CHAPTER 53: CHAPTER 53, AGENT.

ESPN had a program discussing this game.

"Zack, what do you think Ohio State University’s chances are?" one host asked.

The guest named Zack immediately replied, "Probably less than twenty percent. This year’s Kentucky Five Tigers are too strong; they haven’t lost a single game so far, and they beat opponents by an average of 19 points per game."

"Do you think D’Angelo Russell has the potential to impact the game’s outcome?"

"I don’t think so. Jack, what do you think?" Zack countered.

"I think D’Angelo should surpass Okafor and Karl-Anthony Towns to become the number one pick this year. After all, the influence of big men isn’t what it used to be," said Jack, the host, adding, "D’Angelo has all the talent to become a great point guard, and he can also play as a shooting guard. Having watched his games closely, you can truly recognize his strength. This season, D’Angelo has made countless incredible passes, enough to prove he can make his teammates better."

Zack smiled and said, "I certainly know he’s good, but only if he faces China’s Zeng’s defense. Zeng is already recognized as one of the best defensive guards in the NCAA and will make the All-Defensive Team this year. If necessary, Coach Calipari might have him defend D’Angelo."

Jack shook his head, saying, "I always feel D’Angelo is a player on another level. Even someone like Zeng can’t stop him; D’Angelo will blow him away."

...

Watching the lively discussions on the TV in the locker room.

Booker said, "Zeng, if you defend D’Angelo, he won’t stand a chance."

Booker at this moment felt the hosts on TV didn’t understand basketball.

Booker knew Russell since high school and faced him in matches. In his view, Russell is nothing special; he could beat that guy anytime.

Russell’s offensive skills aren’t as hyped as they say; Zeng Xingyang can definitely limit him.

Booker has played many one-on-one scrimmages against Zeng Xingyang, and he believes Zeng Xingyang’s defense is strong enough.

Towns rarely became serious, "Do not underestimate him. His passing is still functional, and we’re all entering the draft this year, so don’t leave this guy as a regret."

Zeng Xingyang nodded and said, "Leave him to me, I’ll take care of it."

Currently, Russell isn’t called Shui La, but I’ll make him into Shui La.

Zeng Xingyang gained confidence from defending Powell.

As for Russell, if he tries to go one-on-one, I’ll show him what I’m made of.

...

The game between the University of Kentucky and Ohio State University quickly became the focus of attention across the nation.

The pace of March Madness games is fast, with eliminated teams quickly losing attention.

Fans and media will focus on the next round.

Now at the University of Kentucky, it’s not just Towns and Russell’s projected top-three draft spots that draw attention, but Zeng Xingyang’s performance as well.

In the last game, Zeng Xingyang overpowered Powell, and if he does the same to Russell this game, it’ll cause a sensation.

Of course, many outsiders doubt Zeng Xingyang can limit Russell.

Russell seems to have more of a superstar aura, while Zeng Xingyang is just considered 3D.

As his fame grows, Zeng Xingyang’s interview content lately has been noticed by more who suspect he might enter the draft this year, prompting numerous agents to proactively reach out to the school.

Of course, Zeng Xingyang doesn’t know these agents, and they appear unreliable.

Zeng Xingyang doesn’t know many agents, only big names like future Lakers GM, now Kobe’s agent Robert Pelinka, Jeff Schwartz who helps players secure maximum contracts, and Rich Paul who relies on James, just to name a few.

Although he knows these names, Zeng Xingyang doesn’t know them personally.

A qualified agent is very important for a player.

Otherwise, you can end up like Noel who turned down four years at 70 million for a minimum salary, or like Duncan and Garnett who got scammed by agents.

Zeng Xingyang didn’t dare to rashly sign with those proactive agents and politely sent them away.

Zeng Xingyang isn’t worried about finding an agent; he just needs to take some time to chat with Coach Calipari.

Calipari has been in the NCAA for many years and has connections in the basketball industry that are beyond imagination.

It might be tough for him to directly get a player without NBA-ready skill into an NBA team.

But it’s no problem for him to find an agent nationwide.

Having spent time with Calipari, Zeng Xingyang understood his temper and character.

As long as he seeks his advice, he’ll give professional suggestions.

One day after training, Zeng Xingyang asked Calipari about agents and expressed his intention to enter the draft this year.

Calipari told Zeng Xingyang not to worry about anything, just focus on playing well.

....

The day before the game, the entire University of Kentucky team arrived near Lucas Oil Stadium in Indiana.

Lucas Oil Stadium is also the home field of the NFL’s Indianapolis Colts.

Tomorrow’s game will be set at the south end of Lucas Oil Stadium, surrounded by approximately 35,000 seats.

March Madness games get more attendees than NBA games.

Calipari organized a tactical video meeting, and after the meeting, everyone dispersed to find their own activities.

Towns and Booker went with a group of teammates to the supermarket, while Zeng Xingyang continued basic shooting practice in the training hall.

Today Zeng Xingyang didn’t dare to practice too intensely, mainly preserving his shooting feel.

Currently, his projected spot is in the first round but may fall out of the second round.

Zeng Xingyang wants a higher pick for a better salary.

Zeng Xingyang needs a first-round contract salary to ease his financial strains.

After crossing over, Zeng Xingyang considered some ways to make money, but none seemed realistic.

Making money requires time, but time is what he’s most lacking now.

After daily training, he just wants to rest well.

Zeng Xingyang has a crystal-clear mindset; as long as he trains well and plays each game well, many problems can be resolved.

After entering the NBA, Zeng Xingyang doesn’t want to sit on the bench for too long; if his draft rank is higher, it means higher starting point, more attention, and more development.

...

When Zeng Xingyang finished his training, he saw Calipari leading a middle-aged White man over.

This middle-aged White man wore a blue shirt under a suit, with a solemn expression, looking a bit familiar.

Zeng Xingyang thought he was Calipari’s guest and planned not to disturb, nodded to the coach, and prepared to return to the hotel.

Calipari motioned for Zeng Xingyang to wait, "Zeng, let me introduce someone, or better yet, he can introduce himself."

"Hi, Zeng, nice to meet you, sorry for interrupting your training. My name is Jeff Schwartz, a striving NBA agent." The middle-aged man quickly put on a smile and extended his hand to Zeng Xingyang.

Jeff Schwartz?

"Mr. Schwartz, nice to meet you."

While shaking hands with Schwartz, Zeng Xingyang’s brain worked quickly.

Zeng Xingyang had heard of Jeff Schwartz’s name in his previous life.