"Chen Yilun is coming today, everyone! Wake up and get ready! I want all of you sharp and performing at your best!"
On the campus of Michigan State University, a short, slightly chubby, white-haired old man was giving a fiery speech to a group of young players.
"Chen Yilun isn't like other scouts—he actually has real power. If he likes what he sees, even a second-round pick can get real opportunities. So today is a big chance for every single one of you."
"If he watches your workout and nods in approval, that's basically one foot in the league!"
The man hyping them up was none other than Michigan State's legendary head coach, Tom Izzo.
Tom Izzo was a long-established NCAA coach. Not quite at the Hall of Fame status of Coach K or John Calipari, but definitely on the same level as Villanova's Jay Wright.
"I heard he's been traveling all over lately. Finally our turn."
A burly wing player muttered quietly.
"What, trying to catch a ride on the Kings' big ship?"
The tall player next to him laughed.
"Of course I am. A year developing with a team like that beats two years being stashed somewhere small. Don't you want that too?"
"We'll see."
The tall player shook his head.
"With Jokic and Oden already signed long-term in the Kings' frontcourt, I won't get any minutes anyway. Might as well try my luck somewhere else."
"Short-sighted."
The wing player rolled his eyes.
In his mind, who cared about playing time? With the Kings' coaching staff the way it was, even if he didn't touch the court for a whole season, just training within the Kings' system would still skyrocket his development.
Before the two could finish their conversation, a small stir rose near the entrance of the gym.
Tom Izzo narrowed his eyes toward the doorway. When he recognized who arrived, his eyes instantly widened.
"They're already here!"
He hurried over in big strides.
"Boss Chen! Why didn't you say you were coming? I would've met you at the door!"
"Hahaha!"
Chen Yilun, walking at the front, laughed as he extended his hand. The two clasped palms firmly.
"I couldn't resist checking out the kids you've got, Tom. That's why I rushed over."
He glanced toward the players lined up.
"These are your guys, huh?"
Side by side, Chen Yilun and Tom walked to the front.
For a moment, everyone felt their breaths tighten.
The hottest executive in the league, the rising superstar evaluator in North American basketball.
Earning his approval would mean a massive boost to any player's career.
"This is our freshman this year, former five-star high school recruit: Jaren Jackson Jr."
After introducing a few veterans, Tom pointed to the tall player who had spoken earlier.
"A real young talent!"
Chen Yilun couldn't help praising as he looked at Jaren Jackson Jr.
The future defensive wall of Memphis, the blade-wielding guard beside the Gun King.
"JJJ" Jackson!
Looking at the still-youthful Jackson, Chen Yilun's eyes filled with appreciation.
A future DPOY contender—yes, he'd be hit later by a stat-padding scandal, but even without that, his defensive ability alone was elite.
"Very nice, very nice."
Chen Yilun nodded repeatedly.
He was also one of the top homegrown big-man prospects in the U.S. and, in the original timeline, would be taken fourth overall by the Grizzlies in next year's draft.
"And this one here."
After chatting a bit with Jaren Jackson Jr., Coach Tom shifted to another player.
The moment Chen Yilun saw the face smiling a little too eagerly, he froze. A faint flicker of disgust flashed deep in his eyes—so subtle no one else caught it.
Tom continued introducing with enthusiasm.
"This is our starting small forward, second-year player Miles Bridges—another very talented guy."
Next year's draft would feature two players with the same surname, both playing similar positions, with similar playstyles, and both projected as high picks.
One was Villanova's Mikal Bridges, and the other was the player standing here now, Miles Bridges.
Because both Bridges shared the same last name and entered the league at nearly the same time, fans began referring to them as 'Big Bridge' and 'Little Bridge' to tell them apart.
Despite the similarities, the two had no family connection—they simply happened to share a surname and position.
Compared to Big Bridge's steadily rising career, Little Bridge's path was far more turbulent.
Drafted by Charlotte, he spent years developing, finally on the verge of earning a major extension—only to be hit by a domestic violence scandal that led to an indefinite suspension. Even when he returned, his form had plummeted.
As a decent man, Chen Yilun despised any form of domestic violence.
Only the lowest, most pathetic men take out their negativity by using violence against the women in their lives.
Facing the overly ingratiating Myers Mikal Bridges, Chen Yilun simply gave a brief greeting, then moved on with visible disinterest.
"Boss, you don't like that Myers Mikal Bridges guy?"
Prince, noticing Chen Yilun's distance, leaned in and whispered.
"I don't like him."
Chen Yilun didn't bother hiding his disgust.
"Why? He looks solid—good size, good shooting output. His defense still needs refinement, but with some training he'd be perfectly worthy of a high first-round pick."
"It's not his physical tools."
Chen Yilun paused to find the right words.
"It's the vibe. His presence, the way he looks at people—something about him just feels wrong."
"This kid doesn't look like a good person."
…