Mark Allen was also amused by Eric Turner's teasing actions. Indeed, if you had players like Marbury, Carter, and Duncan, being the head coach would be much easier—you could just hand the ball to those three on the court.

"Besides, in my opinion, it's not that we lack the foundation for running the triangle offense. Duncan goes without saying, but Carter, Raja Bell, Wally Szczerbiak, and even James Posey aren't the kind of players with low IQ or basketball intelligence. If you give them opportunities, they might surprise us. Also, Mark, don't you think the Wake Forest Demon Deacons lack a team culture?"

"Team culture?" Mark Allen asked in confusion.

"That's right, team culture. We've always been a strong team, but we lack a team culture. In recent years, our results have been pretty good, but that's because we had outstanding players like Duncan and Randolph. If we lose those great players, we'll immediately become bottom-feeders, don't you think?"

"Well? That's true. So what do you mean?" Mark Allen wasn't stupid; with just a hint from Eric Turner, he understood.

Eric Turner gave Mark Allen an approving look and continued, "Exactly. I want to build a team culture, to have a long-lasting representative for the team in a certain aspect. UNC has remained strong for so long because they have Jordan as their icon. Every year, countless outstanding players follow in Jordan's footsteps to UNC. We may not have Jordan, but we can have our own team system. We can use our tactical system to attract great players."

"Although in the world of basketball, tactical systems keep evolving every year, in my view, the triangle offense won't become outdated for at least another 20 years. It will still be highly useful in the future. Right now, we have a group of excellent players, so this is the best time to build a team culture and embed the triangle offense into the team's DNA."

The triangle offense wouldn't be eliminated—at least not in 2012, the year Eric Turner traveled from. In fact, in 2009 and 2010, the Lakers used Odom, Kobe, and Gasol in the triangle to win back-to-back championships.

Eric Turner came from the future, so he was more visionary than Mark Allen and the others. That was the source of his confidence. In his eyes, Carter might not be any worse than Odom, and Duncan wouldn't perform worse than Gasol. Although Wally Szczerbiak was far from Kobe's level, the triangle offense didn't require everyone to have one-on-one isolation skills. Let Carter and Duncan handle the one-on-ones. The triangle also needed someone who could hit open threes, and Wally Szczerbiak was just that kind of player. His shooting ability wasn't much worse than the NBA's top shooters—maybe even better.

"Of course, Mark, all of this is just my vision. For the team to actually achieve it, you and Bill will need to train those rookies even harder and help them realize my ideas. You and Bill will have a heavy workload," Eric Turner said to Mark Allen with a smile. He was self-aware—his vision might be broader than Mark Allen's or Bill Lambeau's, but when it came to actual training, as a local Chinese coach, he couldn't compare to American coaches, especially those from top basketball schools in the US. Their level was on par with NBA coaches.

"Zhuang, you really surprised me today. What you brought me today was truly shocking. Maybe you'll become the greatest coach in the team's history—even greater than Coach Odom. I'll do everything I can to help realize your dream. Turning Wake Forest into a school like UNC has always been my dream too," Mark Allen looked at Eric Turner with a changed expression, his eyes filled with even more respect.

"Mark, believe me, we will succeed. Wake Forest will also become one of the greatest basketball schools in the country."

Chapter 7 Player Training

Mark Allen no longer knew what words to use to describe Eric Turner's ambition. Judging from Eric Turner's ideas, Eric Turner had already set foot on a "road of no return"—succeed or die trying. Yet Mark Allen couldn't help but follow Eric Turner down this path. Maybe there was a cliff ahead, maybe they'd be smashed to pieces in the future, but looking at Eric Turner's determined expression, Mark Allen felt no regret at all.

"Zhuang, no matter what happens in the future, I'll support you," Mark Allen said with a tone of utter resolve.

Mark Allen's show of loyalty left Eric Turner a bit amused and exasperated. "Mark, actually, this isn't simple. We need a lot of effort and a lot of time. Right now, the most important thing is to go check out our new players. Mark, let's head to the gym."