"You're pulling that stunt again?" Zhang Yide appeared by He Xi Meng's side at some point.
After guiding his teammates to charge at Zhang Bing, He Xi Meng had quietly slipped away to the side, watching everyone celebrate. Though his appearance was still youthful, his heart was no longer young. He could accept the lively atmosphere around him, but he could no longer participate in such excitement.
"When your teammates lift you up, it's a sign of their support and an honor. Why would you refuse that honor?" Zhang Yide, this fellow, seemed less easily fooled than before.
"Sigh... what honor is there for me! The team played well, and that's entirely the head coach's credit! I'm just a rookie point guard, better to stay low-key..."
Although Zhang Yide did not agree with He Xi Meng's first statement. In this resounding victory for the Chinese team, the biggest contributor, as anyone could see, was not the head coach, but He Xi Meng. Without He Xi Meng, even if the Chinese team could defeat the Australian team, it would surely be a hard-won victory, nowhere near the magnificent blowout they achieved now!
However, Zhang Yide strongly agreed with the latter part! He Xi Meng's outstanding performance in this game would undoubtedly make other teams wary. At this moment, the best course of action was to keep a low profile and focus on quiet gains. Otherwise, not only would opponents plot against him, but even those close to He Xi Meng might develop grudges...
The second match of the group stage for the Chinese team was against Germany!
In their previous game, Germany had battled fiercely until the very last moment against Italy, the strongest team in Group D, nearly defeating them. Unfortunately, at the last second, Nowitzki's buzzer-beating three-pointer from the top of the arc missed, leading to Germany's defeat.
Despite the loss, which was a disappointment for German fans, the team's young core, Nowitzki, delivered an all-around performance of 29 points, 11 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals, and 2 blocks, bringing a glimmer of hope to the German supporters.
For their second game against China, Germany, which had initially prepared for a guaranteed win, began to re-examine and reassess their strategy due to Australia's crushing defeat the previous day.
Before the game officially began, He Xi Meng and Da Zhi walked to the center circle to catch up with Nowitzki.
Two years prior, all three had been participants in the Nike Basketball Summit.
At that time, He Xi Meng had firmly chosen to develop his career in North America, applying to play in the NCAA as a stepping stone to the NBA draft and league.
Nowitzki and Da Zhi, due to various considerations, had ultimately chosen to return to their domestic leagues, aiming to further improve their skills before considering a move to the NBA. Looking back now, He Xi Meng's choice seemed to be the most prudent!
Given their talent, if they had chosen to play in the NCAA, they would now be eligible to enter the league... especially Nowitzki. Considering the future trajectory of the German national team, adapting to the NBA should not be too difficult.
"Congratulations, Dirk! The 9th pick in the first round. I can't wait to see your debut in Dallas!"
In the recently concluded 1998 NBA Draft, Nowitzki was selected 9th overall by the Milwaukee Bucks, but was traded to the Dallas Mavericks after the draft. Along with Nowitzki to Dallas went Pat Garrity, the 19th pick, in exchange for Robert Traylor, the 6th pick...
This trade, comparable to the Lakers trading Divac for Kobe, was one of the most classic trades in league history!
The Mavericks were huge winners, while the Bucks were the losers.
Of course, the Bucks at the time hadn't realized what they had missed, still pleased with acquiring a high draft pick for two lower-round rookies. This was because they trusted American-developed players more than international players.
"Thanks, Xi Meng. I'm looking forward to playing against you in the league!" Nowitzki, with a smile that reminded one of the "Silver Horn King," shook and hugged He Xi Meng.
"You guys played brilliantly in the last game! You almost took down the Italian team!"
"Don't even mention it! I'm still reflecting on why that last-second three-pointer didn't go in... And you guys managed to beat Australia so badly! Is the Australian team really that weak this year?"
He Xi Meng smiled slyly, "Really! Those guys have been hanging out with kangaroos for too long. They've got brute strength, but nothing to be afraid of! You'll have no problem beating them! Then, your team, our team, and probably Italy, should all be able to advance to the quarterfinals."
"Really?" Nowitzki clearly didn't quite believe He Xi Meng.
The former Nowitzki had thought He Xi Meng, like Da Zhi, was a simple and honest Chinese person. He Xi Meng's demeanor at the Nike Summit had been very low-key. Talented yet humble, which perfectly suited the German's taste. Thus, for the past two seasons, Nowitzki had been following He Xi Meng's development in the NBA. The more he observed, the more Nowitzki felt He Xi Meng was not a simple person. In any case, he was definitely not as simple as he appeared on the surface.
Nowitzki recalled that when he first met He Xi Meng, He Xi Meng could accurately call out his name and Pau Gasol's name... This indicated that He Xi Meng was likely a person of deep scheming, who thoroughly researched potential players from around the world... Although Nowitzki still didn't understand why He Xi Meng paid such close attention to rookies like him and Pau Gasol, especially since they had no fame back then...
"Da Zhi, is Xi Meng telling the truth?" Nowitzki turned to ask Wang Zhi Zhi, who appeared more simple and honest.
Da Zhi was taken aback, not expecting Nowitzki to doubt He Xi Meng.
Da Zhi scratched his head and replied in rather broken English, "Anyway, it was a pretty easy win..."
Since Da Zhi had said so, Nowitzki decided to believe him for the time being.
"By the way, Da Zhi, when are you going to the NBA?"
"I need to think about it some more..."
"Think about what, decide quickly!" He Xi Meng also urged Da Zhi to make up his mind. To be honest, He Xi Meng had originally thought that with his appearance, Da Zhi would enter the NBA earlier, but it seemed that was not the case...
"Finally, good luck in this game!" Nowitzki shook hands with He Xi Meng and Da Zhi and bid farewell.
"You too, good luck..."