CBS is one of the three major television networks in the United States, and their influence in the basketball world is far greater than that of the American Cable Network.
This game was a massive boost to Su Xi's reputation in the basketball world.
Before this, no one would have put Su Xi's name on any mock draft boards.
But after tonight, the offices of at least 20 general managers out of the league's 29 teams received a comprehensive report on Su Xi.
Su Xi had taken down Flores. While Flores wasn't a big name, he was at the level of a fringe NBA second-round pick. This meant Su Xi was better, younger, had been training for a shorter time, and on top of that, he was Chinese.
These were all advantages.
That night, the clip of Su Xi crossing up Flores, hitting the three, and then stepping over him appeared on the NBA's Top 5 Plays of the Day—as the number one play. Ranked behind him were Allen Iverson's game-winner, Tracy McGrady driving into the paint to posterize Karto, Vince Carter's mid-air windmill dunk, and a long-range three from Steve Nash after a steal.
This was the first time Su Xi's name was mentioned in the same breath as these NBA superstars, and he was even ranked above them.
The NCAA also listed Su Xi's shot as one of the best plays of the round of 64.
Su Xi was one of the biggest winners of the game. He gained unprecedented attention from the basketball world and was now seen as having a chance to enter the NBA as a second-round pick. The other big winner was Cameron Anthony. The scoring and game-control abilities he displayed made the NBA even more confident in his talent, and more and more people felt he was LeBron James's only competition.
Sports Illustrated called again, hoping to interview Su Xi.
Su Xi still refused. His reason this time was, "I have some personal matters to attend to."
Su Xi's "personal matters" were that Kobe had invited him to an Avril concert.
Kobe Bryant's wrist injury had him staying in Boston, where he would be receiving treatment at a top sports rehabilitation medical center.
For some reason, after the game, Kobe Bryant found Su Xi and said, "Are you free tomorrow? Let's go see the Avril concert together."
Avril was a Canadian singer who had recently skyrocketed to fame. Her music was sweeping across North America, and she had fans everywhere.
Vanessa was a fan of Avril's and had specially flown to Boston to see the show. Coincidentally, Kobe was also in town.
Kobe wasn't a huge fan of Avril, so he wanted to bring Su Xi along and talk some basketball.
He had a good feeling about Su Xi, thinking they were on the same wavelength. He wanted to win Su Xi over. He wanted the Lakers to draft this rookie who loved defense and had a low-key yet assertive personality. He didn't have his own crew on the Lakers; every time he argued with O'Neal, he was isolated.
Su Xi was the one he had his eye on.
He believed Su Xi would defend him just as he defended Anthony, and that they were kindred spirits who would click on every level.
Kobe rarely put this much effort into getting to know a rookie.
Su Xi hesitated for a moment. He had the next day off; the head coach had already said they were free to do as they pleased, and besides, they couldn't find a gym to practice in. Their Round of 32 game wasn't until the day after tomorrow.
Besides, he quite liked Avril. The two singers who blew up last year, Eminem and Avril, were both favorites of his.
"But I don't have a ticket."
Su Xi said honestly.
"I'll take care of it."
Kobe smiled, a rare sound from him. Then, he asked for Su Xi's hotel, confirmed a time with him, and said he would come pick him up.
At three o'clock the next afternoon, as Su Xi was waiting for Kobe at the hotel entrance, someone actually recognized him. A die-hard Boston fan said to Su Xi, "Jack, I was at the game last night, you were awesome. Please, you have to join the Celtics. Coach Jim O'Brien would definitely love you. We're in need of a Point Guard, and you, Paul Pierce, and Anthony Walker could form a super Big Three..."
The fan went on and on, also claiming he had a great eye for talent and could tell at a glance that Su Xi was destined to become a top-tier blue-collar player.
Su Xi smiled and signed an autograph for him.
Then, a luxury stretch Lincoln pulled up to the entrance, and Kobe rolled down the window.
Su Xi walked over and got in the car.
When the Celtics fan who'd asked for an autograph saw Kobe, he immediately yelled, "Hey, Jack, you can't join the Lakers! The Lakers are a terrible team, don't let him trick you!"
As the car pulled away, he was still shouting from behind: "BEAT LA!!"
Laughter echoed in the spacious cabin, and Kobe smiled too.
