NBA: Miracle Workers

Chapter 153: Basketball is also about worldliness (daily chapter)
In the 98-99 NCAA tournament, the University of New Mexico met the University of Connecticut in the top 32.

In the end, the University of Connecticut defeated New Mexico State University 78:56 and easily entered the top 16.

After Dave Bliss officially coached the University of New Mexico in 1988, he has yet to produce a player who has established himself in the NBA.

In contrast, New Mexico State University has been much more successful.

Selected by the Kings with the fourth overall pick in the second round of 91, Randy Brown had always been a fringe player in the NBA before that. It wasn't until he joined the Bulls in 2 and won the championship that he gained some fame.

The championship-winning guard has become a famous alumnus of New Mexico State University, and even though he was only a second-round pick, it was something that the Albuquerque media complained about for several years.

Li You originally wanted to study at a university close to home so that he could go home and visit.

As a result, head coach Dave Bliss did not show sincerity and did not specifically recruit. He just watched head coach Calhoun poach Li You, who was well-known at the time.

This incident did not attract much attention, but as Li You became more and more famous and the sports media unearthed the story behind it, Dave Bliss received a new title:
"Blind Dave"

The final impact is that it is increasingly difficult for the University of New Mexico to attract the attention of talented players. Even if it offers generous offers, many talented players will not consider it.

Due to geographical reasons, it was difficult for the University of New Mexico to attract big-name players, but after missing Li You, this situation was further aggravated, and Dave Bliss basically became the scapegoat.

Just after Li You arrived in Albuquerque on July 7, the University of New Mexico extended an invitation the next day.

Invite Li You to share his successful experience and open the training hall to meet the MVP's daily training after returning home.
The Albuquerque Journal is the daily newspaper with the largest circulation in New Mexico. Although several media outlets in New York are not comparable, their ability to make something out of nothing is the same.

In this news outlet’s portrayal, it’s evil Connecticut that robs the hometown of talent!

The University of New Mexico is simply unable to counter the opponent's U.S. offensive
On Friday, July 7, Manuel Varga happened to be closing his store and took the opportunity to celebrate Li You’s return home.

I also immigrated to Albuquerque from Mexico. As an Italian, I have completely forgotten Italian, and I don’t speak English fluently. Most of my daily life is in Spanish.

Compared to a few years ago, Manuel Varga hasn't changed much. He still has curly hair. Except for the hair on his forehead that has receded by a line, his mental state is getting better and better.

During lunch, he went to the kitchen to cook a table of dishes. Manuel Varga returned to the dining table and kept talking about the worries he had been having in the past few years:

"I've been worried that Nacho will take a detour. The leather shop doesn't make money, but life is like this. Being able to watch you grow up in peace is already a gift from God!"

"In recent years, it has been increasingly difficult for children at the bottom to get ahead. Fortunately, everything is over and God has blessed us."

Li You looked at the old furnishings in the room and knew that the money he sent back had no effect.

Nacho looked helpless at his nagging father. He had heard these words almost since he was a child. Li You was someone else's child and had been compared to him all the time.

Like the lower class people in New York, if you want to get ahead in Albuquerque or New Mexico, there are only a few ways to get ahead:
Study hard, join a gang early in the morning and sell leaves, sing and dance rap, and take the artistic or sports route.

Varga's family is considered to have a serious business. Although they earn little, they can still barely support their two children.

Many teenagers have been in jail for a long time, and in the end they have not reaped the rewards of living on the streets.

Nacho, who was born in 71, is 6 years older than Li You. He was too poor when he was a child, and the two of them did bad things. Fortunately, they kept the bottom line and did not get infected with drugs.

"Although Clay did not become a lawyer or a doctor, everything is over and our life is getting better and better!"

Following his father's words, Nacho tilted his head after speaking, indicating that it was time to eat. Manuel Varga finally showed a smile:
"We are all very happy to see you succeed!"

After the sumptuous lunch, Manuel Varga began to entertain the neighbors and store clerks, sharing the joy with everyone.

Nacho's followers quietly came over to deliver the news. When Li You saw several people frowning, he knew something was wrong.

This neighborhood not far from Albuquerque International Airport is mostly populated by poor people, no matter what their skin color is, everyone is poor anyway.

Naturally, this community is inseparable from violence. "Black and black" was an extra income for Nacho and Li You in the past.

The reason why the leather goods store can continue to operate, in addition to conscientious service, is also because everyone knows that the Varga family is not easy to mess with.
In front of the old Spanish colonial-style house, Manuel Varga was happily entertaining his neighbors. Nacho frowned and switched to English and said to Li You beside him:

"We really have to move, and now there's a guy who's not easy to mess with in this neighborhood, Tuco Salamanca, and he's currently selling stuff here."

Nacho seemed very wary of Tuco, who was one year younger than him. In addition to the eye-catching surname, it was more because he was a violent and irritable poisonous dog.

Li You frowned when he heard Nacho's introduction. Thinking of the situation in Las Cruces, he suddenly made up his mind to move everyone there first:
"If you can't afford it, move to another place."

