lanky frame, Bradley helped elevate the standard of dunking across the league—by being the frequent victim.
Elvin's mistake? He was overly confident in Bradley's height.
According to a future ESPN report, when Yao Ming retired,
there had been 15 players in NBA history who stood taller than 221 cm.
Of those, five played no more than two seasons.Only two had averaged 20+ points per game: Ralph Thompson and Yao Ming.Only three had averaged 10+ rebounds: Sabonis, Thompson, and Yao.
Surprised?
Shocked?
It's the perfect rebuttal to the claim that Yao Ming succeeded only because of his height.
The NBA has never been short on giants.
But among those towering over 221 cm, Yao stood out for his shoulder width, hip structure, agility, coordination, and speed—
a once-in-a-generation combination.
Not every giant is Yao Ming.
Because the American version of the "Little Giant," Sean Bradley, proved that
height, modesty, and politeness aren't enough in the NBA.
This is a league of superheroes.
A battleground where only the strong survive.
After repeatedly disappointing Philadelphia fans, Elvin was ousted as chief scout.
If not for the team owner's lingering appreciation for his earlier work,
Elvin might have lost even his assistant role.
Ever since, he'd changed.
He grew insecure.
He began relying on media and peer opinions—believing his judgment as a scout was no longer trustworthy.
His dinner choice?
Blending in.
For Elvin—now a family man—stability meant everything.
But something shifted...
Ever since receiving orders from John Lucas to write three weekly scouting reports on Kobe and Su Feng,
Elvin started to feel...
like his judgment...
was coming back.
Watching his laughing peers from the stands, Elvin thought to himself:
Laugh all you want.
I don't care.
"Let me start with my thoughts on Kobe.
He's technically versatile and possesses exceptional athletic talent."
In high school, he played all five positions on the court.
By his senior year, his playmaking ability had improved significantly.
Therefore, I believe that if Kobe skips college and enters the NBA, his draft position shouldn't fall outside the top twelve in the first round.
Now, let me share my thoughts on Su.
Su has a pair of enviable large hands and long arms.
His exceptional static athleticism allows him to defend positions 1 through 5 in the high school league.
Additionally, he possesses outstanding shooting ability. Not long ago, he hit ten three-pointers in a single showcase game.
He's also the scoring champion of Pennsylvania this season, indicating he dedicated time to developing offensive skills over the summer.
That's why I believe, if Su skips college and enters the NBA...
I'd be willing to bet on his future within the top 24 picks of the first round," said Elvin to his colleagues.
"Top twelve for Kobe and top twenty-four for Su? Elvin, do you know what you're saying?
This isn't 1993—it's 1996!
Do you realize how many elite prospects are entering the draft this year?"
Scout Adams shook his head and offered his opinion:
"I admit, both Su and Kobe have plenty of strengths.
But regarding Su—although he's the state scoring champion...
His offensive repertoire relies heavily on catch-and-shoot jumpers, pull-ups, and turnaround fadeaways.
In the high school league, his physical gifts allow him to dominate peers, sure.
But in the NBA?
He lacks diversity in his offensive game and doesn't possess strong ball-handling ability as a perimeter player.
So I believe Su is better suited to be a mid–second-round pick."
"I agree with Adams."
"Seconded."
"But..." Elvin tried to respond, when Jackson gently pulled him aside.
"Adams makes sense," Jackson said with a calm smile.
"However, I've got a very interesting bit of news I want to share."
Beside him, Foyman grew impatient. "You... you... just... spit it out!"
"Did you know that, in late November, 76ers coach John Lucas visited Lower Merion High School?" Jackson said.
"Big deal," someone muttered.
Lucas lives in Philly—watching Kobe and Su Feng play seems normal enough.
"Hold on. He wasn't alone. He came with Jerry Stackhouse," Jackson added.
"You mean the North Carolina phenom? Michael's protege?"
"Yeah, I've seen him play. Talented kid."
"But what does this have to do with Kobe and Su?"
Jackson raised his hands. "It's a bigger connection than you think.
While at Lower Merion, Jerry challenged Kobe and Su to one-on-one matchups—separately.
And guess what?"
Silence.
Seeing Jackson's smirk, every scout braced themselves.
"Both Kobe and Su beat Jerry!" Jackson declared.
"That's impossible! Stackhouse?!"
"Where did you get this info?"
"Is it legit? Any video footage?"
"Impossible? Come on—it's real.
And no, there's no video," Jackson replied.
"No video? Then how dare you make that claim..."
"Don't believe me? Ask Elvin.
Or go check Chinese media reports." Jackson grinned and patted Elvin's shoulder.
"Chinese media? Aren't they just hyping Su up?" one scout speculated.
"Is that even necessary?
Besides, you could also talk to the Lower Merion players. They were all there that day," Jackson said.
"Still…"
"Elvin, is it true?
Did Su and Kobe really beat Stackhouse?"
In the stands, as the scouts turned to him again, Elvin felt disoriented.
It wasn't the attention—he was stunned by how quickly this news had spread.
Meanwhile, Lakers scout Martin was just as stunned.
