"Li Feng, your trip back this time must have been very tight schedule..."
"It's alright, Boss Deng, I've declined a lot of meaningless social engagements. But I must go to the basketball school to meet the children!"
Deng Huasheng was very moved. As the boss of a sports brand, he had met many sports stars.
Many sports stars were arrogant and never considered issues from the perspective of an endorsement brand.
Some sports stars would even absent themselves from activities organized by endorsement brands without reason, causing great difficulty for the company.
However, Li Feng always thought for Red Star Sports and tried his best to meet the company's requirements.
He wanted to grow with Red Star Sports.
Li Feng had an ambition to build Red Star Sports into an international sports brand, like Nike!
Of course, Li Feng was not part of the management. What he could do was to maintain his position at the pinnacle of world basketball for a long time and ensure sufficient exposure.
Under the arrangement of Deng Huasheng's assistant, Li Feng and Yao Ming arrived at a basketball school in Beijing.
Yao Ming had also signed with Red Star Sports. Initially, Li Feng thought he would go alone because Yao Ming's contract did not include attending basketball school.
Moreover, Yao Ming was already married, and after returning to China, he would naturally want to spend more time with his family.
But when Yao Ming heard that Li Feng was going to the basketball school, he immediately expressed his desire to go with Li Feng.
This deeply touched Li Feng. Da Yao was truly an idol for all Chinese basketball fans, radiating so much positive energy.
When Li Feng and Yao Ming walked into the basketball school, the children erupted in cheers.
Previously, the children could only see Li Feng and Yao Ming, such superstars, on television or their phones.
But now, they could see them with their own eyes.
Many children were so excited that they cried.
Li Feng and Yao Ming were very approachable. They mingled with the children, took photos with them, and played around.
Both of them wore genuine smiles. The principal and teachers of the basketball school were even more excited.
They were actually fans of Li Feng and Yao Ming themselves, but in front of the children, they had to hold back and give the opportunity to interact with the stars to the children.
Li Feng and Yao Ming then organized the children together and collectively taught them some basic basketball skills.
This included the fundamental requirements for dribbling, shooting, and other movements.
While interacting with the children, Li Feng noticed that some of them had quite good fundamental skills.
There were also a few tall students with great potential.
A few hours later, Li Feng and Yao Ming arrived at the principal's office.
The principal was named Lu Ping, a former second-tier player for the national team who dedicated himself to youth development after retiring.
He finally had the chance to chat with the two superstars in private.
"Yao Ming, Li Feng, I... I admire you so much. Can we take a photo?"
Seeing Principal Lu Ping's excited demeanor, they did not refuse and cooperatively took photos with him, even signing a jersey and a pair of sneakers for him.
"Principal Lu, I'd like to offer a few suggestions. Do you think they'd be acceptable?" Li Feng felt that his visit shouldn't be in vain, and some training methods from the United States should be adopted.
"Please, tell me. I will definitely consider them!" Principal Lu replied sincerely.
Although Principal Lu was over forty years old, he hadn't achieved much in basketball. Therefore, he was very respectful towards Li Feng and Yao Ming.
"Firstly, the children's fundamental skills are indeed important, but we shouldn't stifle some of their clever little tricks. That's a manifestation of their creativity!"
Principal Lu's face flushed slightly. He had indeed been demanding that the children train strictly and conventionally, prohibiting them from using fancy moves.
In fact, even in the NBA, many players' dribbling or shooting actions were not standard, but they could still make shots and break through defenses!
"Alright, I've noted it down. I'll discuss it with the teachers later."
Li Feng continued, "Secondly, we need to increase confrontational training. It shouldn't just be individual practice. Furthermore, I will contact American youth players in the future to come here and interact with the children!"
Principal Lu was overjoyed. He understood that players needed to interact with the outside world, but opportunities were too scarce.
If Li Feng could bring American youth players for mutual exchange, it would greatly benefit the children's development!
"That's wonderful, Mr. Li Feng. If the children can spar with players of the same age at a high level, they will be very happy!"
"Thirdly, I will invest two million yuan in the school to equip the children with advanced training equipment, so they don't get injured."
Principal Lu's eyes welled up with tears of gratitude as he clasped Li Feng's hand, speechless.
Yao Ming also added, "I will also invest one million yuan to get the best sportswear and sneakers for the children."
