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Chapter 28 - Draft Troubles

After Kayce acquired the Dream Training Space, the only way he could improve his physical attributes was through the functional beverages in the restaurant. Currently, he had unlocked B-grade functional beverages.

However, unlocking functional beverages was extremely troublesome, and their effects were very slow. He had to constantly push his body through training to gradually improve his basic attributes.

More often than not, Kayce used the B-grade functional beverages as stamina recovery agents, as their effects were particularly noticeable in that regard.

So, when he saw this colorful [NCAA National Champion] badge, he was extremely surprised.

Although the percentage bonus effect didn't seem like much at the moment, the attributes were growable, and all attributes received the bonus from the badge.

In short, this was a minor artifact. Seeing the 'combinable' text displayed afterward, Kayce pondered.

"Does it mean that winning consecutive championships can form better attribute bonuses?"

Thinking of this, he felt a bit regretful, as this was his last time playing in the NCAA, and he probably wouldn't see the combined badge.

After carefully examining the colorful achievement badge, Kayce also noticed a new bronze achievement badge.

Achievement Badge [Triple Threat Veteran]: 6/50

Accelerate the Triple Threat move when attempting to break down a defender.

A simple and practical badge that indirectly strengthened his first-step speed. Kayce was very satisfied.

Upon entering the basic training room again, Kayce discovered that a music option had been added to the control panel of the training room.

Curiously, he clicked on the music and heard a song he liked in his previous life. Memories from the depths of Kayce's mind slowly surfaced, and a wave of longing welled up in his heart. It turned out he had never forgotten those memories.

UCLA concluded its NCAA journey, returning to Los Angeles with the championship trophy.

On the plane, Holiday and Collison were discussing draft tryouts. After all, the draft would begin in just over two months, so preparations for tryouts had to start now.

"I'll participate in the combine. After all, it's an opportunity, a platform to showcase myself." Holiday always had a good mindset; if there was a tryout, he'd go.

"I don't like the combine. There will probably be 80 players training together. God, we're champion guards!" Collison felt that with a championship, he should have some standing.

"I don't think NBA teams care about NCAA honors. They'll always choose players with better physical attributes." Holiday wasn't getting carried away yet; he knew the basic principles of NBA team selection.

"I still want to go for individual team tryouts. Kayce, what about you? Are you going to the combine?" Collison couldn't let go of his pride and turned to ask Kayce.

"I won't be going to the combine. Actually, the Clippers and Thunder have already invited me for individual team tryouts, and I've accepted," Kayce said calmly.

"Is this the treatment for an MOP? I actually really like the Los Angeles Clippers, after all, Los Angeles is truly a great place!" Collison had already started to go crazy with jealousy.

"Kayce, which team do you want to go to? It would be great if we could still be drafted to the same team. I heard rookie life isn't easy!" Holiday, the honest kid, started worrying about his future.

"Of course I want to stay in Los Angeles, after all, I've lived here for six years. But I don't really like the current Los Angeles Clippers. I'm really afraid I'll break down from constantly losing."

Kayce made a small joke, which made Collison and Holiday laugh, because in Los Angeles, the Los Angeles Lakers were the local fans' favorite team. The Los Angeles Clippers? They were truly the backup of backups.

Only because Los Angeles Clippers tickets were cheap did they cultivate some local fans. If their ticket prices were like the Los Angeles Lakers', the owner would probably struggle to recoup his investment!

Returning to the familiar campus, the team received a warm welcome. Seeing Coach Ben smiling so broadly these past two days, Kayce felt that winning the championship was worth it, a way of repaying his initial kindness.

After the joyful party ended, Coach Ben called Kayce to his office.

"Kayce, do you have a team you'd like to go to in this year's draft?" The old head didn't beat around the bush and asked directly.

"I don't have the final say on that. It depends on the draft positions of each team. The Clippers and Thunder have already sent me tryout invitations," Kayce replied honestly.

"Would you like to hear some advice from someone who's been there? Of course, this is just advice; you can simply consider it," Coach Ben asked with a smile.

"Of course, your opinion is crucial!" Kayce replied sincerely.

"First, I don't want you to go to a bad team. That will make you develop extremely bad basketball habits. I know your talent for understanding tactics, and going to a bad team will prevent your talent from developing."

"Also, you're not suited for an overly mature team. You need the ball. I know your ball-handling ability, but during college, we had guard players, and your organizational talent wasn't fully utilized."

"Finally, although I also hope to continue seeing you in Los Angeles, the Los Angeles Clippers are not a good choice at the moment. Tanking, a complex locker room, and an unreliable owner are all problems with this team."

Kayce listened to Ben's advice and couldn't help but admire him. After all, this was the coach who understood his abilities best at the moment, and the advice he gave was very suitable for him.

"So, are you saying the Thunder are better than the Los Angeles Clippers? And which other teams are more suitable for me?" Kayce asked again sincerely.

"The Supersonics previously tanked and drafted Kevin Durant. Russell was also drafted by them last year. If they can get a good draft pick this year, the team will start pursuing achievements. This is a good time to join a team."

"Of course, the Minnesota Timberwolves also have an opportunity for development. And since you're also very familiar with Love, that can help you adapt to the team better."

Indeed, both the Thunder and the Minnesota Timberwolves had friends he was familiar with, and there were fewer veteran leaders in rebuilding teams, which was very important, as seniority was key in the locker room.

"Thank you, Coach. This advice is truly invaluable." Kayce was very grateful to coach Ben; he had always looked out for him.

Coach Ben patted Kayce's shoulder and said warmly, "Go for it, Kayce. The NBA is the stage for you. I knew it when I saw you play in high school. I believe you will shine brightly."

The two chatted in the office for a long time. It was only at dinner time that Kayce reluctantly said goodbye and left.

Back in his dorm, Kayce called Anne. Yesterday, she and Beth had been whispering to each other, which made Kayce uneasy. He wondered what she had planned next.

"Hey, Anne, let's have dinner together. Come to my place. I'll cook tonight." Kayce tried to probe the situation first.

"Sorry, I can't leave the lab right now. Oh, by the way, Beth is planning to start a cosmetics company, and she wants me to help her manage the research team."

Kayce was a bit stunned to hear this news.

"Were you all talking about this before? Beth is quite wealthy, but building a brand from scratch is a difficult process."

"Of course we know that. But I personally really like this project. If you don't object, I'll go work for Beth after I graduate next year." Anne seemed serious.

"As long as you like it. Seafood feast tonight, I'll pick you up," Kayce said, striking while the iron was hot.

"Hehe, go find Britney. Bye~" The black-haired older sister chuckled and hung up the phone.

"She hung up on me again. Is being pretty such a big deal?!" Kayce grumbled internally.

After returning home, Beth still had to stay in London for a while. Britney went back to New York yesterday, saying she'd give him a surprise in June. Anne was immersed in the lab again.

"It seems I'll have to enjoy the seafood feast by myself!"

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