After getting back on the court, Zeng Xingyang didn’t participate in the offense. Booker rushed to the front court on a fast break and passed to the trailing Koulistan, who slammed it home.
"Zeng, I really envy you for being able to fall into a pile of women," Towns came over and patted Zeng Xingyang.
"If I’d known you didn’t need me for the offense, I would have laid down a bit longer," Zeng Xingyang pretended to savor.
"Next time I save the ball, I’ll play like that too," Booker came over and grumbled.
Both guys saved the ball, but the treatment was worlds apart; he almost crashed into the scorer’s table.
"Keep defending!" Calipari yelled from the sidelines.
Calipari was very satisfied with Zeng Xingyang’s defense.
Zeng Xingyang’s defense effectively restricted Staley Johnson.
Over at the University of Arizona, Staley Johnson’s attitude towards Zeng Xingyang was obviously different.
In just one play, he could feel Zeng Xingyang’s defensive ability.
Defense relies primarily on physical talent, followed by attitude.
Some people don’t like to defend; they’re full of energy when attacking but lazy and slack off on defense, just throwing their hands in the air.
Superstar-level players basically have enough talent.
Poor defense is mostly an attitude problem.
The main reason is that defense mostly isn’t as visually rewarding as offensive stats.
Generally, those who like defense don’t care too much about the stats...
Zeng Xingyang has decent static talent, and he shows a positive attitude. Even if he gets beaten by Staley Johnson, he still chases hard and then saves the ball.
This kind of crazy dog-style defense is very tough.
The University of Arizona comes on the attack again.
After a series of passing.
Staley Johnson actively came out to the top of the arc to call for the ball.
Zeng Xingyang spread his arms, lowering his defensive stance.
Fans of the University of Arizona were cheering, each rooting for Staley Johnson.
Staley Johnson didn’t use any fancy moves, just a jab step before accelerating to the right.
Staley Johnson’s first step was quick; Zeng Xingyang slid over but didn’t stop him.
After one step, Staley Johnson suddenly stopped for a mid-range attempt.
But just as he jumped, he noticed Zeng Xingyang’s long arms already there to interfere.
Zeng Xingyang’s defensive coverage was larger than he expected.
Staley Johnson is a very strong college player but that doesn’t mean he can break through Zeng Xingyang’s defense.
Zeng Xingyang’s interference was tremendous, and Staley Johnson’s jump shot clanked again.
If stopping once doesn’t mean restriction, then how about twice?
The last time was defending the catch, this time it was directly limiting the offense.
Many scouts were marveling at Zeng Xingyang’s growth.
Back at the start of the season, Zeng Xingyang’s defense was a weak point targeted by opponents.
But now, Zeng Xingyang’s defense is at a knife-like level, at least in their eyes, it’s already keeping up with NBA-level intensity.
Towns securely grabbed the rebound.
Towns’ awareness of protecting the rim is average, but his rebounding ability is very strong, and when he’s prepared, he protects the rebound steadily.
Kable didn’t scramble for it this time and felt a bit down.
Towns passed the ball to Zeng Xingyang.
Staley Johnson immediately tried to steal from Zeng Xingyang.
Zeng Xingyang’s dribbling stance didn’t look very good.
But the distance was a bit too far; Zeng Xingyang saw through Staley Johnson’s intention and deftly used a behind-the-back dribble to evade the steal.
After avoiding the steal, Zeng Xingyang accelerated past half-court.
Even though he has been playing for a while, it’s rare to see Zeng Xingyang dribble past half-court.
Zeng Xingyang passed the ball to Booker on the other side.
After catching the ball, Booker made a quick direction change and elegantly got past the defender next to him.
Booker dribbled into the paint, drawing Arizona’s defensive attention.
Koulistan came out to set a screen for Zeng Xingyang.
On the right corner, Zeng Xingyang was open again, and Booker passed it over.
In the instant Zeng Xingyang caught the ball, it felt as though all surrounding sound quieted down. He jumped up, planting his feet, taking a three-point jump shot.
This is a signature catch-and-shoot motion of a shooter.
Staley Johnson couldn’t catch up.
The three-pointer was clean.
The University of Arizona’s coach looked speechless and hurriedly signaled for a timeout.
The presence of that Chinese player on the other side instantly turned the game around.
The scouts below were buzzing with discussion; Zeng Xingyang, though coming off the bench, didn’t seem to have the influence of a mere substitute.
Instead, he seemed more like a core player.
Whether it was Towns or Booker, they were intentionally or unintentionally playing around Zeng Xingyang.
Many scouts were scribbling notes in their notebooks, recording everything they observed.
The point gap had narrowed to 8, and the University of Kentucky’s fans roared up.
The game started to intensify visibly, every play was crucial.
Calipari high-fived each player coming off the court; after the last timeout, the University of Kentucky went on a 7-0 run, confirming his decision to sub players.
Calipari specifically handed a bottle of water to Zeng Xingyang, praising him, "Well done."
Zeng Xingyang nodded while gasping, his eyes full of hunger for victory.
Zeng Xingyang’s all-around performance during this period caught the eyes of many scouts.
Most scouts came to see Towns, Booker, Staley Johnson, and others, but Zeng Xingyang turned out to be a pleasant surprise.
Zeng Xingyang dominated the offense and defense during this time, it was truly amazing.
Staley Johnson thought the Chinese number 8 was more troublesome than Terry Lyles; he couldn’t think of a way to attack Zeng Xingyang for now.
After the timeout, Staley Johnson, using a screen, didn’t try to go one-on-one with Zeng Xingyang, instead, he passed the ball back to McConnell.
McConnell and Kable’s pick-and-roll, after the screen, he drove inside.
McConnell drove into the paint; he glanced at Towns, thinking Towns couldn’t jump anymore, so he suddenly stopped and rose to shoot.
But on the other side!
Koulistan leapt up like a spring man, extending his long arm for a solid block.
The ball was directly blocked.
In the past, Koulistan didn’t perform well in the NBA, but for NCAA students, his talent is top-notch.
After the block, Zeng Xingyang controlled the ball.
Upon getting the ball, Zeng Xingyang quickly passed it to Booker.
Booker quickly counter-attacked, while Zeng Xingyang fast-tracked on the other side.
Staley Johnson chased after Booker, leaving Hollis Jefferson to defend Zeng Xingyang.
After Booker rushed into the paint and drew the defense, he continued to pass to Zeng Xingyang.
Zeng Xingyang caught the ball and bumped Hollis Jefferson with his shoulder.
Zeng Xingyang’s strength was enough to gain an advantage over NCAA guards.
Hollis Jefferson was knocked back, and Zeng Xingyang took advantage to drive straight in, decelerating at the free throw line’s right side for a pull-up mid-range jumper.
Zeng Xingyang’s pacing was excellent.
The ball swished through the net.
The University of Kentucky’s offensive surge continued, reducing the point gap to just two.
Calipari excitedly clapped in celebration, Zeng Xingyang was just that reliable.
He made an immediate impact and could consistently score.