Resisting the urge to draw the lottery, Edward Thompson focused his mind, switched back to the main interface, and opened the second sub-interface: training mode. Another prompt appeared.

"The host can earn a certain number of achievement points by completing team training tasks, pre-game training tasks, and so on."

"The system will issue training tasks based on the host's actual situation and the training methods already possessed. Achievement points can be spent to start training tasks, and upon completing the training objectives, additional training results can be obtained."

"More functions will be unlocked once the conditions are met."

After reading the prompt, Edward Thompson was glad he hadn't just made an 'impulse purchase.'

But what does 'training methods already possessed' mean? Obtained from the lottery? Or learned?

He didn't dwell on it—he'd find out in due time.

He opened the third lit-up sub-interface: the task interface.

There were no ongoing tasks, but in the list of completed tasks, there was one—the system activation task.

And there was a reward!

System activation gift pack!

"System Activation Gift Pack: Upon opening, you will receive 3 activation rewards. The rewards are random and all are practical rewards for the host's basketball career starting phase."

Resisting the urge to open the activation gift pack, he remembered what the dormitory assistant auntie said: playing basketball requires a sense of ritual. He went to take a shower first and changed into a set of clean white clothes.

After getting ready, he sat cross-legged on his bed, palms facing upward, calmed his mind, opened the system, went to the task interface, claimed the activation gift pack, and opened it!

After three flashes of purple light, the names of the three activation rewards appeared on the screen, each with a description.

"Basic Attribute Points (5): Can be used to improve physical attributes. Rare reward, extremely difficult to obtain. Please choose the direction of improvement carefully."

"DeMar DeRozan Mid-range Shooting Animation Pack: Very close to the standard shooting motion, provides a good boost in mid-range training and games."

"Relay Specialist Level 1: If the host passes the ball immediately after receiving it without dribbling, the mind will become clearer and calmer, ball sense will be slightly improved, and if the host's passing rating is below 80, it will be temporarily raised to 80 for this pass."

Attribute points! Animation pack! Skill!

These are the highest-level rewards hinted at in the lottery interface! Edward Thompson's eyes lit up.

But looking at DeRozan's mid-range animation pack... why isn't it Jordan's!

Oh well, it's already pretty good. DeRozan is one of the top mid-range shooters of the new century, and his form looks nice too.

At least it's not the animation pack of a hacker or the King.

If there's any regret, Edward Thompson is more disappointed that the skill he got isn't related to mid-range shooting—otherwise, it would be perfect.

The animation pack and skill are fixed rewards, so no need to think too hard, but as for where to allocate the attribute points, he was conflicted.

Not acting on impulse, he went to the desk in the living room and took out pen and paper.

He didn't actually write anything—it's just his habit when thinking things through.

First, he confirmed one thing: since the system said attribute points are extremely rare and hard to get, he probably wouldn't have another chance to directly improve his attributes in the short term.

Training can definitely improve physical qualities, but the limits for each attribute must be different. If you don't consider the impact on other physical conditions, strength and stamina should be easier to improve through training.

Speed, jumping, and flexibility are relatively harder, and depend more on talent.

As for flexibility, Edward Thompson felt he was already exceptionally gifted. Jumping, he seemed to have a natural advantage as well.

After analyzing, the decision was simple.

Speed!

All in!

He decisively gave the command, and a prompt appeared.

"Host has spent 3 basic attribute points. Congratulations, host's speed has increased from 86 to 89. Host's speed has reached a bottleneck. The next stage is top-level, which requires intermediate attribute points.

Intermediate attribute points must be synthesized from 3 basic attribute points."

"屮艸芔茻!"

Edward Thompson cursed out loud.

Why didn't it say so earlier!

He reorganized his thoughts. This time it was simple: jumping is too low, flexibility is already maxed out and can't be increased, stamina should be prioritized through training, so add to strength!

Another prompt appeared. After spending the last two attribute points, strength also increased to 89, reaching a bottleneck.

He had considered saving these two attribute points, waiting to get one more to raise speed to 90.

But the problem is, he currently has no advantages. When he gets to the school team, his only competitive edge will be his physical attributes.

He hadn't thought of this at first, but reality is harsh—he has to compete physically with American college students, who have the most basketball talent.

So whatever he has now, he has to stack it all up—no holding back.

……

Friday, the second day after Edward Thompson joined the school team, his life remained unchanged: early morning practice, classes.

Unless there are special arrangements, he has very few classes on Fridays—just one in the morning.

After class, Edward Thompson and Liam Pike went to the library together to look up a book mentioned by the professor.

The book was pretty boring. After flipping through it, they set it aside. Edward Thompson went to the sports section and found "Fundamentals of Basketball Teaching."

Looking at the illustrated 'standard motion' for mid-range shooting inside, Edward Thompson opened the system and checked the stick-figure animation of the 'DeRozan mid-range pack.'

It really is 'standard'!