The United States attaches so much importance to the World Youth Championships, and as a team participating in the World Youth Championships, the United States has always maintained an arrogant and cold attitude towards the World Youth Championships. Pen | fun | pavilion www. ｂｉｑｕｇｅ。 infoNot only the World Youth Championships, but even the Olympics and World Championships, the highest honor in world basketball, it is not necessarily their top players who represent the United States.

"U.S. basketball is the best in the world, and the U.S. can win even if it doesn't field the best players." That's what Americans think all along. However, in the past decade, European basketball, which has made great progress, has gradually shown a tendency to compete with American basketball, and Argentina, a new upstart in South America, has completely overtaken the American Dream Team in the past few years. The United States is no longer "self-serving." Losing the world championship at home, the Olympics suffered Waterloo again, the performance of the dream team made the American ball lose face, this time the World Youth Championships were held at home, the Americans said that they would earn back this face, plus the "first step to regain lost ground", the American team is even more all-out for this World Youth Championships. In this World Youth Championship, they have almost called together the best players in this age group. Of course, the first favorite to win the championship is none other than the United States.

The record of European basketball in the world in the past decade is enough to show the strength of European basketball. World champion Serbia and Montenegre, European champion Lithuania, European powerhouses Spain and Germany are naturally also strong contenders for the championship.

Olympic champions Argentina will not pass up the opportunity to add the icing on the cake. At the 2017 Under-19 World Junior Championships in Greece, Australia won the championship by the first hand, and now two years later, do you say they don't have what it takes to win the title?

Other teams participating in the World Youth Championship gathered in the United States, and at the same time, the media and experts have made predictions about the World Youth Championships, and major bookmakers in the United States have also offered odds for each team to win the championship.

Having said so many favorite teams to win the championship, why is there no American national youth team?

Youth team? After the quarterfinals were calculated, no one thought about whether it was possible to leave a place for the Chinese youth team. Even in the United States, most media outlets did not calculate the possibility of the youth team reaching the quarterfinals as usual (except for the column of Min Hangyu in Sports Weekly). Since the establishment of the World Youth Championships, the best result of the Chinese youth team is only ninth. Two years ago, the U19 national youth team, with the "Twin Towers" at its core, was considered the most likely to make history and reach the quarter-finals, but the final result left everyone in the dark: the record of six losses and two wins ranked third-to-last. One of the only two victories came from a team like Malaysia, and the other was won back in a second meeting with an opponent! The Chinese youth team, which is regarded as the No. 1 team in Asia, lost by 25 points in the match against the South Korean team.

Two years later, it is still this youth team, but the absolute core "Twin Towers" was knocked down by injuries, and the youth team lost its generals before going out, how can such a team make people have confidence? Sima Shenji and Li Zheng are a new generation of stars who have grown up in the past two years, and they have not experienced the test of international competitions, especially Li Changgeng, who was promoted from the league, with such a lineup, no matter how the media hype, the fans still just hold: Don't lose too ugly mentality to look at this World Youth Championship.

As the protagonists of the competition, the members of the youth team no longer think about anything other than "playing every game seriously".

If someone in the national youth team says, "We're just going for the championship." "What will be the reaction of the media, the fans?

"Maniac!" "Idiot! A little more tactful will also touch the speaker's head and say, "Is it a fever and talking nonsense?" ”

No one would believe such a word without common sense. At the press conference before the departure of the Chinese Youth Team, Sima Shenji's right hand kept tightly grasping Li Changgeng's left hand next to him, because he knew that the kid next to him was absolutely likely to say such things without common sense.

Li Changgeng, who firmly believes that "a soldier who does not want to be a general is not a good soldier", believes that a team that does not want to win the championship is not a good team. Working towards the championship and fighting for victory is a belief that every team should have, and it has nothing to do with strength. When he was young and vigorous, he didn't care too much about the difference in strength at all, and it was not for nothing that the weak defeated the strong. Didn't the own UCLA beat the amateur department? The steadiness of his teammates Li Changgeng was very disapproving, and he secretly had a thought in his heart: in addition to seeing the strength of the world's masters, he also wanted to prove to everyone that it was possible for the Americans to defeat those world's strong enemies. The championship is not so far away.

Li Changgeng and these little Jiujiu naturally couldn't hide Geng Xiangzhi's sharp eyes, and he didn't say anything other than a slight smile.

Regardless of the thoughts on the upcoming World Junior Championships, the U.S. national team has finally arrived in the host city of the tournament. As a third-rate team in the world, the U.S. national youth team is not qualified to attract much attention, except for some domestic reporters accompanying the team, the arrival of the national youth team has not been able to attract more media attention. Silently, quietly, the national youth team arrived at us.