The principal thanked them repeatedly and personally brought them tea.
...
By noon, Li Feng and Yao Ming went to the cafeteria and ate the same meals as the children.
Li Feng and Yao Ming also offered some suggestions regarding the cafeteria's diet.
After eating and resting for a while, the two of them engaged in a formal practice match with the children.
Li Feng and Yao Ming led their respective teams, giving the children more opportunities to drive to the basket and shoot. Principal Lu served as the referee.
The game was intense. Li Feng and Yao Ming acted as playmakers for their teams, creating more opportunities for the children to break through and shoot.
During the game, Li Feng and Yao Ming discovered several promising talents who were intelligent and had high basketball IQ.
So, during a timeout, they noted down the names of these promising young players.
They urged the principal to focus on cultivating these young players, to which Principal Lu nodded repeatedly.
Li Feng and Yao Ming trained with the children at the basketball school for the entire day. Although they were tired, they felt extremely happy and fulfilled.
They both hoped that more and more promising basketball talents would go abroad, land in the NBA, and become the main force of the Chinese men's basketball team!
...
In the following days, the two visited several other basketball schools to provide guidance and investment.
Li Feng's series of benevolent acts after returning to China, reported by the media, sparked enthusiastic discussions among the Chinese public.
Although Li Feng played in the NBA and earned a lot of money, he invested a significant portion of his income into China's basketball education.
Such a talented individual was truly admirable.
On the sixth day after returning home, China Central Television Sports Channel conducted an exclusive interview with Li Feng.
The interview was conducted by Yu Jia and Coach Zhang.
They had previously gone to the United States to watch games and commentate, and had a brief chat with Li Feng.
However, that last time was too short, and this time, they could have a good conversation with Li Feng.
"Coach Zhang, Teacher Yu, hello!" Li Feng was very polite and shook hands with them.
Yu Jia and Coach Zhang were also very excited. Li Feng had won the championship this year, which was truly a source of pride.
It was important to note that some stars might never even reach the NBA Finals in their entire careers.
But Li Feng, in his rookie year, not only reached the NBA Finals but also won the championship!
Even a comic book wouldn't dare to write such a story!
"Hello, Li Feng. Congratulations again on winning the championship!" Yu Jia and Coach Zhang invited Li Feng to sit down.
Staff members came over and handed Li Feng the interview agenda.
The interview was roughly divided into three segments. The first segment involved asking Li Feng a few questions about his first year in the NBA career for him to answer.
The second segment was an interactive game with a few lucky fans.
The third segment was a discussion between Li Feng and several basketball legends about the development of Chinese basketball.
Yu Jia smiled and said, "Li Feng, please take some time to prepare. Our interviews are very open, with no taboos. Feel free to say whatever comes to your mind."
Yu Jia was quite experienced. He was worried that Li Feng might have some psychological reservations and speak too cautiously, which would affect the interview's effectiveness.
Coach Zhang, always straightforward, patted Li Feng on the shoulder and comforted him, "Li Feng, everyone wants to explore your inner thoughts through the interview program and hear your honest feelings."
Li Feng was deeply moved. He did feel some psychological pressure before coming.
After all, CCTV programs couldn't have people speaking carelessly.
After over an hour of preparation, Li Feng changed his clothes and walked into the live broadcast hall.
Yu Jia, facing the camera with a smile, said, "Dear basketball fans, dear fans of Li Feng, hello. The guest we have invited for today's superstar interview is NBA superstar, Li Feng!"
The camera turned to Li Feng, who waved to the camera.
"Hello everyone, I am Li Feng, and I am very happy to participate in this interview program!"
Coach Zhang said, "Let's proceed with a few questions for Li Feng to answer. These are the questions that fans are most concerned about!"
Yu Jia asked, "Mr. Li Feng, after winning the championship in the NCAA, you successfully entered the NBA. What was your dream at that time?"
Li Feng thought for a moment and replied with a smile, "Do you want me to tell the truth?"
Yu Jia laughed heartily, "Of course. We all hope to hear your honest words."
Li Feng nodded and said, "What I thought at the time was to make the playoffs in my first year, and reach the finals in my second year, so..."
"So you've exceeded expectations this year, haven't you? Haha!"
"Kind of."
