Chapter 1: System Fusion — 198cm Iverson?
"Time really flies, huh? March Madness is almost here again!"
"Yeah, who's our first-round opponent this year? New Mexico State, right?"
"Easy dub! We've got Kevin Durant!"
"No kidding, that guy's a straight-up scoring machine!"
On the campus pathway, Chen Yan stood there dazed, listening to students of all backgrounds chatting excitedly about the upcoming tournament.
What the hell's going on?
Suddenly, a flood of memories surged into his head like a tidal wave.
Within seconds, Chen Yan realized something shocking—he had regressed back in time.
From June 2021, he had been transported to March 2007.
And not just anywhere—he was now a member of the University of Texas basketball team!
Before he could process it further, a robotic voice echoed in his head:
"Ding! Regression successful. Activating [The Strongest Basketball Plugin]!"
"Random star template initializing..."
"Ding! Template fusion successful—host has fused with: Allen Iverson (Rookie Season)."
"Fusion complete. System panel generated."
In front of his eyes, a semi-transparent blue panel popped up:
---
[Player Name]: Chen Yan
[Height]: 198 cm
[Weight]: 88 kg
[Wingspan]: 218 cm
[Standing Vertical]: 98 cm
[Max Vertical]: 105 cm
[Ball Handling]: 90
[Speed]: 92
[Stamina]: 90
[Court Vision]: 84
[Dribble Drive]: 90
[Layup]: 85
[Mid-Range]: 77
[Three-Point]: 67
[Free Throw]: 80
[Passing]: 85
[Positioning]: 90
[Steal]: 88
[Strength]: 65
[Rebounding]: 58
[Defense]: 65
[Block]: 68
[Mentality]: 95
[Skills]:
God-Level Steal (Active: +10% Steal Success Rate)
Answer Crossover (Active: +10% Breakthrough Success Rate, +8% First-Step Speed)
Note: Active skills consume stamina. Use wisely.
[Overall Rating]: A
---
Looking at the numbers, Chen Yan's eyes widened.
So this is my system plugin?
Iverson's rookie year was legendary—23.5 points and 7.5 assists per game. Straight-up All-Star numbers.
But then... he frowned.
"Wait, why is the speed only 92? And my mid-range and three-point ratings? 77 and 67? That feels off for Iverson."
System Response:
"Due to host's initial physical foundation being low, certain attributes from the star template have been weakened during fusion."
...So I'm dragging the template down.
Still dazed, he asked another key question: "Are these attributes fixed? Can they improve?"
This was critical. If these numbers were permanent, he'd be capped at All-Star level—no shot at being a true NBA superstar.
System Response:
"Attributes can be enhanced. Win games and complete tasks to earn Honor Points. Points can be used to upgrade attributes. This is the system's universal currency."
Chen Yan's heart began to race. Let's go! I can still level up!
He remembered what Kobe once said:
"We're all lucky Iverson isn't 6'6."
Well now?
He looked at his panel again.
198 cm tall... Iverson?
And one that can continuously level up?
Yeah. Now that's scary.
He quickly organized his thoughts:
In this timeline, Chen Yan was a freshman recruited last September. He played as a shooting guard for the Texas Longhorns... but only as a deep bench player.
His average game time? Just 5.9 minutes.
His stats? 1.3 points and 1.1 assists per game.
Fans back home in China sarcastically nicknamed him "Chen Yifen" (One Point Chen).
Talent-wise, his physical stats were elite—198 cm tall with a 218 cm wingspan. Definitely NBA-worthy on paper.
But the rest?
Trash.
32% from two-point range.
25% from beyond the arc.
Low skill level. Weak athleticism.
In a college league packed with monsters, Chen Yan was invisible.
Still, the Chinese media hyped him up like crazy—because clicks = money.
He could drop 1 point and 1 assist, and they'd headline him as "Future Core of Team China," "Yao's Successor," or "NBA-Bound Chen Yan."
It was ridiculous.
The more the media hyped him, the more netizens roasted him.
"2 points per game and he's the team's core?"
"Bro's in the wrong sport. Should've joined the Texas football team."
"NBA? You think your family owns the league?"
"Go play in the CBA. Stop embarrassing us."
And honestly?
They weren't wrong.
With his original skill level, even making it in the CBA would've been a stretch.
But now?
Now he had a 198 cm body with Iverson's rookie template.
If that wasn't NBA material, what was?
He just needed one thing—a stage to show what he could do.
And March Madness?
The perfect stage.
In the U.S., March Madness was even more hyped than the NBA playoffs.
On finals night, the NBA paused their games—not out of respect, but because no one was watching the NBA.
Now I just need to make the final 12-man roster...
While lost in thought, Chen Yan found himself standing outside the training hall.
"Yo! Chen, you're early today!"
A voice called out behind him. Chen turned.
Tall. Slim. Sharp features. Confident vibe.
No mistaking it—Kevin Durant.
The man himself.
With his long legs and casual swagger, KD jogged over with a backpack slung over one shoulder.
"KD, you're glowing today," Chen said with a grin.
Durant chuckled and nodded. "Hell yeah, man. I'm hyped for next week. First March Madness, can't wait to cook!"
His eyes sparkled with energy. This was his moment too.
Then he slung an arm over Chen's shoulder.
"C'mon bro, let's get warmed up. Coach is announcing the final 12-man roster for March Madness today. You better go hard in scrimmage!"
Chen nodded seriously, and the two walked into the gym together.
They were close—same class, roommates, and pretty much inseparable.
Training, classes, dorm life... always side by side.
They were both LSPS by nature—Lonely Single Players of Society.
The only difference?
Chen Yan took it out on the court.
Durant?
He stayed under the covers... liking influencer posts and working his hands in the shadows.