There is still a week to go before the opening of the World Youth Championships, and the jet lag and the training within the team remain in shape, and Geng Xiangzhi still has not arranged any warm-up matches for seven days. During this period, the national youth team was still under closed management, especially for Li Changgeng, Geng Xiangzhi secretly put an end to all possible interference with him.

On the first night of arriving at us, the national youth players who had not yet adjusted to the jet lag were chatting, and Li Changgeng continued his homework in his room with the books and notebooks he brought from China.

Geng Xiangzhi's room.

A person gently opened Geng Xiangzhi's door, opened the door, and Geng Xiangzhi appeared in the door. Seeing the person, Geng Xiangzhi smiled and welcomed the person into the room.

The two cups of coffee were gently put down in front of the two of them, and the waiter pushed the door in. Two people sit across from each other.

The conversation began with a relaxed pleasantry.

"You've always been so punctual, old friend Smith."

"Hehe, punctuality is one of my many advantages!" He said with a smile.

Smith? Yes, it is indeed Smith, the head coach of the University of Missouri basketball team, Geng Xiangzhi's old friend, and the Smith who has been eagerly following Li Changgeng after watching the NCAA League finals in the United States.

It has been more than two months since that final ended, and within two months, Smith has obtained the most detailed information about Li Changgeng. From his first league to the present, Geng Xiangzhi has been unusually called into the Chinese youth team to participate in this World Youth Championships, including his family background, academic performance, and teachers' comments...... All in all absolutely detailed. In two months, Smith used absolutely convincing evidence to persuade the school's top management to go all out to bring in Li Changgeng.

In two months, Smith, who has completed all this, has not had the opportunity to go to the United States to contact Li Changgeng and his uncle and aunt, and Li Changgeng, who was selected for the youth team, has come to the United States with the team.

The World Junior Championships are about to begin, and Smith naturally knows what that means.

Sure enough, after a short greeting, the two of them got to the point.

Geng Xiangzhi took the lead in ending the greetings: "Li Changgeng thinks that your late-night visit should not be just to cheer Li Changgeng on, please say something." ”

"Naturally, I can't hide my intentions from you." Smith smiled and took out a document from his briefcase and handed it to Geng Xiangzhi.

Geng Xiangzhi stretched out his hand to pick it up, and asked at the same time, "Li Changgeng?" ”

Smith nodded.

Geng Xiangzhi took the document, opened it, looked down, and asked, "Invite to study abroad?" Does the University of Missouri plan to bring him on the basketball team? ”

"Not bad. I hope you will be able to help convince Chang Gung to accept this invitation. ”

Geng Xiangzhi didn't answer immediately, he looked at the terms in the document carefully, and said in surprise: "Full scholarship, including accommodation, the best discipline major...... The conditions are very generous! With this contract, you can recruit any of America's star players. ”

Smith shook his head and said, "We don't have a clause like 'the best professional disciplines are up to them' when we recruit celebrities. This is the first time in the history of the University of Missouri that such favorable conditions have been offered. ”

Geng Xiangzhi finished reading the contract, put it down gently, took a sip of coffee, and thought for a while: "It's a shame that you can convince the leadership of the school to recruit an Asian student on such generous terms. Is he really worth the price you guys have to pay? ”

Smith sneered, "Is there anyone else who knows his abilities and potential better than you?" Otherwise, why did you promote him to the World Junior Championships against all odds? ”

Geng Xiangzhi's face was slightly red, and he changed the topic and said, "Why don't you talk to him or their uncles and aunts directly?" Studying abroad is still very attractive to the average American. Li Changgeng, the coach, can't influence their decisions, wouldn't it be too much for you to find Li Changgeng? ”

"Geng Xiangzhi, my old friend, can't you save your American-style twists and turns if it's so difficult between you and me? Li Changgeng was introduced to me by you, and now you are still his coach, so I should greet you and ask for your consent. And I want you to support Li Chang Geng and help Li Chang Geng convince Li Chang Geng and his uncles and aunts to accept this contract. ”

Geng Xiangzhi took the coffee and tasted the coffee in the cup unhurriedly. seems to be attracted by this exotic flavor of coffee, and did not take Smith's words, the meaning is obvious-you can persuade Li Changgeng first.

Smith looked at Geng Xiangzhi and said, "As basketball coaches, in addition to leading the team to achieve good results, the greatest glory is to create a world-class superstar with our own hands." I have the potential to become a world superstar, and his talent is definitely rare in the decades of basketball that you and I have ever seen. You can't even think of such a talent.

