When Su Xi shouted those words on a national television channel, the entire NCAA basketball world was stunned.
This was something that had never happened in the history of college basketball.
The NCAA had seen plenty of arrogant characters, but until now, only one had ever made such a public challenge on a live national broadcast.
Off-camera, Bill Duffy was dumbfounded, his mouth agape in shock for a long, long time. He never dreamed Su Xi would say something like that. He was turning himself into a target.
Soon, however, he breathed a sigh of relief. He realized: 'Jack is such a good person. He's being too good to Carmelo. He's trying to draw all the fire so that Carmelo can play his best without any pressure.'
After the interview, Carmelo Anthony pulled Su Xi into a tight hug. "Jack, don't say anything. I get it. Thank you!"
Every team needs a lightning rod for hate. It was like how Michael Jordan had Dennis Rodman, who did the dirty work on the court and specialized in absorbing all the negative energy off it, all to accentuate Jordan's own greatness, brilliance, and righteousness.
Carmelo never expected Su Xi to say something like this on a national broadcast right before the NCAA Tournament.
"Jack usually seems so cold and quiet. But I know that, deep down, he's a passionate person. What he's done for me is far more than any help I've given him."
Carmelo Anthony later said to Bill Duffy, "If there's a chance in the future, please give him a push. I hope he makes it to the NBA, too."
Bill Duffy nodded seriously.
They both believed that Su Xi's sudden, outrageous words were a ploy to draw fire away from Anthony.
They couldn't think of any other reason... why else would Jack do it?
Su Xi was surprised by the goodwill coming from Anthony and Bill Duffy. The only reason he did it was to fuse his talents. He wanted to absorb his explosiveness and strength talents faster through live-action competition.
And what could be more efficient than a public challenge on national television?
...
After the live broadcast aired, Su Xi's name quickly shot to the top of the trending topics. With March Madness just around the corner, his reputation was thoroughly established.
Everyone now remembered the handsome young man beside Carmelo Anthony, the one with the strange nickname: Little Sheep Su Xi.
They also knew he was incredibly arrogant, declaring he would defend against every single star player.
He had made a public challenge.
Basketball media outlets scrambled to report on it, dubbing him: "NCAA's Number One Madman."
Furthermore, they put out a call to action: Who will be the first genius to crush this arrogant upstart?
Talented players all across the United States were stirring with anticipation.
Su Xi had roiled public opinion, and they all wanted to be the first one to take a bite. If they could devour Little Sheep Su Xi, their draft stock would soar.
Any performance in any game during March Madness could change a player's destiny.
Whether it was a single highlight-reel game, a brief moment of brilliance, or completely dominating a specific opponent, it was enough to cause a seismic shift come the NBA draft.
Just as he had hoped, Su Xi had become the target.
When Jim Boeheim saw Su Xi, he looked heartbroken and said sorrowfully, "Jack, you don't have to sacrifice so much for the team. Do you know what's happening? Every top talent in the NCAA has caught wind of this, and they all want to take you down."
"You've become a feast in their eyes. Taking you down will win them immense praise."
Boeheim cared a lot about Su Xi. In his mind, Su Xi was the soul of the team for the next three years. He knew Su Xi probably wouldn't make it to the NBA, so developing him was the most practical choice. Moreover, he was hardworking, diligent, and selflessly dedicated, always doing the dirtiest and toughest jobs on the court.
And he was never arrogant or challenged the coach's authority.
There wasn't a head coach alive who wouldn't love a player like that.
But now, this low-key player, in order to help the team and help Carmelo Anthony, had stepped forward to taunt every top player in the NCAA on a national broadcast, concentrating all the heat on himself.
It was a grand, sacrificial gesture.
When Boeheim discussed the topic with the athletic committee, his voice even cracked. "Anyone from any other team can laugh at Jack for overestimating himself, but we can't. He sacrificed himself to create space for our team."
Then, he applied for a full scholarship for Su Xi for the next semester, including the highest level of living stipends... on par with Carmelo Anthony.
The athletic committee approved it without hesitation.
A hero shouldn't have to bleed and weep.
Su Xi never expected such a chain reaction. He was at a loss for words.
He told Anthony and the head coach, "I really just wanted to test myself and improve my own talents."
Neither Anthony nor Boeheim believed him. Anthony even hugged Su Xi again. "No need to hide it, Jack. We get it."
The situation was pretty awkward... for Su Xi.
...
Manhattan College's superstar was Louis Flores, a junior who was three years older than Su Xi and Anthony. This was because he had played for a year at Rutgers University before transferring to Manhattan College. He dominated the Atlantic Alliance, Manhattan College's conference, and had been selected to the All-Conference First Team and named Most Valuable Player for two consecutive years. He had also won the Haggerty Award, given to New York City's best player... in recognition of his outstanding contributions to his team.
During the regular season this year, he averaged 22.7 points per game.
It was a given that he would become an NBA player. History would prove this correct, as he was drafted by the Rockets in 2004, though he was traded around as a fringe player.
But just because he couldn't stick in the NBA didn't mean he wasn't a dominant force in the NCAA.
At 185 centimeters tall and weighing 93 kilograms, he was a real bulldog of a player.
While his explosiveness and speed were mediocre by NBA standards, they were top-tier in the NCAA. He also had decent ball-handling and scoring abilities.
Everyone knew that he, not small forward Jason Carter, was the only real obstacle to Syracuse University advancing in the tournament.
He saw the reports on television.
Jason Carter said to him, "Look at your opponent. He's the talk of the college basketball world right now."
"He's just grandstanding. A lot of guys like him try to manufacture hype to get attention from NBA teams," Flores said dismissively. "But he's drunk from a poisoned chalice. All the media attention he's built up will soon be mine. I'm going to be the first one to completely destroy him."
"Of course, you're our MVP. Louis, when you make it to the NBA, don't forget about us," Jason Carter said, naturally kissing up. "I'll make sure to feed you the ball."
Flores nodded proudly.
'I've seen Su Xi's file,' he thought. 'He's a nobody. Just a hanger-on who got onto the team through connections, right?'
'He used to ride Reggie Williams's coattails, and now he's riding Carmelo Anthony's.'
Tch!
He sneered inwardly.
Just then, the assistant coach walked over. "Sports Illustrated wants to do an interview with you in Boston. Get ready."
The moment Flores heard this, his eyes lit up.
'Oh my god, Sports Illustrated?!!!'
'Usually, only super-geniuses like LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony, and Chris Bosh get that kind of attention. And now they want to interview me?'
'Thank you, you foolish egomaniac.'
'My time has come,' Flores thought.
...
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