"Incredible! Wake Forest actually defeated the formidable Kentucky! Kentucky was a strong contender for the championship this year..."
"This truly proves the old saying: there are no absolute powerhouses in the NCAA..."
"However, Wake Forest's tactical arrangements in the first half were simply classic!"
"In the first half, Duncan was used as bait, with multiple players stepping up! They wore down the opponent's defensive intensity..."
"In the second half, Duncan unleashed his full power, taking on five opponents single-handedly, like a god of war descended... 32 points, 12 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 steals, 5 blocks!"
"Don't forget point guard He Ximeng! Under Coach Odom's tactical plan, this Chinese guard shone brightly in this game!"
"Yes! 25 points, 10 assists, 3 rebounds, 3 steals, 3 blocks... My goodness, a super all-around stat line!"
"2 turnovers! With 10 assists, only 2 turnovers, a perfect assist-to-turnover ratio..."
"Coach Odom's ability to utilize players, his tactical genius, his coaching prowess, were all on full display in this battle..."
At this moment, Coach Dave Odom, who the commentators declared had "ascended to godhood," had just broken free from the players' clutches, standing dazed and tidying his disheveled suit and hairstyle.
In fact, Dave Odom was still somewhat bewildered as to how they had managed to defeat the University of Kentucky in this game.
Why was Duncan so tightly guarded by Kentucky in the first half, only to unleash his full offensive power in the second?
According to his understanding, Duncan could have gone all out in the first half... Of course, Dave Odom had to admit that Duncan's strategy of holding back and then exploding had dealt significant damage to the University of Kentucky! It was far more effective than going head-to-head with Kentucky from the start...
Simultaneously, Dave Odom didn't understand why, within his tactical setup, Duncan wasn't tasked with playmaking, yet he dished out 5 assists in this game, most of which went to He Ximeng...
With these 5 assists from Duncan, He Ximeng had scored at least 10 points, raising his average from 15 points to a game-high 25 points.
What was the connection between all of this?
Just as Dave Odom was racking his brain, the on-site host thrust a microphone in his face, asking him to talk about how he led Wake Forest to an upset victory.
Dave Odom pondered for half a second, then declared confidently into the camera: "Trust..."
Wake Forest's upset victory over championship favorite Kentucky signaled a deviation in the course of history, set in motion by the small butterfly wings of He Ximeng.
Georgetown University, which should have been eliminated in the Elite Eight, advanced to the Final Four by staging a comeback against the University of Massachusetts, led by Marcus Camby, thanks to Iverson's sudden outburst!
The University of Connecticut, which should have been eliminated in the Sweet Sixteen, also advanced to the Final Four by upsetting the University of Mississippi and the University of Cincinnati, driven by Ray Allen's continuous heroic performances!
Kentucky, Massachusetts, and Mississippi, which were originally expected to reach the Final Four, were replaced by Wake Forest, Georgetown, and Connecticut...
The Final Four matchups became increasingly exciting and thrilling!
On March 30, 1996, the Final Four games were held at the Continental Airlines Arena, the home of the New Jersey Nets, in East Rutherford!
Three months later, on June 26, 1996, the NBA Draft would also take place in this arena... One couldn't help but wonder if the NCAA committee had deliberately arranged it this way...
The Final Four matchups were: Wake Forest University vs. University of Connecticut, Georgetown University vs. Syracuse University!
The University of Connecticut was not to be underestimated! Their starting lineup featured three future NBA players.
Besides shooting guard Ray Allen, there was center Travis Knight, who would be the 29th pick in the first round of the 1996 NBA Draft, and point guard Doron Sheffer, the 36th pick in the second round!
Before this game, He Ximeng asked Duncan: "Are you participating in this year's draft?"
"What do you mean?"
"If you're definitely not participating, then I want to improve my personal stats, mainly scoring!"
Duncan made a gesture for him to proceed: "I will participate in the draft after I get my degree. This is a promise I made to my mother, and I will never break it!"
"Then, please grab rebounds for me..."
"As long as it doesn't affect us winning, you can do whatever you want..."
In this semifinal game, He Ximeng launched a barrage of three-pointers, engaging in a scoring duel with Ray Allen!
Throughout the game, He Ximeng sank a game-high seven three-pointers, scoring a game-high 29 points, even astounding future sharpshooter Ray Allen!
Ray Allen only managed six three-pointers for the entire game, scoring 24 points, one less than He Ximeng.
However, He Ximeng's scoring spree couldn't decide the outcome of the game; the one who delivered the final blow was the "Big Fundamental" in the paint!
Duncan recorded 7 blocks in this game, directly shutting down Connecticut's center Travis Knight, and deterring any Connecticut players who attempted to drive to the basket!
Except for Ray Allen playing up to par, all other players for the University of Connecticut went cold!
Duncan had essentially annihilated the University of Connecticut with his suffocating defense...
After the game, Ray Allen graciously congratulated the Wake Forest players!
Reaching the Final Four was already a top-tier achievement in the NCAA, and Ray Allen had no regrets about losing...
However, Ray Allen had something to say to He Ximeng: "I hope to see you on the NBA stage again..."
It seemed Ray Allen had already decided to participate in this year's draft.
Wake Forest defeated Connecticut, successfully advancing to this year's NCAA Championship game!
Dave Odom was completely bewildered. He Ximeng's intense aggression in this game was a completely different style from his previously harmless demeanor!
Which one was the real He Ximeng? Was it the He Ximeng who passed up an easy layup? Or was it this He Ximeng who shot threes whenever an opportunity arose?
Or, was it both?
But how could two contradictory styles merge so perfectly in a single player?
Dave Odom found himself understanding the mysterious Chinese point guard less and less...
In the other semifinal matchup, Georgetown University continued its upset streak, defeating Syracuse University, the second championship favorite this year, securing the second spot in the Championship game!
Wake Forest University and Georgetown University would, after a day of rest, continue their ultimate battle for this year's NCAA Championship at the Continental Airlines Arena!