How did Jackson even know?
Martin only knew because his nephew Swartz—who attended Lower Merion—was a teammate of Kobe and Su.
Sure, for Martin, the info was natural. He was a 76ers scout with inside access.
But Jackson?
Chinese media? Holy shit!!
Martin involuntarily let out a curse.
He was worried...
This news might derail Jerry West's draft strategy.
And with Elvin not denying it, his silence basically confirmed everything.
"It's unbelievable—they're just high schoolers."
"Even if it was just a casual scrimmage, and Jerry was messing around..."
"Interesting. Really interesting—but without footage, it's a shame."
"Still, we can't draw conclusions from one story.
The McDonald's All-American Game is coming.
There's still time to reevaluate."
Scout Adams, upon hearing all this, felt compelled to reassess Su Feng.
He even suggested inviting Su to Phoenix for pre-draft workouts.
"I…"
Foyman, sitting behind Jackson, tried to say something, but his words were lost in a stammer.
Philip, seated beside him, smiled and said, "Don't worry, old man—I'll speak for us."
Foyman nodded.
"Honestly, guys, Kobe and Su are both players worth investigating.
Since they've declared for the draft straight out of high school, we're short on time.
I think Elvin and Adams both make fair points.
Kobe has versatile offensive skills.
To me, he's more polished than many current NBA players.
He sees the floor well and finishes plays with precision.
In high school, even triple-teamed, he finds the open man with ease.
He's driven by an intense will to win—a player capable of dominating games.
But as you know, there's always the risk he turns out like Harold Miner…
That's why I think Kobe should be considered a mid–first-round gamble.
Then again, he could go Lotto—he's absolutely worth it."
Regarding Su, Adams mentioned his limited offensive tools.
It's true—Su's physical gifts in the high school league gave him a major mismatch advantage.
But let's flip that perspective: doesn't that show Su knows how to read the game?
He understands how to leverage his strengths, and this season, after watching several of his games...
Beyond the offensive moves Adams pointed out, Su clearly integrated more low-post strategies into his game.
Even his pump fakes and change-of-pace moves gave the impression of a seasoned professional.
Adams—don't give me that look.
I know Su's offensive repertoire is still raw, maybe even underdeveloped.
But doesn't that simply highlight his potential on that end?
Personally, my optimism about Su doesn't stem from his offensive play...
It comes from his defense.
What's the most precious commodity in today's league?
Is it vertical leap? Speed? Shooting? Height?
None of those, in my view.
Even if Su turns out to be just a spot-up shooter in the NBA—he's worth the gamble.
Because he's a lockdown defender, and in this era, defense is as valuable as diamonds.
Su never backs down. Maybe his ceiling isn't as high as Kobe's,
but his floor is rock solid.
If it were up to me, he's absolutely worthy of a first-round pick," Philip concluded.
"Philip makes a solid argument."
"Agreed!"
"Seconded!"
"Honestly, whether it's Kobe or Su, they're both unrefined gold.
And that's the beauty of it, isn't it?
If they were already Tim-level, we wouldn't be debating at all," Philip added.
"True. This year's draft is already being called the golden generation…
But I've got a feeling next year's competition will be even fiercer!"
"Not to brag, but Tim Duncan has no flaws—except maybe being young."
"My comp for Tim is Hakeem Olajuwon."
"Honestly, Tim might be the most polished rookie in the NBA in a decade."
"Yep…"
From the stands, as the scouts chatted about Duncan, Elvin quietly leaned over to Jackson.
Just like players have cliques and coaches have networks, scouts operate in their own circles.
Back then, with limited access to information, NBA scouts often shared intel among themselves.
Some even relied on media reports.
But in Elvin's view, something like "Su Feng and Kobe beat Stackhouse one-on-one" was classified.
In the pre-social-media 90s, anyone who got insider rookie info first held a strategic draft advantage.
So Elvin couldn't quite understand why Jackson would…
"I know what you're thinking, Elvin," Jackson whispered, patting him on the shoulder.
"But when Su and Kobe beat Jerry, whether I said it or not, the news was bound to spread before the draft."
"Was it the Chinese media?" Elvin asked, half-resigned.
"I know you're high on Su and Kobe—you're based in Philly, after all," Jackson laughed.
"But buddy, don't you think…"
Before Elvin could reply, Jackson cut him off.
"You're too honest, man.
Back in '93, I thought you were the straight-laced type…
But three years later, and you're still that guy."
Elvin: "…"
"You really think Adams was just nitpicking Su?
I've got reliable sources—Phoenix is seriously interested in him.
Believe me, they'll be one of the first teams to invite Su for a workout.
Elvin, sharing info is fine…
But as scouts, we're more than just messengers.
If NBA teams were wartime nations, we'd be the intelligence agents. Got that?" Jackson chuckled.
"Wait… Phoenix is eyeing Su?" Elvin blinked in disbelief.
"Are you angling for chief scout through the back door?" Jackson smirked.
"Uh…"
"You know Foyman and Philip work for Jerry West, right?" Jackson whispered.