"Calling him into the national youth team to participate in the World Youth Championships shows that you also want to train him yourself. You and I have been friends for more than ten years, and of course I know your ability. If he is left to you to teach, in a few years, he will be at least another Yao Ming. But after the World Junior Championships, it's no surprise that you're going to be the head coach of the U.S. national team, so how many opportunities will you have to coach him like you do now? ”

Geng Xiangzhi stirred the coffee gently, noncommittal to Smith's words. The spoon in his hand stopped stirring, and he looked up at Smith and motioned for him to continue.

"And that's not the main thing." Smith said as he handed Geng another document. Geng Xiangzhi took it over and opened it, it was the detailed information about Li Changgeng's family background, and even Li Changgeng's grades in primary school were recorded in the instrument. Geng Xiangzhi laughed and said, "It's a pity that you are not an intelligence officer. ”

Smith didn't seem to hear the faint sarcasm in Geng Xiangzhi's words, his tone became deeper and deeper, and he continued: "As the sole heir to the huge family business, his uncle and aunt will never support him on the road to basketball, and Li Changgeng himself has not yet become a professional player. Before he decides to go pro and have the ability to defy his aunt's decision, it is likely that his talent has been squandered on his own. Two years is enough time for a Li Changgeng to become a mediocre talent. ”

The smile on the corner of Geng Xiangzhi's mouth disappeared, and his face became solemn in an instant, "Smack!" Geng Xiangzhi lit a cigarette, and the curling green smoke rose in front of Geng Xiangzhi, and Smith's words also stopped at this time.

The room fell silent, and a solemn atmosphere quietly rose.

After a long time, the corners of Geng Xiangzhi's mouth once again had a smile - it was a bitter smile, Geng Xiangzhi smiled bitterly: "I almost convinced you." Old friend Smith, now that the World Youth Championships are about to start, why can't you wait for the World Youth Championships to end before sitting down with Li Changgeng, his uncle and aunt, to discuss this matter? Li Changgeng doesn't want any situation to disturb our preparation for the World Junior Championships now. You know, in particular, Li Changgeng put an end to all possible interference with him. ”

Smith also smiled bitterly: "If you hadn't called him into the World Junior Championships, I would have no problem even if I waited for another month." You should also know how many scouts are keeping an eye out for these young players who are competing in the tournament. I have no doubt that Li Chang Gung will have a wonderful performance in this competition, and you can imagine how many pairs of eyes will be staring at him at that time. In the words of you Americans, I might call it 'early start'. Actually, I can't help it. There are not a few universities that can offer the same conditions as the University of Missouri, and the only advantage I have left is to get in touch with him first. ”

Geng Xiangzhi nodded with a deep sigh, standing in Smith's position, his approach was really understandable. The two have known each other for more than ten years, Geng Xiangzhi has a deep friendship and deep understanding of Smith, he is indeed a very good coach, and a coach who really thinks about the players. If you have to entrust Li Changgeng to others to teach, Geng Xiangzhi himself is willing to be this Smith.

In fact, Geng Xiangzhi also knows that Smith still has some words that he has not said, if Li Changgeng performs well, after the World Youth Championships, he will find not only scouts from American college teams, but also NBA scouts. At that time, they will bypass the national youth team, bypass themselves, and find Li Changgeng directly. Geng Xiangzhi has no doubt what kind of waves will be stirred up if these news spread in China. Enthusiastic fans and media will definitely shout "American Lee Chang Gung joins the NBA!" Under the huge pressure of public opinion, Li Changgeng's uncle and aunt may make concessions. The physical fitness of the yellow race is congenitally inferior to that of whites and blacks, and the physical development is even slower than that of Westerners. Letting him join the NBA in a short period of time would definitely be a disaster.

Studying abroad at the University of Missouri is not without its drawbacks. After all, Li Changgeng is only 16 years old, and studying alone in the United States will definitely encounter many difficulties. Don't look at him has already won the championship, but he is not a real college student yet, and now that there is such an invitation from such a university, he has to help Li Changgeng think about it, but he can't make a decision directly.

After weighing the pros and cons, Geng Xiangzhi quickly made a decision in his heart. Raising his head, Geng Xiangzhi smiled at Smith, who was looking at him, and said, "I just now found out that the most suitable job for you should be a diplomat, you are really a good lobbyist, I am completely convinced by you." ”

Smith was overjoyed: "That's great! You promised to help me convince Li Changgeng? ”

"I'm just his coach and I have a limited influence on him in this kind of thing, so don't get your hopes up. And the final decision on this matter is still in the hands of his uncle and aunt. ”

Smith smiled and said, "Hehe, you are both his friend and his teacher (teacher and friend), and no one can convince him better than you." As for his aunts and uncles, that was later. ”

Geng Xiangzhi picked up Smith's study abroad invitation on the table again, looked at it again, and said: "Judging from his family background, scholarships and the like are not attractive to him, and this 'best subject' is probably added because of this, right?" ”

Smith took a sip of the coffee in front of him and didn't answer.

