Indianapolis, Heron River High School basketball arena.
The slightly dilapidated basketball arena was packed with students, who erupted in cheers at the performance of the scantily clad cheerleaders on the court.
On the sidelines, the players of both teams huddled together, listening to their coaches lay out the strategy.
Among them, the 213-centimeter-tall Greg Oden was particularly conspicuous. He had a large frame and looked like a classic big man, with a hefty weight to match—already 250 pounds, or 113 kilograms.
Coupled with a face that seemed to have endured a lifetime of hardship, he didn't look at all like a boy of just sixteen.
"Chen, I was right, wasn't I? He's the next Russell!"
In a corner of the stands, Negro sat with Chen Yu, continuing excitedly, "Look at his physique, look at his agility! He can run at full speed like a guard. In his coach's words, when he runs, it's like an 18-wheeler barreling down the court."
