Lao K looked at Zhang Zifeng and said seriously, "Jack, you haven't found out where the root of the problem is?" The fundamental reason why the team has caused the atmosphere is you! ”

"Me?" Zhang Zifeng shouted in disbelief. "Coach, don't be kidding, what's wrong with me! I've always led by example, I've been diligent in every game and I've never let up. What does it have to do with me that they don't play seriously. ”

Old K said solemnly, "It doesn't matter, what is being said about you outside, the strongest scoring guard, basketball superstar, Jordan II." As long as you are on the same team with Zhang Zifeng, your grandma can win the championship! What is this? Is it your own credit that the team won, is it your own effort? ”

Zhang Zifeng said, "Of course not, I never thought about it that way. ”

Old K asked rhetorically, "Since you didn't think about it that way, then I ask what you are doing when everyone is touting you!" ”

"If others want to praise me, what can I do, tell them not to praise me, otherwise I will turn against you!" Zhang Zifeng said loudly.

"It's someone else's business how someone else does. The most important thing is how you do it. There was a problem with the atmosphere in the team some time ago, what do you mean by being so ignorant? Do you think that as long as you lead by example in the game, you can lead a team to make great strides? Jack, you're the captain. As a captain, it's your duty to appease conflicts and resolve them! Even if you can't eliminate the contradiction, you have to press it! What were you doing as the captain at that time? Old K yelled.

"In an interview with a reporter, in the praise of others!" Zhang Zifeng lowered his head and replied.

"When others praise you, you accept it calmly, as if you deserve it, and you deserve it! Have you considered the feelings of your other teammates? Have you ever thought that other teammates have put in the effort too? Have you ever thought that they also dream of being in the NBA? Have you ever thought that Cook is always watching you every game and giving you passes and assists at every opportunity? Have you ever thought that Jefferson helped you cover every game and help you create easy shots? Have you ever thought that Winslow was doing the dirty work every game, working with you to forge a solid defense on the outside? Aren't these the reasons why Duke is so strong? Old K sat in his chair and asked a few questions in a row.

"Yes!" Zhang Zifeng said.

"Then why don't you give credit to everyone from the beginning when others are touting you? Why can you accept these touts on your own? Why don't you reassure your teammates when the team has a problem? Old K asked with a straight face.

After being silent for a while, Zhang Zifeng said, "I." I was wrong! ”

Old K said earnestly, "Jack, seriously. I didn't like you when you first came to Duke. But seeing that you have been working hard to chase your dreams, watching you train hard every day without stopping, watching you drag your tired body again and again and still gritting your teeth and persevering. I was touched by you! Jack, your life has just begun, and there is still a long way to go. I also know that there are many businesses looking for you to endorse during this time, and you can make a lot of money now. But this is easy to make people develop inertia, just like many people enter the NBA, as soon as they get a big contract, they immediately fall, and then their state plummets, and they can no longer play at a high price. I'm not asking you not to endorse anything, I just hope that you can stick to your heart and don't be inflated and lost by other people's momentary praise. Do you understand? ”

Zhang Zifeng said seriously, "Yes, I understand." Thank you for your advice, Coach! ”

"Go ahead, go talk to your teammates. Learn to be a good captain! Old K waved his hand and signaled that Zhang Zifeng could go out.

"Hmm!" Zhang Zifeng stood up and was about to open the door to go out, when he suddenly turned around and said, "Coach, you could have told me these words earlier." Why are you mentioning me now? ”

Old K shrugged his shoulders and said: "If the team falls into the abyss, of course I, as the head coach, will persuade you." But just a fall, and then I'll pretend I didn't see it. Let you fall and fall painfully, and when you get up again, you will be able to see the road more clearly. San Diego State University is all on the bench, and if Duke can't even win a team like this, then it's better to go home early! ”

"I see, thank you!" After Zhang Zifeng finished speaking, he walked out of the office. Call Winslow and ask them out for a drink at the bar.

As soon as he finished making the call, Zheng Xinguo hurriedly drove over and said, "Feng, the two newspapers and periodicals that have a good relationship with us have revealed to me tonight. At first, it was just that the media wanted to use your identity as a Chinese to hype up and attract readers' attention. But then those NCAA giants saw that Duke was too strong this season, and in order to fight Duke University. They have a tacit understanding to unite and praise you and lower others, just to separate you from your teammates, isolate you, and divide you. Kaede, don't be provoked! ”

Zhang Zifeng nodded when he heard it and said, "I know, Coach K reminded me just now." ”

Governor Zheng Xin exhaled and said, "That's good, it's good if you can understand!" ”

Zhang Zifeng was just about to leave when he suddenly stopped and said, "You just said that there are two newspapers and periodicals that have a better relationship with us?" ”

Zheng Xinguo nodded and said, "Of course, when you enter the NBA in the future, there will inevitably be media reports on you, and it is impossible for all media to have good intentions towards you, there are always some media who are desperately hacking you in order to attract attention." In that case, why don't you first establish a good relationship with some media. It's easier for them to get your first hand on the news, and we can make our voices heard through them. Mutual benefit! ”

Zhang Zifeng asked, "Can you arrange for them to interview me tomorrow?" ”

Zheng Xinguo didn't want to think about it, "Of course, many radio newspapers and periodicals want to interview you now." It's just that you Duke are struggling for the NCAA championship. I'm afraid I'll disturb your training, so I'll stop you all! ”

Zhang Zifeng said, "Okay, then let two newspapers and magazines interview me tomorrow." ”

"OK, no problem. When are you free tomorrow, I'll arrange it! ”

"Nine o'clock in the morning!"

"Okay, I'll arrange it!"

Zheng Xinguo went to arrange the interview, and Zhang Zifeng drove to the bar.

Although Winslow and the others were dissatisfied with Zhang Zifeng, Zhang Zifeng called to make an appointment to meet, and Winslow and they still came as promised.

San Diego State University was the case, and Zhang Zifeng didn't dare to eat barbecue, oysters and the like. Just drank a few glasses of wine and chatted frankly with each other to resolve the relationship between the two parties.

Of course, Zhang Zifeng also understands that this kind of drinking and chatting can only ease the relationship. The most important thing is their own actual actions, so that Winslow can see them.

At nine o'clock in the morning on March 23, Zhang Zifeng was interviewed by Leston, a reporter from the North Carolina Post.

This type of interview usually has a good communication between the two parties in advance, what I want to interview, what topics I don't want to talk about, make a rough outline, and then start the interview.

Reston turned on the recorder and said with a smile, "Hey, Jack. Congratulations, Duke University has made it to the Sweet 16! ”

"It's all a credit to the whole team. Okafor showed off his great low-post offensive skills and I think he was better than I was in this game. He has every right to go to the NBA and be the best center. And Winslow, he's more well-rounded than me, in scoring, in defense, he's not inferior to me. But there's one thing I can't compare to, and that's rebounding. The stats don't lie, he works hard every game and averages six rebounds per game, which is just amazing. His prospects in the NBA are limitless......"

……