CHAPTER 54: CHAPTER 54: TURNING RUSSELL INTO SHUI LA?

Before his past life was crossed, the news Zeng Xingyang saw showed that Schwartz had more than thirty NBA players under his banner, including 7 All-Star players. These two numbers were at the top of the NBA league agents list, with total player salaries totaling 468 million dollars, nearly 100 million more than the second, Rich Paul.

Schwartz is extremely strong in contract negotiations. For example, Middleton, whom many thought couldn’t get a 30 million dollar annual salary, Schwartz stepped in and immediately had the Bucks offer a 5-year, 178 million dollar max contract;

At 22, Murray was unlikely to get a max contract, but with his help, the Nuggets gave Murray a 5-year, 170 million dollar contract.

Then there was Barnes who secured a 4-year, 85 million dollar contract with the Kings.

These contract signings all reflect Schwartz’s strong professional capabilities.

Of course, it’s still 2015, Schwartz has yet to operate these classic cases. He can’t be called the strongest agent in the NBA, but Zeng Xingyang knows he is definitely professional.

Schwartz looked at Zeng Xingyang with a smile.

Every year before the draft, Schwartz would keep in touch with coaches from the basketball powerhouses, looking to sign promising players.

Calipari recommended Zeng Xingyang to him, and after learning about him, Schwartz felt he could sign him, so he came over to take a look.

Zeng Xingyang scratched his head, feeling that what he lacked had come to him, Calipari was so understanding.

"Didn’t interrupt my training, I was also about to leave."

"I heard the coach say a lot about you on the team. I think you’re really amazing, doing what those superstars are doing."

"In the NBA, talent is important, but more important is wanting to have a strong inner drive, which not every player possesses."

Schwartz greatly appreciated Zeng Xingyang.

While other players tried to avoid training, he continued to strive.

"I want to become stronger, I’m eager to improve, so I’ll give my best effort." Zeng Xingyang unabashedly expressed his personality, seriously saying.

"Mm, I’m optimistic about you."

Schwartz had seen too many talented players who ultimately didn’t reach their potential, leaving him regretful.

He knew for geniuses, what they mostly lack is the effort and indomitable spirit.

As long as there’s some talent, combined with great effort, following the right direction thereafter leads to success!

"Is there anything you came to find me for?" Zeng Xingyang knowingly asked.

"Uh, I heard from the coach that you want to enter the draft this year and you still don’t have an agent, so I thought I’d see if we have an opportunity to cooperate."

"I can help you with draft operations, assisting you in joining an NBA team suited to your development."

"I know, according to regulations, you can’t sign with me yet, but keeping in touch benefits us both."

"You can reach out if you need any help, remember, for anything, whether it’s basketball-related or not."

Schwartz briefly explained his intentions, his last sentence quite sincere.

This also signaled to Zeng Xingyang that Schwartz had significant power to help him resolve off-court troubles.

Many NCAA players before entering the NBA often have a lot of troublesome issues to handle.

Don’t underestimate the significance of this sentence.

For example, some players might lack money, some struggle academically, some even get their girlfriends pregnant, and some fight leading to imprisonment.

These issues are quite real difficulties for a college student.

At this time, an agent becomes very important.

This job is somewhat akin to sales.

Zeng Xingyang looked at Calipari, seeking his opinion.

Calipari also said, "Zeng, Jeff has been my friend for many years, and he’s professional enough in the NBA agency circle."

Calipari meant that this person is trustworthy, he could vouch for him.

Zeng Xingyang nodded, "Okay, Jeff, we’ll stay in touch and find a time to sit down and talk."

Schwartz smiled, "Mm, remember, you can call me 24/7."

He exchanged contact information with Schwartz, then walked back to the hotel.

Zeng Xingyang once again sighed at the benefits of entering a basketball powerhouse, not needing to worry about matters beyond playing.

He just casually mentioned this to Calipari, and within days, one of the NBA’s best agents came to him.

The coach’s network is truly terrifying.

Maybe next time he should talk to the coach about wanting to enter the lottery?

He’s really eager to improve.

If the coach had a daughter about his age, he could make a sacrifice and this could be settled.

In overall communication with Schwartz, he confirmed there’s nothing discomforting.

Famous, humble and courteous, a reliable coach introduction, if future communications go well, then it’s him.

....

On the afternoon of the game day.

When Ohio State University’s bus parked at the sports stadium, reporters swarmed it.

D’Angelo Russell wore sunglasses, a suit, assuming an already-entered-NBA star look.

TNT’s reporter stopped Russell and asked, "DeAngelo, do you think you can pass the Kentucky Wildcats tonight? Will you be restricted by Zeng Xingyang?"

Currently, Zeng Xingyang’s defensive skill is recognized as top-level in the NCAA, even more influential in defense than Towns and Booker.

After hearing the question, Russell said, "I’ve only heard of Carl and Devin, I haven’t heard of who you said, what was his high school star rating? We’re very confident we can defeat Kentucky."

Russell’s words were filled with confidence.

"He has no star rating."

"That means he’s not qualified to be my opponent."

After saying that, Russell walked straight towards the stadium without looking back.

Currently, Russell also has his arrogance, expressing himself bluntly in front of the camera.

On the other side, when reporters relayed Russell’s words to Zeng Xingyang, Zeng Xingyang annoyedly responded, "Hope he’s as tough on court as he is off, doesn’t hide."

Seeing D’Angelo Russell, Zeng Xingyang thought of the various controversies he faced in his past life.

In the locker room, betraying Nick Young, causing Nick Young and his fiancée to break up, drove Nick Young to want to kill him.

Then, watching Lakers games there’s always many internet users commenting and criticizing him.

Whether being poorly recognized as a number two pick in Kobe’s era named Shui La, or becoming a defensive liability during James’ period left fans dissatisfied.

Though being teammates with Kobe and James without fan criticism is difficult, continually being criticized also shows his disappointing performance.

In Zeng Xingyang’s memory, apart from Russell and Tate having NBA credentials, he had no impression of others in this Ohio State University team.

However, according to scouting reports, this team had an obvious characteristic: every player had decent shooting.

They played entirely around Russell, showcasing a very strong one-star-four-shooters effect.

During warm-ups, Ohio State University’s open threes went swish, even the center had a decent three-point shooting rate.

Playing against such a team is both challenging and easy.

Defending their offensive starting point well, and the intensity on the perimeter should suffice.