Qin Yue, Qin Yue, still Qin Yue.
As the star player of the University of Utah, this season he has already been recognized in the MWC league... attaining great progress in all aspects as the "Bai Duncan."
Andrew Bogut just couldn’t understand...
Why is it that whenever people talk about college basketball now, they can only think of Qin Yue’s name.
As if there is only one person in the NCAA who can play basketball.
"He just played one good game, that’s all."
At this moment, recalling the praise he received from the world during the Athens Olympic Games, Bogut thought resentfully.
In Bogut’s view, his strength has clearly been tested by the Olympic Games, and he obviously also delivered an outstanding performance of 25 points and 18 rebounds in the opening game representing the University of Utah...
But contrary to what he thought, not only did he not receive the praise he deserved, but in some media evaluations, he became the object used to belittle and elevate another.
"Andrew Bogut of the University of Utah?
Of course, he is a fantastic inside player, he is young, has good height and wingspan, and also has a great feel under the basket, even able to pass...
But once you have Qin, who is undoubtedly the right answer, Andrew is destined to only be an alternative answer." - ESPN "2005 Draft Stock and Predictions"
"He’s just a damn upstart... How could he make me an alternative answer?"
Unlike Duncan, who is low-key and pragmatic after entering the league...
Bogut, the "Bai Duncan," always appears arrogant and conceited.
In 2005, after being selected by the Bucks, Bogut immediately expressed his disdain for his compatriot elder, Langvad, through the media due to comparisons made between him and Langvad.
Then, when asked how he viewed the renowned senior Duncan, Bogut’s words and expressions were filled with arrogance.
Because, according to his description, Duncan seemed to be just so-so.
In November, having just secured the top pick position with a spectacular debut, Qin Yue met his first public challenger.
"This year, we have a challenge game against Wake Forest. I will use my performance in that game to show the world how foolish their perception of me is, and I will personally tear off that presumptive top pick’s mask in that game, so you can see who is the best college basketball player this year." (Note 1)
Through the media, Bogut formally issued his challenge to Qin Yue on November 15th of the same year.
Upon hearing Bogut’s name, Qin Yue, who originally wanted to punch him, turned to Paul after receiving the challenge letter and said, "Why do I feel like he’s challenging me to a boxing match, not a basketball game?"
Hearing this, Paul, who had some understanding of Bogut, said, "But how can he tear off your mask?
He’s a center, and you’re a power forward... although you both play inside, the University of Utah can’t possibly have him defend you, right?"
Paul knew very well that given Qin Yue’s agility and speed currently displayed on the court...
The most despairing thing for the entire NCAA right now is that all of Wake Forest’s opponents have a headache over who to put against Qin Yue in the game.
Can he keep up with Qin Yue’s pace in the game and stop Qin Yue from shooting from the outside?
At this moment, after patting Paul’s shoulder, Qin Yue said, "Our challenge game with them is on December 5th, right?
Don’t worry, I will apply to Coach Skip to play as a center in that game."
Seeing this, Paul said in shock, "You want to face him head-on?"
Qin Yue nodded and said, "Otherwise... how else can you make him lose convincingly?"
Since issuing the challenge to Qin Yue, Bogut has focused all his attention on the challenge game coming in December.
To help Bogut win the war between him and Qin Yue in that game...
The head coach of the University of Utah, Ray Giacoletti, also carefully designed a set of tactics for his beloved protégé.
According to Giacoletti’s plan, he will arrange for Bryant Markson to match up against Qin Yue on defense.
Markson, a junior this year, stands 6 feet 7 inches tall.
Although he weighs only 90 kilograms, he has always been active and dares to fight on the court.
In Giacoletti’s view, if Qin Yue attempts to break through Markson’s defense on the court, Bogut can sit in the inside and give Qin Yue a good lesson through help defense.
As for the offense, Giacoletti has prepared to arrange for Tim Drisdom, Mark Jackson, and Jonas Langvad to play together. (Note 2)
These three have a certain shooting ability on the outside, which can effectively create space for Bogut.
In Giacoletti’s eyes, as long as Bogut enters the low post, Wake Forest’s starting center Ellis could not possibly pose a threat to him.
"Wake Forest’s overall strength is indeed stronger than ours, but as long as Andrew can win the war between him and Qin... the final victor will still be us."
That day, watching his players practicing the strategy he meticulously created for Bogut in an orderly fashion, Giacoletti thought.
Unlike the University of Utah which focused all its attention on Qin Yue...
Before the challenge game in December, Qin Yue, unaffected at all, had successfully brought Wake Forest to the national number one alongside Paul after one slaughter show after another.