"Huh? But isn't Martin the Lakers' scout?" Elvin was shocked.
"Martin's just a Bitch …
L.A. wants Kobe badly.
So Philip's job is to redirect attention toward Su.
See how he only echoed consensus opinions on Kobe,
but dissected Su's profile like a surgeon?
Philip doesn't want the room focusing too much on Kobe—you catch my drift?" Jackson laughed.
Elvin felt like he was seeing the bigger picture.
FK!
These guys are intelligence operatives… Their games are too dirty!
"So yeah, I just helped them along," Jackson added.
"But why?" Elvin asked.
"Because I'm interested in Su too."
"I hope this pool gets as murky as possible," Jackson grinned.
"You know the league has started fully engaging with the Chinese market."
"I know," Elvin replied, "but I'm not too optimistic about it."
"I'm not optimistic about the market—but I do trust David Stern's choices," Jackson added.
"Still, if you're that interested in Su…" Elvin hesitated, sensing he'd hit a wall.
"That's why I leaked the information—to draw more attention to Su.
Besides, who said everything I just told you is true?
Maybe I just want the team to pick Kobe instead," Jackson laughed.
Elvin: "…"
Feeling somewhat drained, Elvin looked up at the dome of the Harrisburg Capital Stadium.
And while everyone else focused on the Lower Merion team celebrating at center court...
Elvin couldn't help but smile—his lips curled into a cryptic arc.
Three years… You really think those three years were wasted?
Maybe I was an honest man back then.
But three years changes everything.
If they want to label me as honest, fine by me.
Truth is, Elvin wasn't a stranger to the mind games between scouts.
Because in the '90s, everyone played that game.
In an era before social media, whoever held the deepest intel would always have the last laugh.
Like the classic trade between the Raptors and Warriors:
the Raptors knew the Warriors wanted Jamison—so they drafted him, then traded him for Vince Carter and cash.
And this year, with the draft being hyped as the "Golden Generation,"
every team's investment in scouting was far heavier than before.
That's why, when Foyman asked the group to assess Kobe and Su's prospects,
Elvin had laid out his thoughts like an open book.
Because yes—he played the honest man.
In reality, though, the full scouting report would be on 76ers coach John Lucas's desk within days.
A report Elvin had spent an entire year compiling.
"Kobe has the potential to become the next Michael Jordan. He refuses to lose and plays with relentless energy.
I don't think he'll be another Harold Miner, because Kobe's fundamentals are solid.
If possible, I recommend the team use the XXXX pick to draft Kobe.
As for Su—he's only had formal training for two years.
His foundation was weak, but his progress is nothing short of extraordinary.
I urge the team to monitor news coming out of China.
Once the NBA expands into that market, I believe in Stern's commitment.
Therefore, if possible, I suggest using a XXXX pick on Su as well."
Elvin's report was meticulous.
He even interviewed Su's teammates, coaches, and fellow students.
To him, Kobe and Su Feng were two obsessively disciplined, passionate players—
raw gold, worth the gamble.
So even if this pool was filled with murky agendas, Elvin wasn't afraid.
If the 76ers' staff trusted his insight, no other team would outbid them.
Truth be told, Phoenix's interest in Su Feng was long known to Elvin—
Jackson didn't even know that.
Seattle? Also very interested.
"I think Su's pick will fall somewhere between late first and mid-second round," Elvin mused quietly.
Watching Su Feng, crowned with a championship hat at center court, he smiled.
…
Cough... Just as the scouts in the stands were caught in a web of gamesmanship…
At center court in the capital stadium, Su Feng received the first FMVP trophy of his basketball career.
In the final game, Su scored a dominant 40 points — the highest of the match.
Although his teammate Kobe racked up a flashy "20+10+10" triple-double stat line, perhaps to make up for the fact that their KS duo wouldn't continue into college, the event committee ultimately awarded FMVP to Su Feng.
And just like that, Su Feng became the first Chinese player in history to win the FMVP award in American high school basketball
Over the 1995–96 season, Su Feng averaged:
33.5 points6.5 rebounds1.5 assists2.0 steals2.5 blocks per game
That performance earned him the title of scoring champion in the Pennsylvania High School Basketball League — and a spot alongside Kobe in the All-State First Team.
Worth mentioning: the season MVP still went to Kobe. After all, those "sewer" stats were outrageously beautiful…
In 1995–96, Kobe averaged:
27.4 points12.8 rebounds10.2 assists3.4 steals3.6 blocks
With a season-long triple-double, he earned the nickname "King of the Sewers."
He also surpassed Wilt Chamberlain's high school scoring record with 2,780 points, becoming Pennsylvania's all-time top scorer.
Cough...
Su Feng, defensive maestro, also took home the Best Defensive Player of the Year award in Pennsylvania.
Su Feng: ORZ.
At center court in the Harrisburg Capital Gymnasium, basking in the roaring cheers of Pennsylvania fans, Su Feng — crowned state champion — exchanged a glance with Bryant.
Well… Senior year was now officially behind them.
Time to march toward the NBA!