Watching the Alabama players train down on the court, Chen Yilun couldn't help but click his tongue in amazement.
"Now this is a real powerhouse school—everything just feels top-tier."
Alabama's star power might be dim this year, but from what he'd just seen in their closed practice, one thing was clear:
They'd still show up strong in this year's March Madness.
Why? Simple—Coach Smith's training was just that good.
Every player knew their role and played to their strengths.
That's exactly what a great coach brings to a team.
"How is it?"
Coach Smith leaned in and asked quietly.
"Pretty solid."
Chen Yilun nodded—no empty flattery, just genuine acknowledgment.
"It's a really good team."
Hearing this, Coach Smith couldn't hide the pride on his face.
"Of course. In the NCAA, our program is known for its discipline."
"Feels like your guy Sexton's free throws aren't too great though."
Chen Yilun tossed out the comment casually.
"Uh… yeah."
Coach Smith scratched his head, a little embarrassed.
"He's the type who feeds off chaos—the messier the situation, the more excited he gets. He can hit all sorts of ridiculous shots, but the moment he stops and the pace slows down, his accuracy drops. That's exactly why his free throws look the way they do."
"Makes sense."
Chen Yilun nodded repeatedly.
They hadn't interacted much before, but Coach Smith was clearly the type who says exactly what he thinks.
For NCAA coaches, the number of lottery picks or first-rounders they produce is part of their résumé. Most coaches try to hide their players' weaknesses, hoping for a better draft position.
And in that regard, Duke's Coach K was a master.
Just as Chen Yilun was thinking this, Prince finished a phone call and tiptoed over.
"Boss, Coach K from Duke invited us over for a visit."
"Who?"
Chen Yilun turned, stunned.
He had literally just been complaining about Coach K in his head—and the invitation dropped on him the next second.
A bit embarrassed, he rubbed his nose before saying to Prince,
"The old man invited us himself. We can't turn that down. Set up a time—we'll head over."
"On it!"
Prince turned and made the reply.
Coach Smith, who had heard the whole exchange, waited until Prince left before speaking.
"Even Coach K reached out, huh? Boss Chen, you're keeping busy on this trip."
"Hahaha."
Chen Yilun let out a dry laugh. "Well, since I'm already out here, I figured I'd visit more places. I was planning to drop in on Coach K in a couple of days anyway—didn't expect him to be this enthusiastic."
He glanced at the Alabama players wrapping up practice.
"That's it for today. We'll head back and rest."
Coach Smith didn't dare keep them and promptly escorted the group off campus.
Walking back to the hotel, Anjali finally asked, "Why did Duke suddenly invite us? I thought our main partners were Kentucky, UCLA, and Washington. We barely interact with Duke."
"Probably that old fox wants a slice of the pie."
Stretching lazily, Chen Yilun replied,
"Coach K's no ordinary figure—he's smarter than most people in the league. He probably sensed I was throwing up a smokescreen and now wants to use us to boost his own players' stock."
Hands in his pockets, he quickened his pace.
"But that works too. Alabama alone won't draw enough attention. Add Duke into the mix? Now that's solid."
Thinking of Duke's lineup this year, he couldn't help but grin.
Handled well, those guys could chew up several high draft picks.
...
...
"Boss Chen, welcome to Duke."
At the campus gate, Coach Scheyer came out early to greet them.
As a legend of the basketball world, Coach K had already shown plenty of sincerity by inviting Chen Yilun personally—he wouldn't come all the way to the door himself.
"Hello, hello."
Chen Yilun was polite toward the man who would eventually lead Duke.
"The team's still in training camp, so the coach couldn't come greet you. I'll take you to the gym."
Scheyer led the way as they wound through several turns before arriving at a massive arena.
Looking up at the enormous gym, Chen Yilun couldn't help but marvel.
No wonder they dominate basketball—the facilities alone put many small city public arenas to shame.
The moment he stepped inside, he saw players all over the court, drenched in sweat as they trained.
Amateurs watch the excitement; professionals watch the details.
With just one glance, Chen Yilun could tell Duke's players—whether in scale, talent, speed, physicality, or chemistry—were a clear step above the Alabama group he saw yesterday.
As soon as he walked in, Coach K, who had been watching from the sidelines, greeted him with a warm grin.
"I've wanted to invite you over for a long time, but never got the chance. Once I heard you were in town, I invited you immediately."
They exchanged a few pleasantries, but Chen Yilun's eyes kept drifting back to the court.
Noticing this, Coach K laughed.
"My boys look pretty good, don't they? You're glued to the action."
"There are definitely some great prospects."
Still watching the court, Chen Yilun said, "I recognize a few of them, but only vaguely. Coach K, mind introducing them?"
"Gladly."
Coach K pointed at a tall freshman with an afro running shuttle sprints.
"This is our new recruit this year—a super talent. Marvin Bagley!"
There it was.
Chen Yilun looked at Bagley and had to cover his mouth to stop himself from laughing.
This was the very player who got Kings GM Divac nailed to the pillar of shame—and ended his career in the process.