This was the first time Su Xi had actually been in a stretch limo like this. The interior was decorated like a private karaoke room, with a long, L-shaped sofa, red wine, and a huge television.
Su Xi sat next to Kobe.
On Kobe's other side was his wife, Vanessa. Next to Vanessa were two beautiful women, one of whom was breathtakingly beautiful.
In fact, when Su Xi got into the car, the two beautiful women were also staring intently at him. Su Xi always seemed to attract the attention of beautiful women.
A side effect of being tempered by lightning was... he was filled with masculine charm. His handsome looks constantly gave off an aura that stirred something within women.
Even if he did nothing and just kept a straight face, he was still captivating.
"I can see the Boston fans still hold a grudge against the Lakers..." the most beautiful woman in the car, a blonde with a delicate, angelic face, spoke with a smile. Even though she was dressed simply in form-fitting jeans and a T-shirt, you could still sense her perfect figure. When she spoke, there was even a faint, sweet scent.
Without a doubt, her beauty was world-class.
Kobe said, "They're resting on their past laurels, imagining they're on par with the Lakers. We can't even see the front of their car in our rearview mirror anymore. We're not in the same race."
Kobe was very proud.
The Lakers had built a three-peat dynasty and were now marching toward their fourth consecutive title. Although there was some internal strife, they never believed any other team could stop them.
Then, Kobe began the introductions. "This is Jack Su, the Point Guard from Syracuse University. My little bro, a rising star with limitless potential. I hear his nickname is Little Sheep Su Xi."
Su Xi smiled and nodded at everyone.
The world-class beauty also smiled slightly, repeating quietly to herself, 'Jack Su.'
She didn't laugh out loud or show curiosity about Su Xi's nickname like Vanessa did.
Kobe then introduced his wife, Vanessa.
"This is Jessica Alba. She's one of Hollywood's hottest actresses. She's also a fan of Avril, so we're all going to the concert together."
"Hello, Jack." Jessica rose slightly and elegantly shook Su Xi's hand. Like a gentleman, Su Xi held just the tips of her fingers, yet he could feel their delicate softness and a hint of fragrance.
"Hello, Jessica," Su Xi said with a smile.
Their eyes met in a deep, intimate exchange.
"And this is Hathaway, Jessica's good friend," Kobe continued.
Su Xi waved a greeting to her.
Then, silence fell over the car.
Kobe wasn't a social butterfly, and neither was Su Xi.
Meanwhile, Jessica Alba's mind was racing.
So, after the introductions, no one started a new conversation.
Su Xi closed his eyes slightly. There was something he was suddenly very curious about. He awoke the slumbering Little Elf. 'Little Elf, check and see if Kobe Bryant is a Super Talent.'
The Little Elf quickly provided the information: Top-Tier Explosiveness Talent! Sub-Top-Tier Strength Talent! Top-Tier Speed Talent! Top-Tier Stamina Talent! Top-Tier Vertical Leap Talent! Top-Tier Agility Talent! Top-Tier Coordination Talent! Top-Tier Flexibility Talent!
Among them, Flexibility, Coordination, and Stamina Talents are the closest to Super-Tier!
In the Little Elf's system, Talent was divided into five tiers: Ordinary, Elite, Excellent, Top-Tier, and Super-Tier.
Su Xi was inwardly shocked. 'I can't believe it. Kobe has achieved so much in the NBA, and he's not even a Super Talent. That just shows how unbelievably hard he must work.'
At the same time, he felt a pang of regret for Reggie. 'If Reggie hadn't been doing drugs and gotten into that car crash, with his Super Talent, who knows what greater heights he could have reached.'
"'That's not a given,' the Little Elf chimed in. 'Many players with Super Talent don't necessarily become superstars. You have to work hard to polish your skills, adapt to your talent, and become one with it to reach the peak. Besides, how many people can get all their talents to Kobe's level, with no weaknesses at all... Huh?!' As the Little Elf said this, it suddenly let out a cry of surprise."
"'There's a Super Talent here! Super-Tier Flexibility Talent!' the Little Elf exclaimed in his mind."
'Who?'
Su Xi was shocked.
Just then, Jessica thought of a new topic. She asked Su Xi, "Jack, I bet a lot of girls chase after you at university, right?"
...
...
...