Picking up the phone on the table, Geng Xiangzhi dialed an internal phone: "Li Changgeng?" Come to my room! ”

After a while, the doorbell rang, and when the door was opened, Li Changgeng appeared outside the door.

After Li Changgeng entered the door, he naturally couldn't see Smith indoors. Stunned, he asked Geng Xiangzhi: "Do you have guests?" ”

"No, it's your guest!" Geng Xiangzhi smiled and introduced him: "Mr. Smith, the head coach of the University of Missouri basketball team in the United States. ”

"Hello!" The two shook hands and looked at each other at the same time.

In Li Changgeng's eyes, the white man in front of him was of the same age as Geng Xiangzhi and belonged to the level of an "old man", a whole head taller than himself, burly, slightly fat, in a suit, shirt, tie, very formal dress, bright eyes flashing, looking at himself. The gaze is sharp but not offensive, but gives yourself a very intimate feeling.

Li Changgeng looked at Smith, and Smith was also looking at his favorite Li Changgeng player, it was the first time to observe it so closely. Sunny and handsome is the impression he has given recently, but when he observes Smith from a distance, he finds that this sunny and handsome Li Changgeng is actually just a boy! The childish face clearly told Smith the age of the boy in front of him—sixteen years old. At the age of sixteen, he had enough time to train him to be

After the greetings, Geng Xiangzhi, who was the owner, relayed Smith's intentions.

"Study abroad?" Li Changgeng pointed at himself in amazement, "Me? ”

"Hmm!" Smith nodded affirmatively. Geng Xiangzhi pointed to the documents on the table and said, "The contract has been taken, as long as you are willing to sign the contract, you will be an international student at the University of Missouri." ”

"Contract?" Li Changgeng picked up the documents on the table and looked at them.

That's an English document! Smith, but Li Changgeng's intently looking at it made him swallow the words back to his mouth.

"The conditions are very good!" After reading the documents, Li Changgeng's reaction was the same as Geng Xiangzhi's.

"You understand?" Geng Xiangzhi and Smith were surprised at the same time.

"Except for a slight lack of spoken English, Li Changgeng's English should be about level 8." Li Changgeng replied quite proudly.

The two middle-aged people in the room glanced at each other, and a smile appeared in their eyes.

Smith asked, "What do you think?" ”

"Study abroad or this contract?"

"Both." Smith stared at the teenager. The most nervous Li Changgeng in the room was undoubtedly him.

When the contract was put back on the table, Li Changgeng pursed his lips and said, "The contract is very generous and impeccable; Study abroad, I already have it, and I'm an NCAA champion. ”

Geng Xiangzhi picked up his coffee, glanced at Smith, and then lowered his head and took a sip. The expression was clearly telling him: yes, it's up to you.

Smith's answer was not a surprise to Smith, and he never expected him to accept the contract immediately. After sorting out his thoughts, Smith said: "Don't worry, it's a fluke that you won the championship this time, nearly half of the NCAA teams did not participate in this competition, as for what reason, you know yourself!" ”

"It's true that this time there were ordinary people who didn't participate, probably because of money problems."

"But what are you trying to say?" Li Changgeng tilted his head sideways and looked at Smith.

"First of all, from the family of your birth. According to Lao Geng's explanation, I probably know your family background. ”

Geng Xiangzhi, who was drinking coffee, almost choked out of his nostrils with a "poof", and glared at Smith while coughing: Told you?

Li Changgeng looked at Geng Xiangzhi strangely, Smith's grades next to him quietly moved, Geng Xiangzhi took out a tissue and wiped the coffee at the corner of his mouth, glared at Smith fiercely, and recovered his calm expression.

Smith continued: "Your birth means that you don't need to sell your talents with your diploma like everyone else. For you who will inherit the family business in the future, a clear diploma is not the first, ability is the most important. The University of Missouri may not be as good as yours, but you should trust that the University of Missouri can produce top-notch graduates. And we specialize in training fighters, basketball fighters. ”

Smith looked at him expectantly......

"I ......" the firmness on Li Changgeng's face when he spoke, "Let's talk about it later!" I may skip college and go straight to the NBA, you don't think so! ”

The tone changed dramatically, and the two middle-aged people in the room also fell backwards at the same time and fell on the sofa with their straight bodies like comics.

.......