You should cross the mountains like a brave man

Chapter 97

2005/4/3

Downtown St. Louis, Missouri

Since the national finals were also held at the Edward Jones Dome, the Villanova basketball team that defeated Michigan State returned to the hotel on the spot.

On the first day after the game, today Jay Wright could clearly feel the excitement that cannot be described in words from the players.

Understandable, he really understandable.

The NCAA National Finals, for many people, is a once-in-a-lifetime game. There are countless NBA superstars who may not be able to imagine what it is like to play in a big restaurant with 80000 people.

Even if the team that wins the championship doesn't have any achievements in the NBA, participating in the Finals is a wonderful experience.

Training as usual today, Wright has ordered, just warm up, don't practice too hard, and ensure that you can devote your best energy to the game tomorrow.

Wright also said that before the end of practice, he will review the game video of the Wildcats winning the championship in 1985 in the hotel room, and there will be surprises.

Compared with looking back at the game tapes from 20 years ago, the players are more curious about what the surprise is.

They returned to the hotel excitedly, entered Wright's room one after another, and suddenly found an extremely sturdy middle-aged black man sitting in it.

I don't know why, Wei Xia said at the first sight of the opponent: "Patrick Ewing? I like your game very much, can you sign me?"

It was as if a cold wind had blown by.

The burly old black man who looked exactly like Ewing jokingly said, "Ewing? You weren't even born when I beat Ewing fat in the finals!"

After the other party said, Wright stepped forward to shake hands with him and hugged him: "Ed, it's great that you can come!"

"Can you tell that kid that I'm not Ewing?" The old black man seemed to be worried about Wei Xia's mistaken identity.

Wright laughed, and then introduced to the crowd: "Ed Pinckney, the best player on the Wildcats team that won the championship in 1985, he is not only a great college player, but also a great NBA player."

Just because everyone has never heard his name, they should know that the "great player" is probably Wright using a rhetorical technique called "exaggeration".

Pinckney is undoubtedly an excellent NBA player, otherwise he would not have played in the league for 12 years.Great, not really.There aren't many great players, he was good, that's all.

"In order to let you have confidence in tomorrow's game, I will take you to review the World War in 1985, you know? That game has been talked about by people who witnessed it, and the media called it 'the most amazing college game ever'. Including me, all the 'old cats' who participated in that game think that it is the most important game in our lives."

The old man's story will begin.

Pinckney, who retired from the NBA, served as the Heat's home game commentator and player development program instructor, and his eloquence is excellent.

The NCAA in 1985, just like today's international structure, belonged to one super and many teams.

The Georgetown University Hoyas led by Ewing topped the nation, scoring 34 wins and 2 losses like wading through water before the finals.On the other hand, the Villanova University Wildcats are very good.When head coach Lori Massimino Sr. selects players, he pays great attention to responsible balance.

He will never let too many black players or white players cause one side to be suppressed.

That Wildcats team consisted of seven black players and seven white players.

And the Georgetown University Hoyas they faced in the finals were an extremely black team.

Legendary college coach John Thompson thinks their team should be like a generator.

If you don't touch it, it's enough, if you touch it, you will shudder.

You know, retired old men are always boring to tell stories, but Pinckney's eloquence managed to make everyone ignore the old videotape that was being played.

He recounted in detail what happened on April 1985, 4.

That day, the Wildcats held a pregame Catholic mass and dinner in a conference room at the Ramada Hotel in Lexington (now defunct).This meal is often time for family fun.

Pinckney said that coach Massimino has never given an exciting speech, but that day, he did.

He spoke tenderly of former Villanova Wildcats coach Al Cerfinch, who died days before the finale.

"Al's spirit will make sure that every shot at Georgetown misses, and he'll help you make up every shot you shouldn't make. You don't have to worry about anything. Go back to your room and reflect on what this game has meant to your life. There are endless possibilities for your future, but I'm sure the opportunity to make your family, your neighbors, your community, and the city you represent proud of you is a once in a lifetime opportunity!"

Hours later, Villanova players stormed the floor of Rupp Arena, packed with more than 23000 fans, who booed Villanova deafeningly.

So what?Cinderella, who crosses the finish line, will not give up her pursuit of the prince because of the ridicule of others.

For the next two hours, the 23rd-ranked Villanova Wildcats, to the amazement of the crowd, unbelievably defeated the nation's No. [-] favorites, the Georgetown Hoyas.

"That was the most precious experience in my life." Pinckney said, eyes moistened, "You must do your best tomorrow, no matter what situation you encounter, you must grit your teeth and persevere. As Lori said, the opportunity to make everyone who loves you proud of you is only once in this life!"

Wei Xia felt that the room was surprisingly quiet.

Pinckney's words gave the new generation of Wildcats a sense of calm, like meditation.They sense a very quiet confidence in the room.It's not like "ahhh, we're going to knock these guys down".It is an indescribable gift from the seniors, which is a mission they must complete.

After a long time, Wei Xia said: "I like this story. The only part that makes me feel bad is that the No. [-] in the United States sounds like the villain Ed. Didn't anyone tell you that we are No. [-] in the United States?"

After Wei Xia finished speaking, strange laughter and chatter broke out in the room.

Pinckney had nothing to show other than a wry smile.

Wright saw the confidence to win the championship from the relaxed players.

The final preparations are in place, and he believes that the Wildcats are mentally and physically ready to fight a tough battle.

(End of this chapter)