"Wow, man, you're really amazing!"
"You know so much. People who don't know you would definitely think you're a nerd."
"Dude, you're awesome. How do you understand those obscure books?"
After class, Anthony, James, and Stoudemire proactively chatted with Link.
The peerless talents of the Class of 2003 were all academic underachievers, even though LeBron James was rumored to have a "photographic memory."
As for Amare Stoudemire, he spent five years in high school and only entered the NBA after two years. It wasn't that he didn't want to go to college, but rather his poor academic performance. This was similar to Kevin Garnett back then.
"Haha, it's alright, just some basic knowledge," Link said modestly.
"Hmph, what's the use of being good at studying? At most, you'll earn tens of thousands of dollars a year, far less than becoming an NBA player." At the same time, Dajuan Wagner, who had been defeated by Link, snorted coldly.
"Hey, man, don't talk like that. Link, he's not worse than you." Carmelo Anthony, who still had an afro rather than cornrows at this time, spoke up for Link.
"Dajuan, are you still jealous because Link blew you out in a game? Haha, your mind is too narrow." Brandon Roy, who had met Link once before, also stepped forward to support Link.
"Shit, it was just dumb luck."
"Link, if you've got the guts, let's meet at the McDonald's All-American High School Game. I'll definitely beat you black and blue then."
"Hmph, of course, you'll need to qualify first."
Dajuan Wagner said with disdain.
The McDonald's All-American High School Game is one of the most prestigious events for high school players in the United States. Players invited to participate have a high probability of entering the NBA.
As mr. 100 from New Jersey, despite losing to Link, he was still highly regarded by major media outlets.
The McDonald's event organizers, who came to the training camp to observe players, had also privately approached Dajuan Wagner.
Currently, Link had not received an invitation, and neither had his teammate, Chris Bosh.
"Loser!" But as the Little Shakespeare from the East, he directly choked Dajuan Wagner, who was still trying to babble, with a single phrase.
Meanwhile...
A cold, mechanical electronic voice from the system echoed in Link's mind.
"Ding, Host has triggered the main quest — I Am a Star High Schooler."
"Quest Description: Be selected for the McDonald's All-American High School Game, become a shining star player, and increase your chances of entering the NBA."
"Quest Reward: 500 Goat Points; 1 Random Superstar Training Card."
Such rich rewards?
Not bad!
The McDonald's All-American Game indeed holds great significance for high schoolers who want to play in the NBA.
But to receive an invitation from McDonald's, he needed to have some representative achievements.
Sigh...
Hopefully, in tomorrow's game, I'll get to play against Lamine Kook or LeBron James.
...
...
It was already 8:30 after class, and the gymnasium was still open.
Some players returned to their dorms to rest after class.
But Link and his teammates rushed to the gymnasium without hesitation for a new round of training.
Honestly speaking.
Before the system awakened, Link was disciplined, but it couldn't compare to now.
This feeling of seeing himself grow every day was truly exhilarating.
Link had reached an almost obsessive level of training.
The next day.
After Link woke up, he eagerly checked his attribute panel.
Last night, Link jumped on a jump box for two hours to train his Explosiveness and Jumping Height.
He also spent an hour practicing "defensive footwork" with the Yellow Mamba, Roy, improving his Lateral Movement through thousands of small, quick steps. Fast Lateral Movement not only allows one to better keep up with driving players but also to squeeze through screens more quickly.
Link was very bad at squeezing through screens, often getting caught on the screen wall.
The effect was good.
Jumping Height base attribute +1, increased to 35 (64).
Explosiveness base attribute +1, increased to 43 (59).
Lateral Movement base attribute +2, increased to 49 (60).
...
...
Today was Link's fifth day at the ABCD Training Camp, with only two days left until its conclusion.
The last day of the ABCD Training Camp was the All-Star Game.
Founder Sonny Vaccaro would select two teams to face off, and this game would also be broadcast live by some American television stations.
After breakfast, the Dream Chasing Warriors Team's coach, Chris Grant, came to Link and his teammates with information on today's opponents.
"Coach, why do you look so bad? Are our opponents today very strong?" Matt Babcock asked, somewhat worried.
"Yes, both opponents for today's two games are tough nuts to crack."
"This morning's opponent is the Black Storm Team, the team led by Lamine Kook..."
"This afternoon is the Red Laser Team!"
"However, we've faced strong opponents before and you've defeated them all. I'm very confident you can do it again today."
Chris Grant forced a grim smile and gave everyone a bland bowl of motivational soup.
"Wow..."
"Lamine Kook!"
Josh Smith's face stiffened upon hearing his name. In his opinion, Lamine Kook was an insurmountable genius.
"Oh, no! Our luck is too bad, we actually ran into last year's training camp MVP." Future NBA reporter Matt Babcock immediately clasped his hands over his head.
"Hey, kids, you're all very strong now, and like the Black Storm, you're also undefeated." Grant, seeing that the team was intimidated by Lamine Kook, quickly continued to give them motivational talks.
Chris Grant subconsciously glanced at Link.
Fortunately, Link's reaction did not disappoint him.
Link was also not calm at this moment, but he wasn't afraid; he was excited and thrilled.
"This kid... doesn't back down from strength, doesn't get complacent with weakness... Even though his current physique is a bit mediocre, I feel like he'll definitely make it into the NBA in the future," Chris Grant secretly marveled.
...
...
Honestly speaking.
The Black Storm in the morning.
The Red Laser in the afternoon.
Although the ace players of both teams were highly renowned high schoolers across America.
Lamine Kook, America's number one high schooler.
Quincy Douby, the Three-Point Sharpshooter of the high school circuit.
Both of them were also CBA Legends.