The Strongest Opponent

"Hahahaha... I'm so unwilling! I'm really so unwilling! Yes! I'm really unwilling! Waaaaaah..."

In the early morning of April 2, 2006, Yes exhausted himself carrying Afrairo from the hotel restaurant back to their suite.

Ye Si threw the drunk Afrairo to the ground, exhausted.

These guys at UCLA are so hard to please. They lost a game and went drinking, and now they're the ones who have to pay for it!

A group of burly men, each weighing nearly 200 pounds, intimidated even the hotel staff. They had no choice but to ask passing University of Washington players for help.

After Yes carried Afflalo in, Roy and the others carried Jordan Farmar, Luke Richard Mbah a Moute, Cedric Bozeman, Ryan Hollins, and Darren Collison in as well.

The NCAA semifinal match between the University of Washington and UCLA on April 1st was a foregone conclusion.

UCLA, who were swept three times by the University of Washington this season, didn't want to be swept four times, and Afflalo and his team were really fighting hard.

But in the end, UCLA was still destroyed by Yes and Roy.

The Storm Brothers duo of Yes and Roy combined for 71 points in this game.

Ultimately, the University of Washington also eliminated UCLA.

Seeing the UCLA players, who were crying and laughing, lying on the living room carpet, Yes asked the hotel staff to bring some hot water.

In the United States, they do not have the habit of drinking hot water.

"Hahahaha...Do you guys remember...back in freshman year...every time you guys came back, you always, hiccup, you were always talking about how to play the games, but I, every single day, sat on the bench, not even breaking a sweat..."

Seeing Afraro, who was usually so arrogant, now rambling incoherently, Yes wanted to kick him.

Is it a disgrace to be a substitute if you're not good enough?

"Aaron, don't be upset! Back then, our team still had Dion Thompson, and the team eventually promoted you to the starting lineup. Besides, Darren also had to start from the bench now!"

"Hiccup, although I usually dislike Aaron's arrogant attitude, this year, we really got to the semifinals thanks to him. The bench isn't the key; winning is what matters. If we make it to the finals, I'd be willing to give my starting position to Darren." Cedric Bozeman put his arms around Arron Afflalo and Jordan Farmar on the shoulders: "I hope you score just as many points in the NBA!"

Still drunk, Afflalo shoved Bozeman aside: "Cedric, what are you talking about? We're going to the NBA together!"

"I can't do it, no team will want me now. But don't worry about me, Aaron. If the NBA doesn't work out, I can go overseas. I won't give up basketball. Even if I'm no longer the number one high school player in the nation, I will never give up basketball. Aaron, thank you. You helped me stand up again. You made the national media pay attention to the number one high school player from four years ago who is still playing basketball and has even made it to the NCAA Final Four! Waaah... I'm so happy, really happy to have you guys as brothers, haha... It's so good..."

With a bang, Afflalo clenched his fist and slammed it hard on the floor in frustration. The half-drunk UCLA players next to him thought that the usually volatile Afflalo was about to do something stupid again.

But when they looked over, Afflalo's face was now red and swollen from crying.

"Brothers, could you... could you play with me for another year!"

"Aaron, you're insane!"

Ye Si, who was pouring hot water for them, was stunned.

Does Afflalo want to play for another year?

Arron Afflalo's performance at NCAA March Madness this year has been outstanding, and he is now projected to be a lottery pick in the draft.

If they play for another year, the variables will be much greater.

"To hell with the NBA draft, all I want to do right now is pursue my dream!"

Chasing dreams...

"It's hot! Yes, you have to try to persuade me!"

"Drink it when it's a little cold."

Should we let it cool down a bit before drinking?

Yes didn't kick me?!

"let's go"

Yes led the University of Washington players out of the UCLA suite.

On the morning of April 3, 2006, the day of the final, Yes got up very early.

They defeated George Mason University 77-52 in the semifinals.

In all five March Madness games the University of Florida has played so far, none of their opponents have scored more than 60 points.

An absolutely terrifying defensive performance!

This, along with the University of Washington's offensive performance of 100 points per game, is considered to be among the best in NCAA history!

The University of Washington, now led by Yes and Roy, is considered by USA Today to be the strongest offensive team in the NCAA.

The University of Florida, led by Noah and Horford, is considered by USA Today to be the strongest defensive team in the NCAA.

Joakim Noah of the University of Florida, in particular, averaged 15+10+5 in five March Madness games. The 5 wasn't assists, but blocks!

Noah's draft prospects have now jumped into the top three on the draft outlook list.

Like Yes, Noah is already a top pick!

That's the allure of NCAA March Madness; it drives players like Afflalo to give their all in pursuit of their dreams.

At the same time, these outstanding dream chasers will be rewarded with high returns.

Noah is the best example.

"What's gotten into you guys these past few days? Why are you suddenly working so hard?"

Coach Romar was puzzled as he watched the University of Washington players go for a run with Yes early in the morning.

Previously, only Yes had the habit of running early in the morning, and at most, the Garfield Five; others would politely decline.

Basketball players are all very tall, so long-distance running isn't very friendly to them.

"Mr. Romar, I heard they were provoked by UCLA."

"Were you provoked by UCLA?"

What is this?

"They don't want Yes to stay another year for them!"

"They want Yes to go to the NBA this year, be the number one draft pick, and make a fortune!"

I see...

Only after hearing what his assistant Ozeberg said did Romar realize what was going on.

I want to win the championship this year...

The University of Washington has now made it to the finals, and their goal is definitely the highest honor in the NCAA!

But the University of Florida is very strong this year!

He has watched a lot of videos from the University of Florida these past two days.

This team is much tougher to beat than Duke.

After defeating Duke by a large margin, Washington's chances of winning the championship were considered to have reached 99%.

But after the University of Florida swept through Texas and Cornell, the University of Washington's odds of winning the championship plummeted!

The University of Florida has two outstanding big men, Noah and Horford, who can defend one-on-one, help defend, and score; they are almost omnipotent!

Because of these two players, the University of Florida's perimeter players can relentlessly pressure the opponent's perimeter players.

The University of Florida's defense is extremely aggressive!

The perimeter players were out of position due to being too aggressive; Noah and Horford can fill in.

Noah was out of position because he was too aggressive, and Horford could fill in for him, and vice versa.

Just like the University of Washington's offense wasn't at the NCAA level, it was like they were on steroids.

The University of Florida's defense isn't up to NCAA standards either!

This is a very tough opponent!

Romar believes his players have also realized this.

From Duke to Cornell and then to the University of Florida.

Their strongest opponent this year only revealed its true form at the very last moment.

This year's NCAA final is going to be a tough battle!