The NCAA in this world is even crazier than in the previous one. Sponsors, betting markets, and local government departments all contributed money and effort to this event.
As for why they tried so hard, it's because they earned more!
In 2003, LeBron James entered the NBA as a high school student.
His explosive playing style then successfully ignited a craze in the NBA.
This made the NCAA drool; if he had entered college first and played for two years, they could have made a fortune!
Because of this, the NCAA began to bicker with the NBA, with all relevant stakeholders getting involved.
Finally, the NBA compromised: players could only be eligible for the draft if they were 18 years old and had played at least one year in the NCAA.
This rule was implemented in 2005, and as for player dissatisfaction, no one cared about that.
Subsequently, the NCAA began a star-making movement.
Although there were no obvious biased calls, grouping reforms and pre-arranging star players' schedules were basic operations.
Commercial mutual praise, fan wars, and star-making.
Upon arriving at the hotel arranged by the Houston event organizers, Kayce encountered many familiar faces.
For example, James Harden, an old friend of Kayce's, in front of him. The two exchanged a series of gestures, then hugged in greeting.
"Kayce, it's great to see you. There's not much entertainment here in Houston. We arrived early, and these past two days have been incredibly boring!"
Harden immediately started complaining.
Kayce knew this guy too well. In high school, his and Klay's game-day routine was eating, sleeping, and beating Harden!
This unlucky guy was suppressed by Kayce for three years in high school. Of course, it was also because of Harden that Kayce was noticed by Coach Ben of UCLA early on.
"Come on, Bro, the playoffs are about to start, and we're in the same group. Don't even think about shaking my resolve."
Kayce said grumpily.
Harden realized Kayce didn't fall for it, then chuckled, and the two began reminiscing, arm in arm.
"You're doing great, this year's big favorite. Listen to what the media is saying about you: the answer for America's backcourt for the next 10 years."
Kayce was confused by those reports; they were too over-the-top.
"What's so strange about that? Look at Griffin; people take pictures with him wherever he goes."
Harden said enviously. This guy's appearance wasn't popular, so he naturally envied Griffin.
At the mention of Griffin, both of them simultaneously felt a pang of jealousy.
"Enough of that, quickly take me for a walk. I won't be able to go out tonight," Kayce changed the subject.
Harden shrugged, indicating that Kayce was in charge.
After an afternoon of commercial networking, Kayce met many superficial friends; after all, more friends mean more opportunities.
After dinner, Kayce was bored watching TV when a call came in.
Looking at the caller ID, Kayce sighed helplessly.
"Good evening, Beth," Kayce picked up his phone and said softly.
"I'm not good, Kayce. I don't like you avoiding me!"
Beth Dutton's low, sexy voice came through the phone.
Kayce's mind wandered as he listened to the familiar voice.
Kayce's background in this life was somewhat peculiar; he was originally born in Asia.
But at the age of 6, he was brought to America by Li Dutton, which was the first turning point in his life.
Li Dutton was from Asia, but after marrying Joanna Dutton, he changed his nationality and surname.
This was the price of marrying into the family.
The Dutton Family is very famous in Montana, owning America's largest ranch, adjacent to a national park. Yellowstone Ranch is the Dutton Family's signature.
Due to a series of struggles, Joanna's father and brother passed away unexpectedly.
When the family was in turmoil, she chose to marry Old Li, and it proved to be the right decision.
The Dutton Family successfully weathered the crisis and developed rapidly again. Joanna successfully maintained the Dutton Family.
Kayce only had a general understanding of the older generation's disputes. Old Li and Joanna were very good to him, raising him as their son.
However, perhaps because of her father's unexpected death, Joanna's personality was very strong and she was even more strict with her three children.
Beth only received strict maternal love from a young age, which meant the mother-daughter relationship was never very good.
After Kayce arrived at the Dutton Family, although he was young, his mature personality from his previous life meant he took extra care of Beth.
Beth is 3 years older than Kayce. They grew up together, and their relationship had always been good.
Until an awkward incident occurred, after which their relationship became strange.
"You're in London now, right? I'm not avoiding you. Is Sir Ferguson easy to get along with?" Kayce changed the subject, teasing her.
"That old man's accent makes me wonder if he's even speaking English. He's a strong person, but under his management, everything at the club is on the right track."
Beth complained, feigning grievance.
In 2003, the Dutton Family chose to diversify its industries.
By coincidence, Joanna bought shares in Manchester United from the Glazer family, and it was these shares that gave Joanna a bold idea.
In 2005, through a series of financial maneuvers and the help of Morgan Stanley, for 800 million pounds, the Dutton Family successfully privatized Manchester United.
In 2006, Manchester United was successfully listed in America.
After getting rich, the Dutton Family chose not to pocket the money but to invest in Old Trafford Stadium, further building the Manchester United brand.
After all, the acquisition didn't cost too much, and the Dutton Family wasn't short on money back then.
Local Manchester United fans were initially dissatisfied, but later exclaimed how good it was, because when Abramovich took over Chelsea and splashed money, it was false to say they weren't envious.
After graduating from Harvard, Beth went directly to intern in the Manchester United commercial department as an assistant to the president.
The curvaceous blonde complained to Kayce while taking a bath:
"Are you really going to choose to play basketball? Last year, those scouts didn't think highly of you at all. They came with preconceived notions. Talk to Joanna, Kayce."
"I'm not that fragile. If someone slanders me, I'm not the type to run home to my mom!
Alright, Beth, don't worry about me. Tell me about Manchester United. I'm a 30-year veteran Red Devil."
Kayce said playfully.
"Hmph, you're always like that!" The beautiful blonde girl began to share her life in England.
She liked to share everything with her loved ones.
The call lasted for an hour; the power of a long phone chat was terrifying.
Kayce checked the time; it wasn't bedtime yet. He decided to soothe the forest and the trees a bit more.
It was time to show his true skills; multitasking had to be mastered!
"Britney should arrive tomorrow, and Anne should also come. These two absolutely cannot meet!"
Kayce silently prayed.
"If only I could clone myself, being a time management master is really not easy!"
Kayce adjusted his posture and slowly fell asleep. The dream space training routine began again.
"Hehe, I can even train while sleeping. I'll work you all to death!"