Coach Zhang interjected, "I remember a true story. Before Jordan entered the NBA, a reporter asked him about his dreams. Of course, his answer was: I'd be satisfied if I could make it to an All-Star game once."
Li Feng waved his hands repeatedly, "My level is different from God Jordan's. I dare not compare myself to him, but winning the championship this year was indeed unexpected. The main reason is that Brother Yao joined the Knicks, which greatly improved us."
Yu Jia and Coach Zhang nodded slightly. They felt Li Feng was too humble.
While Yao Ming's arrival at the Knicks was indeed important, Li Feng was the fundamental cornerstone for the Knicks to reach this point, and he also determined the Knicks' ceiling.
"Li Feng, do you think the Knicks have a high chance of reaching the finals next year?"
Li Feng pondered for a moment and replied, "It will be difficult. A significant reason why we were able to reach the finals this year is that they didn't understand us."
"Next season, every team will definitely study our playing style in detail, and it will be difficult for us."
Yu Jia and Coach Zhang exchanged glances, their faces showing expressions of surprise.
Li Feng, as a 19-year-old young man, was so calm and mature, which was truly rare.
"Li Feng, if you say so, I'm optimistic that the Knicks will reach the finals again next season!" Coach Zhang said earnestly.
"Haha, Coach Zhang, you're even more confident than me?"
"Of course! You've achieved success this year, but you're not complacent and can recognize yourself and the team's strength. You'll definitely reach the finals next season!"
At this moment, Yu Jia suddenly asked a question, "Li Feng, we just received some big news. LeBron James of the Cavaliers and Chris Bosh of the Raptors have gone to the Heat to form a 'Big Three' with Dwyane Wade. Have you heard about it?"
Li Feng had prepared for this, but outwardly, he still showed a momentary surprise.
He was a transmigrator and knew that major events would happen this summer.
James had strived for years with the Cavaliers and saw no hope, so he went to the Heat to form a 'Big Three'.
Li Feng replied, "These three players on the same team will definitely dominate the league. Next season will be very difficult."
Coach Zhang also expressed concern, "Do you think the Knicks can defeat the Heat's 'Big Three'?"
Li Feng put away his smile and replied with full confidence, "I can't say we'll win every game, but I believe that in a seven-game series, the Knicks will definitely defeat the Heat's 'Big Three'!"
Yu Jia pressed further, "Where does your confidence come from?"
"It comes from Yao Ming! Do you two remember the meme 'See you in Houston'?"
The two suddenly understood.
Years ago, when the Cavaliers defeated the Rockets at home, Yao Ming had uttered this defiant remark.
Then, upon returning to Houston, the Rockets defeated the Cavaliers in that game. James had zero assists and was thoroughly outplayed by the Rockets.
"Li Feng, you're still so humble. Yao Ming indeed has an edge over James, but what about Wade and Bosh? How do you think you'll handle them?"
In 2011, Wade and Bosh were both at their peak, and they were both top ten players in the league.
Even if Li Feng could effectively neutralize Wade, Bosh would be quite difficult to deal with.
Bosh was not only tough in the paint but also had an excellent shooting ability, making him a hard player to defend.
Li Feng thought seriously and replied, "As for Bosh, I think we can limit him with overall team defense. It's difficult to guard him with just man-to-man defense."
"For example?"
"For instance, we could have Gallinari and Scola provide help defense. On the perimeter, Lowry and I can limit him."
Li Feng then added, "While the Heat's 'Big Three' are very competitive, the other teams in the Eastern Conference are also very strong."
Li Feng's thinking was very thorough. He didn't just consider the Heat as their sole opponent, as saying so would be unfair to other teams.
Seeing that Li Feng didn't want to dwell on the topic, Yu Jia changed the subject.
"Li Feng, can you talk about your experience playing on the same team as Yao Ming?"
Li Feng smiled and said, "It's very enjoyable, truly enjoyable. Brother Yao is a very interesting person in daily life. Every time we train, it's filled with laughter!"
"However, when it comes to tactics, Brother Yao is very serious, so his arrival is extremely important for the Knicks!"
Coach Zhang also said, "The Knicks teammates also have high praise for Yao Ming, especially the superstars like Francis, McGrady, and so on. They all enjoyed being teammates with Yao Ming. I visited the Rockets during those years, and those players were very friendly."