The way of the center

Chapter 64 The Children of Ames

In the next week, the Thunder played three more warm-up games. PJ Carlesimo still hoped to see someone other than the three rookies stand up, but he still didn't wait for this person to appear.In the case of insufficient playing time for the three young men, the Thunder lost three games in three games. In addition to the loss in the game against the 76ers, the new NBA team ushered in a four-game losing streak in the preseason alone.The rest of the Thunder team really proved themselves with their strength, proving that they really can't do it.
In the three games, Carlesimo deliberately hid the three young men and did not give them much time to perform.It's really putting the cart before the horse. Where is the team that will rest rookies in the preseason and let the veterans work hard.But this is what makes the Thunder special. They are a new team, and this team is completely supported by newcomers.

After playing all four preseason games, Anjie averaged 7.2 points and 7 rebounds per game, while Westbrook showed his super offensive talent, averaging 11.4 points and 3.2 assists per game accounted for.However, in the talented NBA league, the statistics of Anjie and Westbrook have no bright spots at all.But this is exactly what Presti and Carlesimo wanted, to hide their real sharp blades, and then pull them out at the critical moment, with a single blow!

After all the preseason games, everyone on the Thunder got a week off, which was their last free week before the long season that was about to start.

An Jie did not return to China after talking with his parents on the phone. Instead, he flew from Oklahoma to the place where An Jie was raised, Ames.

The reporters who knew about An Jie's itinerary were not idle, and all booked their air tickets.But when they surrounded the gate of the airport according to the news from the intelligence, they didn't see An Jie's figure for a long time.

"Boss, it's really you! How did you come up with this trick!" An Jie happily sat in Ricard's car. After communicating with the airport, Ricard was able to drive the car directly into the airport. An Jie got off the plane with his front foot, and got into Ricard's "thief car" with his back foot.If it weren't for An Jie's high popularity in Ames City, it would be impossible for the airport to agree to this request.

An Jie left the airport in such a swaggering way, it was hard work for those reporters who waited outside for so long.Anyway, An Jie had already informed Wu Hua that he would not be caught by the media, so Wu Hua went on vacation leisurely and did not come to interview at all.As for the other reporters, I can only say sorry to them.

An Jie just didn't want to be disturbed by the media this week. He wanted to experience his carefree life in Ames City back then.

People in this small town don’t embarrass An Jie, his own child. It’s the same as when he played in the NCAA before. When the citizens saw An Jie, they just greeted An Jie kindly. At most, they asked for an autograph or a group photo. Excessive demands will not make it difficult for An Jie to move.

"How long do you plan to stay here this time?" Ricard used the word "come back", which somewhat made An Jie feel a little sense of belonging.

"The team is only on vacation for a week, and we have to go back to report after a week. I heard that the training camp before the start of the season is the most difficult." Anjie sat in Ricard's car and watched the continuous flow of He was so familiar with the street scene that he actually had a vague feeling of going home.

"Cherish it, Ann. You have to suffer for the 82 regular season games." Ricard shook his head. The NBA has made the competition system so long in order to obtain the maximum benefit. This has caused many outstanding players to be injured. On this abnormally long schedule.

"I'm already enjoying life in Ames City." An Jie didn't waste a single second, touring the car river in Ames City was already part of his enjoyment.

Since An Jie has dropped out of school, it is impossible for Iowa State University to return the dormitory or rental house to An Jie.An Jie originally wanted to stay in a hotel, but under Ricard's strong invitation, An Jie finally agreed to stay at Ricard's house.

"This room is reserved for my unborn child, and now it belongs to you temporarily." Ricard opened the door for An Jie, and a clean but very empty room appeared in An Jie's in front of you.

"Unborn child? Boss, you won't be." An Jie stared at Ricard, and Peggy, who was standing next to Ricard, smiled happily.

"Congratulations! My God, he must be a great little guy." An Jie admired and respected the coach who led him in. Ricard had a happy event, and so did An Jie. I am really happy for my enlightenment coach from the bottom of my heart.

"By the way, boss, the Cyclone team has also started preparing for the new season."

