At this time, Carter enjoyed a high reputation in the basketball world. Although he wasn't quite at the level of Kevin Garnett, Samuel Reed, or Matthew Bailey—those top five players—he was still a notch above people like Terry. Terry was also a prominent figure in basketball, being the champion of the Washington high school league.

Eric Turner wasn't very sure if he could persuade this rising star, who was even a level above Terry.

There were a lot of spectators in the gym now. Carter and his teammates were the stars of Daytona Beach High School, and every day many students would come to watch their training. Carter seemed eager to please the crowd, pulling off one spectacular dunk after another, which kept raising the excitement in the gym.

At just 18 years old, Carter's physical talent had already reached 80. It was obvious that he was far ahead of the other players. For basketball players, as long as they stay injury-free, their physical talent keeps developing until around age 24. To reach 80 at this age was truly extraordinary.

"Too many dunks," Eric Turner shook his head. He wasn't against players dunking, but there had to be a limit. Carter was only 18, right at the peak of his physical development. Starting to dunk so recklessly at this stage could cause immeasurable damage to his body.

"This might be one of the sources of his future injuries." Being hailed as a great dunker in high school had made this 18-year-old kid, Carter, completely immersed in the hype.

……

……

"You're the head coach of Wake Forest University?" Carter looked at Eric Turner with suspicion, making Eric Turner feel uncomfortable, as if he were some creepy guy trying to trick a little girl.

"That's right, I'm the newly appointed head coach of Wake Forest University, Eric Turner," Eric Turner said gently.

"I see, newly appointed. No wonder you're not Coach Bennett Parker." Carter looked at Eric Turner with a bit of disappointment.

"Bennett Parker? You know Coach Bennett Parker?"

"Yeah, I'm a UNC fan, so I'm very familiar with things in the ACC." Mentioning Bennett Parker got Carter excited, and he continued, "Although Wake Forest beat UNC last year to win the ACC championship, I wasn't disappointed at all. Wake Forest was amazing last year. The combination of Randolph Smith and Tim was a dream team. It's a pity they fell at the Sweet Sixteen." Carter finished with a hint of regret.

"So, Vince, have you decided which college you want to go to? I know you've already received a lot of offers. I hope you'll seriously consider our Wake Forest Demon Deacons."

Carter shook his head, then pursed his lips and said, "This is the fifth time I've heard something like this in the past month."

"Fifth time?" Eric Turner gave a wry smile. Other than the Wake Forest name, he really didn't have anything to beat out the competition and attract Carter.

"Yesterday, the head coach of Kansas also came to see me, hoping I'd go to Kansas and form a super perimeter duo with Pierce."

"Pierce? Paul Pierce?" Eric Turner was stunned.

"Yeah. He's already decided to join Kansas."

"Damn," Eric Turner cursed inwardly, because the sixth player on his list was Pierce. Pierce's reputation was much lower than Carter's at the moment. In Eric Turner's view, Paul Pierce was a sure backup plan. Even if he couldn't persuade Carter, he still had Pierce. Now that Pierce was going to Kansas, Eric Turner was forced to go all in on Carter.

"Vince, if you come to Wake Forest, you'll be the star of our team. You'll have the highest tactical priority," Eric Turner said sincerely. This was a very generous offer. For a high school player who hadn't experienced the NCAA to get such a promise was like a player who'd never played in the NBA being promised a starting and core position.

But Carter didn't seem surprised at all. He smiled smugly and said, "You're the second coach this month to say that to me. Including your invitation, I've received offers from five top schools this month. Besides you, the University of Florida also promised me the highest tactical priority. To be honest, before you came, I was deciding between Florida and UNC. Now I'll add one more option—Wake Forest is in my consideration. Mr. Turner, I hope you can convince me to join Wake Forest, because I'm making my final decision today."

Eric Turner opened his mouth, but hesitated to speak. Being a college head coach really wasn't easy. If it was this tough for a coach at a prestigious school, what about those at second- or third-tier schools?

"Vince, you've been waiting for a commitment from UNC, right? In your heart, UNC is your first choice. If UNC gives you the highest tactical priority, you'll go there without hesitation. UNC must have contacted you early on, but they've never given you a commitment. That's why you've been hesitating, isn't it?" Eric Turner tried to keep his tone gentle.

"That's right. So I've turned down all the other schools that didn't give me a commitment, except for UNC. But UNC is still my first choice. I'm a fan of the ACC, and the ACC is my top priority. If you hadn't shown up, I would have joined UNC today. Even though I can't get a commitment, I believe in my own ability."