During the full-team practice, Su Xi was assigned to the reserve squad.
Anthony and McNamara were both surprised, but Su Xi remained calm.
This left Coach Jim Boham feeling a bit frustrated. He had made this arrangement hoping Su Xi would complain or show some dissatisfaction. Then, Boham could naturally step in to "placate" him, telling him not to get ahead of himself and fantasize about the NBA.
Hit them with the stick, then offer the carrot.
It was how experienced coaches manipulated their players.
But Su Xi was completely obedient, without the slightest complaint.
This put Jim Boham on the back foot. He worried Su Xi's "silence" meant his mind was already made up.
So, after the practice ended, he casually walked over to Su Xi. "How does it feel to be on the bench?" he asked.
Su Xi said, "I follow the coach's arrangements."
There wasn't a hint of dissatisfaction in his tone.
