Chapter 32 The ultimate truth of defense

After four rounds of competition, only eight teams remained for 64 teams, and these eight teams are also called the "elite eight". No one dares to underestimate the University of Southern California, which has defeated strong enemies this time. The single-elimination game can reach the elite eight. It can be said that it is just luck, not to mention that among the teams that Southern California has selected, there are also strong teams like the University of Florida.

Every step forward, Southern California will receive a little more attention. Now, the University of Southern California has become well-known in the sports circles across the United States, especially in the California area, which has caused a Trojan storm.

Bill Sharman, a member of the Hall of Fame of the University of Southern California and one of the top 50 superstars, congratulated the team on the phone and encouraged the team to continue to pursue better results and win the first NCAA Championship championship at the University of Southern California.

Brian, Scarab, Gus Williams, Crawford Robinson and other seniors also used various methods to encourage the juniors. This was a very effective motivation. All of them could enter the Niu A appeared.

The school also said that it had booked a hotel for them to stay in St. Louis, the final venue of this year, to show their confidence in them. However, this move is far less effective than giving more bonuses. Of course, it cannot be said that it is completely useless.

Among the remaining elite eights, in addition to the University of Southern California, the No. 1 seed University of Louisville was eliminated by the University of Illinois, and the No. 2 seed University of North Carolina and the No. 4 seed Duke University, as well as the University of Texas, the University of Connecticut, Georgetown University and Virginia Commonwealth University.

The opponent of the University of Southern California in the quarterfinals is the University of Texas, which is considered a signing position, because among the remaining opponents, Texas is a relatively weak team. The University of North Carolina, Duke University, and Georgetown are all old-fashioned strong teams, while the University of Connecticut and the University of Illinois are considered to be the two best teams in the routine game, only the University of Southern California, Ferkenia Commonwealth University and the University of Texas are considered to be a little weaker.

The game is indeed as many people think. The University of Southern California, which is full of fighting spirit and confidence, has maintained its lead against its opponent from the beginning. Although head coach Rick Barnes keeps adjusting his tactics and changing the lineup on the court, no matter they use the third- and second- and third-tier defense, they cannot limit their opponent's over-attack. Moreover, Coupard and Stephen maintain their dominance on rebounding on both ends of the offense and defense. The tactics that Benjamin formulated before the game to reduce the rhythm of the game are very effective. The University of Texas cannot fight at a speed, just like a longhorned bull trapped in a mud.

Their main teams Lamarcus Aldris and Daniel Gibson were better when they were on the court. When he was on the court, they showed their weakness of the bench. The only offensive point, Kenton Paulinno, who met a defensive expert like Stephen, could not show his combat effectiveness at all.

In the end, the University of Southern California won the game more easily and entered the final four. In this game, Stephen played the whole game, and not only did he say that he could limit the opponent's forward players well. The oppressive defense and tireless running all over the field won Stephen the nickname "Beast", which was what Danny Gibson said in an interview after the game.

When the reporter asked him who posed the greatest threat to you, he did not mention Coupard, who scored 23 points, eleven rebounds and two blocks, nor did he mention Gabu Pruitt, who played against him and scored 19 points and seven assists, but gave the honor to Stephen, who scored six points, nine rebounds, four assists, three steals and three blocks.

"The opponent's No. 11 player, yes, that yellow-skinned guy, yes, I think he is the person who poses the greatest threat to us. A player's contribution to the game is not only reflected in the offensive end, but also in the defensive end. He caused us a lot of trouble. His defense is not only effective for a certain person. I feel like he defends our entire outside line alone, and he may appear in front of you at any time and anywhere. Moreover, his defense is too fierce. Facing him, I feel like facing a wild beast, full of oppression. After being targeted by him, I feel like I have no way to escape."

When Stephen knew this, it was the second day. After winning the University of Texas, it meant entering the NCAA finals. The three games in the final four were broadcast nationwide. During the game, the Niu A game had to give way to it. For those who want to become professional players, entering the final four represents an increase in value and can attract more attention from the teams, so everyone was very happy. After the game, the small groups went crazy for a while and then went to rest.

