Towns forcefully pulled the hoop, releasing it as it buzzed with noise.
Towns waved to Zeng Xingyang, indicating how comfortable this passing coordination was.
"Don’t hold the ball for too long, if you can’t attack, move the ball around."
Calipari continued to shout.
Calipari liked Zeng Xingyang more and more. If Zeng Xingyang was willing to stay at the university next season, he felt he could train him as a core player.
Zeng is smart, thinks on the court, and can maximize his influence.
The fans in the North Carolina Arena remained quiet, as if no matter how outstanding the plays by the University of Kentucky, none could provoke cheers.
The commentator said, "Zeng Xingyang has a very high basketball IQ. He knows how to use his intimidation to create opportunities for his teammates rather than insisting on taking shots himself."
Another commentator said, "Yes, many people think simply preventing his three-pointers will stop him, but it’s actually more challenging to restrict how he changes the team’s tactical system. He has expanded the offensive space for the Kentucky Wildcats, adding depth to their attacks."
On the court, Towns high-fived Zeng Xingyang as they passed.
Zeng Xingyang understood well; as long as Kentucky players kept moving, the coordination would become smoother, and their talent would make it easier to play.
University of North Carolina’s offense
Peggy dribbled into the frontcourt, while Zeng Xingyang continued guarding Justin Jackson.
Justin Jackson was still a freshman; his playing style wasn’t mature, making him appear somewhat impulsive on the court.
He constantly felt pressure from Zeng Xingyang targeting him offensively, and he was eager to respond to Zeng Xingyang.
Peggy transferred the ball to Brees Johnson inside, whose inside offensive skills were solid, but Koulistan’s higher talent gave him no space to showcase.
Brees Johnson passed the ball back out to Justin Jackson on the perimeter.
Justin Jackson, after receiving the ball, didn’t pass further, desperately wanting to make the play.
He launched an attack from the left 45-degree angle, accelerating with his right-hand dribbling, attempting to pass Zeng Xingyang in one step.
But he didn’t succeed; Zeng Xingyang wasn’t incredibly fast, but he wasn’t afraid of such breakthroughs, adjusting his footwork to counter horizontally.
Their bodies collided, and Zeng Xingyang’s strength exerted enough pressure on Justin Jackson.
Justin Jackson couldn’t believe that Zeng Xingyang, this Asian guy, could stop his charge.
Justin Jackson quickly switched to a behind-the-back dribble and then gathered the ball, stepping back for an urgent jump shot.
Zeng Xingyang leaped in defense, creating enormous interference.
Justin Jackson’s jump shot hit the rim heavily and bounced out.
However, Kentucky failed to secure the rebound, as Kenny Mikes outmuscled Towns to grab the offensive rebound, passing it back to Peggy.
Peggy shot a three-pointer from the top of the arc, tracing a curve.
University of Kentucky’s defense didn’t hold, and immense cheers erupted from the crowd.
Kenny Mikes roared at Towns.
Kenny Mikes was projected to go undrafted, indicating his talent wasn’t enough to draw NBA teams’ attention.
While Towns was predicted to be the first pick, Kenny Mikes was particularly unsatisfied, wanting to challenge Towns.
The camera focused on Kenny Mikes; this offensive rebound from North Carolina was crucial.
Zeng Xingyang did not blame his teammate but instead engaged in the new offensive play.
The defensive rotations in games are : individual defensive success doesn’t mean team defensive success.
Zeng Xingyang continued instructing Booker, "I’ll position outside the right-side three-point line, keep an eye on it."
Booker nodded, "Okay, you run."
Kentucky’s offensive tactics have consistently been successful; it’s an effortless offense style.
Booker liked playing this way; he trusted Zeng Xingyang.
Booker received the ball and observed on the right side while Zeng Xingyang feigned an inner cut.
University of North Carolina’s defensive formation contracted due to Zeng Xingyang’s frequent inner cuts, providing opportunities on the perimeter.
Booker passed the ball around, with Zeng Xingyang and Koulistan both involved.
On the perimeter, patience in handoffs and wrapping screens was evident.
Amid the continuous passing, Zeng Xingyang pretended to cut inside, Justin Jackson was deceived, and his balance shifted inward as Zeng Xingyang quickly moved to the right baseline corner.
With the ball in Towns’ hands, Towns promptly bounced it to Zeng Xingyang.
The moment Zeng Xingyang caught the ball, he was intensely focused, as if the world consisted only of him, the basketball, and the hoop.
Without hesitation, he caught the ball, leapt, and released the three-pointer.
This is a standard shooting form from catch for shooters.
The basketball traced a beautiful arc.
The basketball pierced through the netting.
"F*ck, he scored again."
"Defense, don’t let anyone loose."
Zeng Xingyang’s three-pointer annoyed the crowd, prompting them to curse.
Zeng Xingyang completely ignored the uproar from the crowd, instead pointing at Towns before quickly retreating in defense.
Towns similarly pointed at Zeng Xingyang, reciprocating the gesture, and the duo’s celebratory action was quite unique.
This celebratory gesture was amplified in such a moment under everyone’s eyes.
The camera continuously focused on Zeng Xingyang, capturing his every move.
In this high-profile battle, Zeng Xingyang nearly dominated all of Kentucky’s opening offenses, and Kentucky’s offensive efficiency was astonishing.
Zeng Xingyang isn’t the core but plays a significant role.
After the point guard dribbled past mid-court, North Carolina chose to call a timeout for adjustments; Kentucky’s opening on both ends pressured North Carolina greatly.
In a corner of the arena, a few scouts chatted casually.
The Knicks scout said, "This Chinese player surprises me, maintaining such efficient performance against North Carolina."
The Clippers scout said, "Indeed, his positioning and shooting ability already meet NBA standards. If he enters the draft after his freshman year, we’ll consider him for tryouts."
The Pacers scout said, "Usually, the growth potential for Chinese guards is quite limited, so I wonder if the NCAA is his peak."
The Knicks scout pondered for a moment and said, frowning, "It’s hard to say; his game samples are still too few."
The Hornets scout said, "Don’t overlook the Chinese market; it adds to his value."
As Zeng Xingyang’s fame grows, several NBA scouts are now considering him a focus for investigation, especially those teams needing shooters are keenly evaluating Zeng Xingyang’s advanced metrics.
Some team executives even specifically attend his games for closer observation.
Presti was thoughtfully watching Zeng Xingyang’s personal highlights on the big screen.
Zeng Xingyang received significant exposure with the NCAA Kentucky Wildcats, and his consistent performance was steadily enhancing his chances of being drafted.