April 20th.
Snoopy had become the number one figure in American entertainment and sports.
From midnight onward, Disney had been flooding every major entertainment outlet with the explosive story of the NCAA Final Four's MOP kissing Miley Cyrus — and sealing it with love. At the same time, they released Just the Way You Are, a sweet duet single. With relentless promotion, the song shot into the Billboard Top 100 within just a few hours. It was being played on every major radio station, spreading wildly across YouTube and other streaming platforms, with views skyrocketing by the minute.
The single's popularity far exceeded Disney's expectations. They had assumed it would take at least three days — maybe a week — to break into the charts.
Originally, their plan was simple: capitalize on Snoopy's MOP victory and that "stunning kiss" to push some PR buzz. But unexpectedly, the song itself overtook the gossip.
In Disney's press releases, Snoopy was portrayed merely as the basketball knight beside their princess — a supporting role in Miley's spotlight. After all, Disney had spent a fortune on marketing, and their priority was to promote their own star.
But when audiences started digging, they discovered that Snoopy was both the lyricist and composer — and also UCLA's star player — not to mention ridiculously handsome. Naturally, the spotlight began shifting toward Snoopy.
Disney executives were kicking themselves.
"Why didn't we sign him?"
They quickly tried reaching him through Miley's private number, but Snoopy never picked up.
From the moment Snoopy won the MOP trophy the night before, there had already been murmurs of doubt within basketball circles. Even though Kobe Bryant publicly voiced his support during a media interview the next morning, saying that "stats don't tell the whole story," many still found it odd to hear him say that — but his endorsement did help ease some of the criticism.
By 1:30 PM, TNT's Weekly Draft Watch Report aired footage of Snoopy giving his bench speech.
When he shouted, "Follow me — we're going to win this!", every doubt vanished.
He had done exactly what a true leader does: when everyone — even Russell Westbrook — had lost faith, he stood up and delivered a king's rallying cry. Then, he led UCLA to a championship with his actions.
He deserved that MOP award.
Let's not forget — it was his game-saving block in the semifinals that sent UCLA to the finals, after Westbrook's reckless pull-up jumper had nearly doomed them.
"Snoopy saved UCLA. His stats may not match Westbrook's, but he's the true leader of the Bruins — that's an undeniable fact. So yes, awarding him the Final Four MOP was absolutely the right call."
That came from the notoriously sharp-tongued Bill Simmons, no less.
His co-host Chad Fort also praised Snoopy:
"For someone who's only been playing basketball for three months, he's a miracle. Sure, with his height, surviving in the NBA paint might be tough — but still, incredible."
Shortly after Weekly Draft Watch ended, the Orange County Chronicle broke exclusive news:
UCLA Bruins' starting point guard and Final Four MOP, Snoopy, had declared for the 2008 NBA Draft.
The announcement instantly reignited the hype.
Though Snoopy's playstyle leaned toward the interior, his average height made him more relatable to ordinary fans. And since he insisted he was a point guard, it made people even more intrigued by his potential.
A full-scholarship honors student.
A charming, handsome young man.
A prodigious basketball talent.
A gifted musician.
In the U.S., his fame was skyrocketing — his buzz rivaled Derrick Rose, Michael Beasley, and O.J. Mayo, all of whom he had defeated.
And unlike them, he had the entertainment world backing him.
When Daphne walked into the café, she recognized the newly crowned MOP immediately.
She approached Snoopy with a warm smile, extending her hand.
"Hello, I'm Daphne."
"On my way here, I looked you up on my BlackBerry," Daphne said with a grin. "And I found pages upon pages of news — about your music, basketball, and all your gossip. You're practically a textbook idol star."
Her eyes sparkled. "Which is why I think your commercial potential far exceeds that of an ordinary athlete. I'd love to discuss a collaboration with you."