The careers of most NBA players are short, and more players disappear after their rookie season.

Manuel Varga naturally knew these things and helped Li You save money, mainly to prevent unexpected events.

In case of an accident, as long as you have a beautiful sword and good knowledge, you can still escape from the bottom life.

According to past customs, after sending a large sum of money to the underground father, Li You took the lead in going to the University of New Mexico to complete the activity.

Head coach Dave Bliss warmly entertained Li You, which was completely different from the situation back then. Several leaders of the University of New Mexico even hinted that Li You could study in law school here.
On the afternoon of the 18th, after visiting the school again, Li You was in the training hall and presented a pot of poisonous chicken soup to the newbies of the Coyotes: "Forget what everyone said about you in the past. From now on, I will completely believe in you. Own."

"Believe in your talent, stay enthusiastic about training, and in the end, God will see your hard work."

"Remember, hard work will eventually pay off. Basketball is round and everything is possible. Coach Bliss will lead you to success!"

The Coyotes players surrounding him immediately started chirping and seemed very excited. Playing in the NBA is everyone’s dream!
The logo of the University of New Mexico basketball team is a wolf head, which looks more imposing than the Huskies of the University of Connecticut.

At this time, head coach Dave Bliss lost his airs as head coach of the Coyotes and turned into a licking dog. While greeting the players, he kept complimenting him:
"Playing against the MVP is a great honor. Keep your spirits up and give your best!"

Some old players watched the almost bald white head coach keep circling around Li You, and once again experienced the style of a superstar.

In the world of college basketball, the head coach has the final say, but in the NBA, the superstar is the boss of the team.

Everyone was fascinated by what they saw, and soon everyone was sitting around the half-court, ready to ask Li You for advice.

Soon the training ground became completely lively. Seeing Li You easily defeating everyone present, head coach Bliss felt annoyed:
"Why did we miss such a talented player back then?"

When it was dinner time, the coaching staff treated Li Youcha to dinner.

In an Italian restaurant on a street in the city center, the owner is introducing his home-brewed wine to everyone.

There was no need for coach Bliss to treat him. After Li You agreed to take a group photo, the restaurant owner happily announced that the order would be waived, and the signature dishes continued to be served.

Li You was completely used to eating with a smile on his face. After a round of drinks, head coach Bliss finally expressed his thoughts:

"Lee, can you talk about the treatment of assistant coaches in the league? I am referring to the assistant coaches in big ball markets."

"You know, NCAA head coaches often receive invitations. In the future, I may leave here and work in the league."

Other members of the coaching staff were not surprised. As long as one has a decent salary, working in the NBA is also a good choice.

After hearing what the other party meant, Li You just chuckled, and then truthfully introduced some of the things he learned:
"Compared to some teams in small markets, teams in big markets do have more luxurious coaching teams."

"Each person is responsible for more specific tasks and has less power. Compared with coaching a college team, it is difficult for assistant coaches to have much room to perform."

Dave Bliss has actually known about these situations for a long time. He is jealous of Jeff Van Gundy's achievements.
The success of the bald young coach gave Dave Bliss a feeling of "I can do whatever I want".

When I think about the fact that the other person is already successful and famous at such a young age, it would be a lie to say that I am not envious of him.

Head coach Calhoun has also made a huge name in the college coaching circle. He led the University of Connecticut to win two championships and trained MVPs. His future prospects of making money are unlimited.
Of course, basketball is also about human relations. Dave Bliss plans to build a good relationship with Li You first and then work as an assistant coach for the Knicks if he has the opportunity.

A team will definitely experience peaks and troughs. As long as it seizes the opportunity, the drama of "he can replace it" will also have the opportunity to come true.

The two parties no longer mentioned work matters, and the dinner went on happily.

After returning to the hotel, Li You noticed Nacho frowning at the night view, and knew that Nacho still couldn't bear to leave this city.

"Have you considered the future? You know, fighting for territory with a poisonous dog is not a wise choice, and joining the other party is even more unthinkable. They will not trust outsiders."

Hearing Li You's words, Nacho suddenly felt relaxed again. Just like when he was a child, he knew that his good brother already had a plan:

"Are you leaving New Mexico? To be honest, I'm a little reluctant to leave here."

Li You shrugged his shoulders, acquiescing to this, and then said calmly:

"Try to be an agent! I need someone to help me!"

Being bound to Mark Bartelstein is not a good thing. Superstars do not lack big contracts, and in careers other than sports, the two can only be said to be partners.

Business is business, and Li You still trusts his own people more.

The situation was completely different from what he expected. Nacho pointed at himself with a smile and asked in a low voice with a puzzled tone:
"I just graduated from high school, you might as well be a gun!"

Li You patted his good brother on the shoulder, pointed at his waist, and said teasingly:

"Believe me, you will get your bachelor's degree soon. Just remember to change it to something inconspicuous. A revolver will suffice!"

"."

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