After Duke University defeated Oklahoma University in the Elite Eight, the remaining Elite Eight games also concluded.
In the other half of the bracket, "top pick favorite" Deandre Ayton exploded for 28 points, 14 rebounds, and 5 blocks, helping Arizona University eliminate traditional powerhouse North Carolina University.
Having successfully eliminated his opponents and advanced to the NCAA Final Four, Ayton was in high spirits after the game.
"I will prove to the world that I am the best player in this draft class!"
After the game, Deandre Ayton stated in a media interview, "No one can stop me. We will keep winning."
In addition, championship favorites Villanova University, Michigan State University, and traditional powerhouse Kentucky University all advanced to the Final Four.
The performances of the various rookies also became the focus of attention for executives across the NBA.
"Mr. Jerry West, here is the information you requested."
Jack, a scout for the Los Angeles Clippers, handed a data sheet to the white-haired old man seated in the general manager's chair.
"This is an analysis of Alexander's performance for Kentucky University during March Madness."
Looking at the information in his hand, Jerry West asked, "Has Kentucky University made it to the Final Four?"
"That's right. They successfully advanced to the Final Four."
Jack nodded and continued, "Besides Kentucky, the most attention-grabbing team yesterday was Duke University."
"In their game against Oklahoma University, they completed a second-half comeback after trailing by as many as twenty points."
As he spoke, the scout pulled out a second document. "It was some rookie we haven't seen before who led Duke University to that comeback."
Jerry West said nothing, lighting his cigar.
He knew very well that Jack wasn't finished.
"Kai Chen scored 22 points in just four minutes of playing time, and he hit the game-winner at the very end!"
Immediately after, Jack pulled out a videotape and handed it to Jerry West.
After repeatedly watching the final moments of Duke University's game against Oklahoma University, Jerry West took a deep drag from his cigar. Amid the swirling smoke, he said excitedly, "Jack, continue to monitor this young man's performance."
"Perhaps he is our ultimate answer!"
Inside the Suns General Manager's Office
"Deandre Ayton will be our first choice!"
Mike McDonough looked at the information in his hand, his expression almost crazed. "Notify everyone—the team will continue to tank!"
"We will strive to get a high draft pick in this year's draft."
As the absolute core of Arizona University, Ayton's NCAA performance and statistics were phenomenal.
So far, he was averaging 22.8 points, 12.4 rebounds, and 3.5 blocks per game.
It's important to note that NCAA games are not like the NBA, where scores often exceed 100 points.
Many times, a team's total score is only between 70 and 80.
The statistics Ayton produced were enough to drive NBA front offices into a frenzy.
"While Ayton is excellent, shouldn't we wait and see?"
Monty Williams, then head coach of the Suns, shook his head and counted on his fingers. "Marvin Bagley of Duke University, Trae Young of Oklahoma University, Jaren Jackson of Michigan State University, Luka Dončić dominating the European leagues, and even Kai Chen, who led Duke University to a comeback."
"These could all be targets worth considering."
After Monty finished speaking, the office filled with quiet discussion.
Several people nodded, clearly agreeing with his assessment.
Mike McDonough frowned and shot Monty a sharp glare.
He was clearly displeased with the coach contradicting him.
"Deandre Ayton's dominance in the NCAA is comparable to O'Neal, Duncan, and other elite big men at the same stage."
Mike McDonough took a deep breath and continued, "As for the players you mentioned, I admit they're talented, but compared to Ayton, they're simply not enough."
"And why is a junior from China even on your list?"
Hearing this, Monty replied earnestly, "Mike, you should watch the tape from that last game."
"Kai Chen of Duke University is actually good. He's worth monitoring."
"Enough!"
Mike McDonough slammed his hand on the table, his face cold. "I'm not an idiot. I wouldn't use a high draft pick on a shooting guard from China!"
"Besides, we already have Devin Booker—an excellent shooting guard. Our priority right now is a center!"
"Believe me, Deandre Ayton is the answer for this team. He will form a new generation KD duo with Booker!"
As Mike McDonough spoke, his sharp gaze swept across everyone in the conference room.
Perhaps because of his authority within the organization, no one dared to refute him.
On the other side—
After helping the team advance to the Final Four, Kai Chen instantly became a star at Duke University.
His current popularity was no longer comparable even to the team's established star, Marvin Bagley.
"Kai Chen, just look at how people are staring at you—you can tell how popular you are now!"
Walking with Kai Chen toward the campus basketball gym, Grayson Allen glanced around at the crowd. "Especially those girls. The way they're looking at you, it's like they want to pounce on you right there."
"This is just the beginning."
Kai Chen shrugged. "We've only made the Final Four. There's still a long way to go if we want to defend the title."
Hearing those words, Grayson Allen fell silent for a moment.
As a player in the same year as Kai, he was also one of the team's top scorers.
Last year, it was Grayson Allen's clutch three-pointer that helped secure the championship.
But now, he clearly understood the situation. Defending the title this year would be anything but easy.
"Maybe… he really can lead us to defend it."
Looking at the confident Kai Chen beside him, Grayson Allen murmured to himself.
Inside the Duke University basketball gym, Coach K was putting the players through strict, targeted training.
After defeating Oklahoma University and advancing to the Final Four, their next opponent would be Michigan State University.
This was a team packed with talent, including:
Jordan Poole, Stephen Curry's successor for the Golden State Warriors
3J(Jaren Jackson Jr), the defensive anchor of the Memphis Grizzlies
Big Wagner, the indispensable playmaking power forward for the Orlando Magic
Duncan Robinson, the sharpshooter for the Miami Heat
Facing such strong opponents, Duke University dared not relax for even a moment.
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