Snoopy spent an extra three hours practicing his shooting in the gym, leaving drenched in sweat.
He returned to the dorm, showered, slept, and then at six in the morning he was back in the gym for a new training session.
Disciplined as he was, Snoopy hated the feeling of falling behind, hated even more the feeling of being restricted. So for the first time in his life, he was giving not just 100% effort, but 120%.
In Coach Ben Holland's eyes, Snoopy was already exceptional. After all, every other player had been training systematically since elementary school, while Snoopy had only played basketball for two months, and he had already exceeded expectations. Even now, if Ben had to choose between Douglas and Snoopy, he would pick Snoopy without hesitation, even though the original reason for recruiting Snoopy was to find a backup for Douglas.
"Snoopy, did you watch Kansas University's game footage?" Coach Holland entered the gym and saw Snoopy, whose sweatshirt was soaked through with sweat. His expression was heavy, mixed with a trace of guilt.
"I did. Their mobility is very strong," Snoopy replied honestly.
"Mhm." Coach Holland nodded. He stayed silent for a long moment before saying, "Kevin's lateral movement isn't great, but he's our offensive core. We can't afford to have two players on the floor at the same time whose mobility is…."
The truth was, Holland really liked Snoopy, in fact, he wanted to replace Kevin Love with him in the starting lineup. But that idea could only stay in his head. First, the coaching staff would never agree. And second, if they lost, he couldn't afford the consequences of such a "willful" decision.
Since Holland couldn't bring himself to say it clearly, Snoopy smiled and answered for him:
"Kevin and Luc as a combo is great. They'll definitely be able to contain Kansas D. Jackson and Darrell Arthur."
"...Sorry."
Holland said the word with regret.
Leaving the gym, Snoopy simply patted his shoulder and smiled.
"Coach, you don't have to apologize for making the right decision. It's your job. But I'm really happy you talked to me, it shows you value me."
Ben Holland had coached many players, but this was the first time he had met someone with emotional intelligence like Snoopy.
So he clenched his fist and told him sincerely:
"Snoopy, I promise you, next season you will be our absolute core. I'll give you full offensive freedom throughout the regular season. No one will threaten your position!"
Snoopy smiled faintly.
This time he felt a little sorry.
Snoopy received a call from Miley Cyrus. She told him she would be at the LA Memorial Coliseum on time, and that the NCAA had officially invited her to perform during halftime.
Hearing that, Snoopy felt awful.
"…Should I go pray at the church or something?" he muttered.
The Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum was a stadium of grandeur and history, host site of the 1984 Olympic Games, with 115,300 seats. It currently served as the home of the Raiders and the USC Trojans football team.
The UCLA boys arrived the morning of the 19th to warm up. It was their first time playing in such a massive open-air venue.
Everything felt fresh. Stunning. Overwhelming.
"Are you ready, boys?" Defensive Coach Nolan had been rambling nonstop on the bus, his excitement overflowing. "The biggest basketball event of the year in the U.S. is about to begin! This will be the most glorious moment of your lives, every eye that cares about basketball will be on you."
"This is the Super Bowl of basketball!"
When Snoopy stood at center court and looked around the empty stadium, only then did he understand how massive this stage really was.
"Tonight, every seat will be filled. Fans from all over the country are rushing here. The game is completely sold out."
"All NBA teams have paused their schedules today just to watch this game. Scouts and NBA stars from all over the world will be in the stands."
"…"
Nolan kept talking.
Snoopy wasn't hearing any of it. His right hand was pressed to his left chest, feeling the wild pounding of his heart, burning with desire.
"Just watch… I'll crush anyone who stands in my way here. Kansas will kneel at my feet. I was born with a clutch gene, I was made for the biggest stage!"
From the side, Russell Westbrook roared:
"Tonight, I am the ONLY king of Los Angeles!"
His voice was loud, but before it reached the far edge of the court, it was already carried away by the wind.