When he got up early, Gabu Pruit called Stephen: "Beast". Stephen didn't know who he was talking about. After reading this news, Stephen was very depressed. He seemed not to be against this guy. At most, he stole him once when he was dribbling. But who told him to run past him? Oh, by the way, he seemed to have grabbed a rebound from him. You can't call me a beast.

At this time, the final list of the semi-finals has been announced to the whole country. Southern California is naturally one of them, known as the strongest dark horse team. He has never lost since his sixth game to Washington University. Such a record is surprising enough to be included in any competition area, not to mention that they also came from a strong team like the Pacific Ten Schools League.

In the Elite Eight match, the three-time combination of Deron Williams, Lutherhead and Di Brown of the University of Illinois defeated Georgetown University. Virginia Commonwealth University went to the University of North Carolina like a massacre. The two sides ended the game with a score difference of 23 points. In the strong dialogue between the University of Connecticut and Duke, the University of Connecticut laughed to the end. Although it was not a surprise, it was also surprising.

The final four will be held on April 3rd to St. Louis. On April 2nd, a senior All-Star Game will be held in St. Louis. Only Admundson at the University of Southern California received the invitation. The final four will not be played at the same time. First, the University of Southern California vs. Illinois, then the University of North Carolina vs. University of Connecticut, and then the two winners will compete in the final.

The University of Southern California and the University of Illinois are both the dark horse teams of this year. It’s just that the University of Southern California has a better quality. The opponent has made its mark since last season. Most experts believe that compared with the other two teams, this form of matchup is a good thing for the University of Illinois and the University of Southern California, because both teams lack experience in semi-finals or finals.

With four days left before the semi-finals, the coaching staff kept studying the opponent's various game information, while the players were doing targeted recovery training. After entering the final quarterfinals, Bill Salman personally came to the hotel where the team stayed to encourage and cheer up his alumni. Everyone was very excited about the arrival of this legendary senior. After all, this person is not only a player, but also a very excellent coach and manager.

He is the first defender to increase his shooting percentage to 40%. After joining Bill Russell to create the Celtic dynasty, he became the only coach to win championships in all three major leagues, leading the Lakers to record 69 wins and 33 consecutive victories. This result was not broken by the Bulls until the 1990s. During his tenure as general manager of the Los Angeles Lakers, he selected the "Magic" Johnson and brought two championships for the team. After becoming the chairman of the team, he won three championships, which also made him a player and head coach twice inducted into the Hall of Fame.

Bill Salman gave each junior some advice. When it was Stephen's turn, he first patted Stephen's shoulder kindly, and then said to Stephen earnestly: "I have seen your games. Your defense is excellent. Although it is technically not well-designed, but the most important thing is that your defense lacks the momentum of killing. On the court, your opponent is your enemy. Why do you do so gentle to them? Be cruel and fierce, don't be afraid of fouls. How can you defend if you are bound? Let your opponent be afraid when you see you, and your defense is half successful.

But now is not the past, especially if you are an outside player. In history, Bill Russell can become a great player by relying solely on defense, but don’t forget that he is a center and an inside player. It is impossible for outside players to gain a long foothold in a team without offensive ability, but only defense ability. So you have to develop your offensive ability as soon as possible so that they can become qualified and excellent basketball players."

Stephen nodded in excitement, but muttered in his heart, who said he had no offensive ability? Even if you are an old senior, you can't talk nonsense. It's just that the coach didn't arrange for me to be the main attacker. Otherwise, the average average of more than 10% would be no problem at all. Although I can't shoot, offense is not just shooting.

Besides, it’s not my fault that I don’t have offensive ability, it’s my fault. I can’t control this body for the time being. When I can completely control it like before, I will let you take a good look at what an offensive versatile talent means. But it’s useless to say anything now. Let’s just bow your head and listen to the lesson.
Chapter completed!