“Everyone else’s training stays the same, but make some changes for Stephen Green. Have him cut down on shooting practice and focus on rebounding and defense. Let him spend this period going one-on-one with Duncan.” According to the Dynasty System’s scouting report, Stephen Green is currently the team’s second most talented and capable player, and the report also points out that he’s suited to develop as a defensive player. As for the other three players besides Duncan and Steve Green, Eric Turner really doesn’t think much of them—their abilities are very average.

At Eric Turner’s signal, Mark Allen quickly set up Stephen Green’s new training regimen. Seeing Stephen Green’s bitter expression and Duncan’s mischievous grin, Eric Turner couldn’t help but laugh as well.

Chapter 3: Players

In the coach’s meeting room at the Wake Forest University Demon Deacons’ training facility, Eric Turner met another team staff member for the first time—the team’s scout, Bill Lambeau.

“Bill, these are the players you recommended?” Eric Turner flipped through the dozen or so scouting reports compiled by Bill Lambeau, his frown deepening as he read.

“That’s right, I’ve been scouting these players for over half a year. They’re all extremely talented and I believe they can contribute to the team. Are you not satisfied with my reports?” Bill Lambeau, now in his fifties, has worked at Wake Forest University for nearly thirty years and is very senior. He doesn’t think much of the team’s new head coach, Eric Turner.

“No, Bill, the scouting reports are very detailed. You did a great job. But to be honest, I’m not very optimistic about these players,” Eric Turner explained, seeing that Bill Lambeau had misunderstood.

“Why? Turner, do you know these players? Why aren’t you optimistic about them?” Bill Lambeau asked angrily.

Why isn’t he optimistic? Eric Turner was stunned and could only force a smile. Should he say it’s because none of these people ever appeared in the future NBA? In the U.S., many talented high school players quickly fade in college, and likewise, many outstanding college players disappear in the NBA. But those who make it to the NBA are the elite, sifted from the masses. If he’s never seen these people in the NBA, it’s likely they’re just average with limited potential. Of course, Eric Turner couldn’t say he’s from the future, so he couldn’t pursue the topic any further.

“Bill, I believe they’re talented, but I’m still not optimistic. Do you have scouting reports on any other players?” Eric Turner changed the subject.

“Others? Fine, Turner, here you go. These are the players I didn’t pick.” Bill Lambeau pulled another file, about a dozen pages thick, from a nearby briefcase and handed it to Eric Turner.

Eric Turner skimmed through it. This report was clearly much simpler, recording only some basic physical data and the players’ strengths and weaknesses, with little else. It seemed Bill Lambeau really didn’t think much of these players.

“There are fifty or sixty people here. You don’t think any of them are good?” Eric Turner asked in surprise.

“That’s right. Although these players are the stars of their respective high school teams, they each have their own flaws. I’m not very optimistic about them. Compared to the few I recommended in the first report, these are a step down.”

“Huh, this James Posey—you don’t think he’s good either?” After flipping a few more pages, Eric Turner finally found a name that was at least somewhat familiar.

“James Posey? His shooting isn’t very consistent, though his defense is decent. He lacks offensive skills.”

“I see. So, can we get this player to join our team?” Eric Turner asked with a smile.

“Turner, are you sure you want to use a scholarship on James Posey? John Collins from the first scouting report has a similar style to James Posey, but his shooting and offense are much better.”

“No, I want James Posey. Also, let’s recruit Raja Bell from Miami Killian High School and Wally Szczerbiak from Cold Spring Harbor High School in New York.”

“Raja Bell? Wally Szczerbiak? My god, Turner, what are you thinking? If James Posey still has some ability, then Raja Bell and Wally Szczerbiak are good for nothing except shooting. Why do you want them? They’re not even fit to play for the Demon Deacons,” Bill Lambeau was truly angry this time. He thought Eric Turner had no eye for coaching at all. If these two were really recruited, there’d be no hope for a good season.

“Bill, I think these two are pretty good. Although they have a lot of flaws, their abilities are decent. I think they can adapt to our team.”

“Turner, please reconsider. These two players really have very average talent, especially Raja Bell—he hasn’t received any offers at all. And Wally Szczerbiak has only gotten offers from some bottom-tier teams. Their abilities have been confirmed by all the scouts. Even if you don’t trust my judgment, you should trust everyone else’s,” Bill Lambeau shouted at Eric Turner.

“No, Bill, I want these two. Go ahead and send them invitations,” Eric Turner cut him off as soon as he saw Bill Lambeau wanted to say more. “Bill, I’m the head coach. I know what kind of players I need. Go invite these two.”

“All right, Turner, I hope you won’t regret it,” Bill Lambeau sighed and left the meeting room.