Chapter Thirty-One: Tactical Core

Thanks to Yun Zhongyue’s wholehearted support, Lin Fei was quickly accepted by the school team. Although there were still a few who weren’t pleased with him—like number 3—Lin Fei’s strength was enough to command everyone’s respect.

Half a month after Lin Fei joined, the team was scheduled to play a friendly match against another university. Despite the word ‘friendly,’ these games were always fiercely contested, since both teams belonged to the same city and the outcome was a matter of honor.

Yet, in these two weeks, Yang Li hadn’t let Lin Fei participate in any competitive drills. Even during full-court scrimmages, Lin Fei was kept on the sidelines, only occasionally allowed half-court offensive and defensive exercises. But Lin Fei’s strengths were his speed and his shooting—skills that were difficult to display in half-court play. For reasons unknown, Yang Li continued to suppress him in this way.

“Lin Fei, have you noticed the strengths and weaknesses of the players on the court?” Yang Li asked, watching him closely.

“They’re all really good, even better than I imagined. I’m lucky to be able to play alongside them,” Lin Fei replied.

“Be specific. I want details—your own assessment.” Yang Li’s gaze was intense and pressing.

“Number 24, Yun Zhongyue, is an all-around player, strong and skilled, great at both organizing and scoring. Number 10, Chimu, is the backbone of our inside defense, the core of the team’s defense. Number 3 is an excellent playmaker, great at drawing fouls. Number 1 can switch between shooting guard and small forward with number 24; their styles are similar. Power forward is our weak link—number 8 has a strong body but his skills are rough and he can’t create space. Still, his height is a clear advantage, same as mine; he just needs more teamwork and training.” Lin Fei finished, looking at Yang Li.

“What about the bench?”

Lin Fei hesitated, unsure how to put it. He didn’t have a clear grasp of the other players. In truth, they all had ability, but not everyone was fit for the main rotation. “The biggest issue with this lineup is the bench. While the substitutes are competent, there’s a huge drop-off in performance compared to the starters—there’s not enough stability.”

“Do you think, if you led the bench, you could get them to play at the same level as your department team?”

“No, they’re all strong players. I wouldn’t know how to organize them.”

“What you need to do now is announce your position as the core of the bench.”

“The core?”

“That’s right. I want you to be the core whenever you’re on the court. When you’re not, I trust Yun Zhongyue and Mai Lin (number 1) can score; even number 3 is a decent scorer, though the team needs a true organizer. Right now, the school team needs a top sixth man. I want you to become that sixth man—or even a super sixth man. My goal is for you to become the offensive core, to lift the bench’s attack to the level of the starters. In official games, you’ll be my secret weapon.”

Lin Fei was dumbfounded. He hadn’t expected his coach to be so direct—core? Secret weapon?

“I’m not sure I can do it,” Lin Fei murmured, realizing the coach was dead serious.

“I believe in you!”

Lin Fei had heard these words from Coach Yang Li more than once, and he knew they were sincere.

“The game is the day after tomorrow. You’ll play—and just follow your instincts, play your own game. I’ll give you four assistants; if necessary, you can ignore them completely.”

Lin Fei, with his understanding of basketball, realized what the coach meant—he wanted him to showcase his talent, to show his potential. For now, he was an unpolished gem, and his job was to reveal his true worth. He was being given freedom from tactics and restrictions, so that when the team’s system broke down, he could step up and play to his full capability.

“In the game the day after tomorrow, you can hold back a little. I’ll give you thirty minutes on the court. Our opponent is a regular practice partner, so they probably don’t know you. There’s no need to reveal your full strength—consider it a warm-up.”

“Huh? I haven’t even gotten used to the court yet. Shouldn’t I at least get a feel for the competition?”

“You’ll have thirty minutes to get used to it. You might not adapt right away, but this is something you’ll have to face sooner or later.”

Suddenly, Lin Fei didn’t know what to say. His coach was gambling everything on him, leaving no backup plan. Would he let his coach down? For the first time, Lin Fei found himself doubting his own abilities—something that almost never happened to him on the court.

...

After team practice, only two people stayed behind: Lin Fei and Yun Zhongyue, old friends by now.

“What did the coach say to you?” Yun Zhongyue asked.

“Heh, you’re not telling me? No need—I already know. He probably talked to you about your position and tactics, right?”

Lin Fei looked at Yun Zhongyue, a bit puzzled.

“Actually, he used to have these talks with me. I know exactly what he said,” Yun Zhongyue continued, as if it were nothing.

Lin Fei felt a little embarrassed, unsure how to respond.

Completely at ease, Yun Zhongyue went on, “Yesterday I gave him a disc. Want a copy?”

“A disc?”

“The video of the last business department vs. sports department game!”

Lin Fei stared at him in surprise. “You showed that to the coach? No wonder!”

“No wonder he trusts you so much now, right? He must have been amazed by your skills. If you want, I’ll copy it for you—it’s easy, and it means a lot for your improvement. Honestly, watching you on the court now, I really admire you.”

Lin Fei patted Yun Zhongyue’s shoulder, his gesture heavy with meaning. There was much he wanted to say, but nothing seemed enough. Was this what people meant by true brotherhood—never measuring, never resenting? Yun Zhongyue was a true man—never minding if Lin Fei overtook him as the team’s offensive core, or stole his thunder on the school court. Instead, he kept helping Lin Fei rise. Such magnanimity, so unlike his usual cold demeanor.

“Are you free?”

“For what?”

“Want to grab a drink?”

“We haven’t even finished practicing! My shooting is off today—can’t even make free throws. How about we compete a bit more before we go?”

“Come on! There’s always time for basketball. Hurry up, give me your phone.”

“What for?”

“I’m calling your sister-in-law!” Lin Fei said “sister-in-law” so naturally, then suddenly realized it was Duan Tingting. The feeling was faint, almost gone now. Yet he felt a sudden urge to talk to her. Lin Fei smiled gently, knowing he was truly happy.

“It’s in the locker.”

...