Chapter 13 The Mexican Player in the Wrong Place

On the 7th, Jerry led another practice session, focusing on just two sets of tactics.

One strategy implemented a central forward organizer with off-the-ball side movements, complementing a fast-break scheme tailored for the reserve lineup, as their physical prowess was exceptional but their sense of basketball was under the average. It was challenging for them to faithfully execute complex plays, often defaulting to one-man ball handling while the rest watched passively. Thus, the plan was streamlined - play fast, leveraging their strengths.

Defensive tactics were managed by Tom. Jerry couldn’t monopolize every aspect. Delegation was key to preventing any discord from Tom, who was still far from fulfilling his ambition to become a head coach. Driven and unmarried, success was his only suitor. Without some spotlight, he might sabotage Jerry one day, most likely with his umbrella as the weapon.

Jerry wasn't lacking in emotional intelligence. His adeptness in circumventing obstacles had proven superior in his past life, securing jobs unattainable to his peers. His amiable disposition compensated for any prior weaknesses.

In the evening, the players gathered in the locker room, awaiting the commencement of the game.

The Chinese Men's Basketball Team had arrived the previous day, with the match set for 7:30 pm to accommodate their time zone adjustment. Back in China, it would be morning, and their bodies wouldn't be weighed down by fatigue.

American media didn't prioritize the Summer League, but this match filled the stadium, predominantly with Chinese nationals rallying behind the Chinese Men's Basketball Team.

The New York Knicks had tailored a sports kit in distinctive orange and white for the Summer League players. The thoughtful details brought comfort and boosted morale. Just as they were about to enter the fray, Jerry lingered behind.

"Tom, you guys go ahead. I need to use the restroom," Jerry said.

Tom, holding back a chuckle with his eyes twinkling mischievously, teased, "Feeling jittery, huh?"

"Somewhat. But after it starts, I'll just sit by the court and won't move." Jerry admitted without embarrassment.

As Jerry paced with slight nervous anticipation, it was his first official coaching game across both his lives, symbolizing a special milestone.

Meanwhile, Chinese CCTV-5 broadcasted the match live, with Zhang Heli and Sun Zhengping commentating.

The New York Knicks players were hardly known, so the commentators repeated details about the Chinese players. A redundancy for the basketball enthusiasts who awaited the actual game.

Suddenly, Zhang Heli's observation redirected all viewers' attention. "It looks like a Chinese player has gone the wrong way."

Sun Zhengping's comment stunned many viewers. "He's sitting with the New York Knicks now. Who is this? According to his height, he must be a guard. Could it be Li Xiaoyong?"

"Li Xiaoyong is warming up on the court," Zhang Weiping clarified with a certain unease. "How careless is this player not to notice that he's amidst a sea of black and white players?"

Their topic of confusion was Jerry. Tom jokingly noted that, regardless of where Jerry sat, someone would always think he was misplaced.

Jerry dressed in a bright red sports ensemble, which starkly contrasted with the New York Knicks' attire, coincidentally resembling the visiting team's coats. He went unnoticed by the commentators watching through the video, who struggled to distinguish between brands from their view. Jerry's extended stay in China had granted him a local accent and complexion, which contributed to the mix-up.

Under the scrutiny of countless Chinese TVs, the "misplaced" Chinese guard settled next to Tom, clad in a shirt and trousers.

Jerry only felt on edge while entering the scene, a little overawed by the crowd. But by the time he reached the player's bench, he had acclimatized.

A coach didn't have to participate on the field; they directed from the sidelines. So why was I anxious? All I had to do was evade the occasional burly player chasing after a stray ball.

"Jerry, your stomach alright now?" Tom asked humorously.

"Of course, it's fine," Jerry responded with a casual posture, legs crossed, arms folded across his chest. "Besides, if I weren't okay, you'd be here, wouldn't you?"

He appeared so at ease, unaware that the audience, including the stunned commentators, were confounded by the scene.

Zhang Heli swallowed hard, puzzled, saying, "What's going on? Is that Chinese player talking to the New York Knicks' coach? This person might not be on the national team."

Sun Zhengping, visibly shaken, speculated, "Could he be a Chinese player representing the New York Knicks? I wonder from which CBA team this young player arrives. Why wasn't this reported in the news?"

During warm-up, Chinese players also spotted Jerry on the opposition bench, a lone figure in red amid the green. Curiosity stirred, but it wasn't their place to inquire.

As Tom gathered the starters for a final strategic briefing, Jerry lounged, legs comfortably propped up, unbothered—an enigma to the Chinese commentators.

The Chinese starting lineup included Li Xiaoyong, Hu Weidong, Sun Jun, Gong Xiaobin, Wang Zhizhi.

The New York Knicks starters were Chucky, Stephen, Bruce, Mikki, Ben.

Mikki won the tip-off, granting the New York Knicks the first possession.

Stephen, like in the routine practice, handled the ball in the middle, waiting for his teammates to position themselves. Chucky, from the left baseline, suddenly darted up, screened by Mikki, impeding Li Xiaoyong.

At this time, Chinese basketball hadn't embraced defensive strategies beyond the paint, typically preferring to anchor themselves under the basket. Even the concept of a "Power Forward" eluded the Chinese tactics, as Gong Xiaobin was still referred to as Asia's premier "second center," clearly attesting to China's obsession with dominating the paint.

Such fixations create vulnerabilities - open spaces on the perimeter ensued.

Chucky, receiving Stephen's pass, launched a 70-degree jump shot from the left side. The ball sailed cleanly through the net - 3-0!