"Yes, just like last year, there are a lot of newcomers." Since the Cyclones successfully entered the Sweet 16 last season, many high school players came to Iowa State University this season, so this season's recruiting Work is much easier than last year.However, Rickard would still stop and watch for a while when he passed the outdoor basketball court every day. What if he found another An Jie?No one can tell.

"If possible, I still want to go there to train." An Jie said, digging out a Spalding basketball from his luggage.

"You are still the same. But are you still afraid that there will be no basketball for you to use in the training ground of the Cyclones?" Ricard pointed to the basketball in An Jie's hand in puzzlement.

"Russell said that it's better to bring an NBA game ball to practice, because different basketballs have different feel when playing." An Jie stared blankly at the basketball in his hand, and didn't care. Know if Westbrook's theory is right.

Ricard shook his head with a smile. If An Jie has been working so hard, he will definitely be able to accomplish a lot in the future.He really feels lucky to be able to coach such a good person.

That night, An Jie took the Rickard family to Big Beard's Chinese restaurant.Beard, who had received An Jie's call earlier, prepared a large table of sumptuous Chinese dishes, and as always, all the orders were free.

The moment An Jie opened the door and walked into the store, Catherine suddenly ran over excitedly and hugged An Jie tightly.During this period of time, she could only see this big boy on TV and newspapers, and she already missed him very much.

Catherine didn't know how she became so bold. The emotion she saw when she saw An Jie made her unable to control her behavior.

An Jie was a little shy at first, but under the disapproving gazes of the bearded couple and the Ricards, the two finally hugged each other tightly.

The entire dinner process was very warm, and the Rickards also shared their happy stories about having a child, which sparked a passionate discussion about the child.In the end, the three adults didn't forget to tease An Jie and Catherine's love, which made the young couple blush a little.

In the end, Anjie and Catherine went out for a walk alone until very late. Even so, they were still reluctant to part when they parted.

The one-hour switchback run that just ended caused many players to collapse on the floor. Anthony Ben looked at the rookies sitting on the ground, and couldn't help recalling the scenes that happened here last year.At this moment, the door of the gymnasium was pushed open by a tall guy.

"Which unlucky guy dares to come so late?" Anthony Ben looked up, and there must be a good show later.But when he saw the face and complexion of the visitor, he was too surprised to speak.

"Why, you don't know me anymore?" An Jie walked up to Anthony Ben and hit the dull guy on the head.

Immediately everyone stood up, some were newcomers, and some were veterans who had been in the team last year.

"I knew you didn't forget where you came from!" Asakin tied An Jie with a bear hug from behind, and An Jie felt as if he couldn't breathe.

Familiar faces were not missing, of course, except for Mike Taylor and Morris.

"You will not be invited by the boss to be a training partner." Asakin joked with An Jie, thinking that he could eat this tall and thin boy casually, but now An Jie has become The fate of NBA-level players is really unpredictable.

"If you want me to be your partner, you have a good idea!" An Jie didn't feel as shy as he was when he faced this group of acquaintances.

"Hey, Ann, can I have an autograph?" Just as they were talking, a new player from the Cyclones suddenly approached.He inherited Angie's No. 2 jersey and is also a center forward.

An Jie has already become one of the symbols of the Cyclones.

While the Cyclones players were preparing for the game, An Jie was also doing his own training on the sidelines.He didn't know why, but he thought of the old devil who was not clean when he played.An Jie's ability to play professional basketball is inseparable from the efforts of many people, and he has too many people to thank.

A week passed quickly, and when An Jie thought he was still preparing for the new NCAA season, the reality had to remind him that what he was about to face would be a test for the entire NBA season.

"Come on, the fans in Ames City are still paying attention to you." Before leaving, Ricard patted the arm of the proud student.

An Jie's clothes still had the tears left by Catherine just now. Who knows how long this parting will last?
"I'm not going to embarrass the Cyclones."

Waving goodbye, the road of a man's struggle has always been full of loneliness and hardships. In the new NBA season, Anjie is ready to cross that mountain.

With everyone's expectations, An Jie took off again.Sure enough, as Moslav said, the cockpit of the plane is already the permanent place for professional players.

Let's go, Anjie, with everyone's blessings, we must walk out of a wonderful future!
(End of this chapter)