Before Snoopy could even respond, Leon Bob answered for him: "No problem. Passing won't be an issue."
What else could Snoopy say?
He could only look up at Coach Howland and blink with a smile: "I'll try my best."
Just as the words left his mouth… Bang!
On the court, Westbrook launched the basketball straight from the paint onto a sideline drink cooler, producing a loud crash!
Howland covered his eyes in exasperation and walked over to the assistant coach in charge of players' passing drills: "Starting tomorrow, set aside time every day to give Russell and Snoopy extra passing training."
The assistant quickly nodded.
The game continued, but Snoopy never stepped back onto the court. After a stunning opening performance, he returned to silence, like a stone thrown into a lake, vanished without a trace.
Meanwhile, Westbrook, now back in the game, grew increasingly daring, charging like a relentless dagger straight through USC's defense.
Forward Luke Mbah a Moute acted like a spear, closely trailing Westbrook and executing several impressive follow-ups.
Kevin Love, stationed near the free-throw line, became an anchor, continuously receiving Westbrook's passes and sinking them into the basket.
By now, UCLA's style had evolved from John Wooden's classic system, resembling more the DDM system Calipari built at Memphis University.
Interestingly, the DDM system at Memphis was led by another highly regarded draft prospect: Derrick Rose.
Rose possessed explosive athleticism and perfect penetration skills. By his senior year, he was considered a top-five high school player nationwide. After graduation, he was hailed as the third-best high school point guard in the past decade, after Chris Paul and T.J. Ford.
Currently, on the path to the 2008 draft, he ranked just behind O.J. Mayo, ahead of stats-driven Michael Beasley.
Rumor had it, some lottery teams preferred to bet on him… a move that would shock the NBA, since the last time a point guard went first overall was 12 years ago with Allen Iverson, and before that, Magic Johnson.
So, as scouts watched Westbrook storm the court with incredible athleticism, they instinctively compared him to Derrick Rose. While Westbrook lagged in certain areas, scouts began to consider him a potential lottery pick.
There was no denying it, Westbrook's potential was intoxicating. He was basically a LeBron James at the point guard position. USC's white point guard was completely dominated; his weak body became Westbrook's personal cash machine for breaking through defenses.
If O.J. Mayo hadn't played brilliantly tonight, carrying USC almost single-handedly, the game would have been taken over by Westbrook's sudden DDM-style offensive onslaught.
In the final moments, Mayo, who had scored 29 points, couldn't reproduce a miracle. He missed a crucial three-pointer.
UCLA won by two points amid sighs from the crowd. Westbrook let out a triumphant roar.
After scoring 22 points, dishing 7 assists, and grabbing 3 rebounds, he wept after his outburst, clasped his hands together, and silently prayed: Did you see that, Barks?
…
Back on the UCLA bus, laughter filled the air. Westbrook spontaneously performed a JAY-Z rap. He had always claimed he had spring-like rapping skills, but in reality, it sounded like a drunk shivering in winter.
Everyone teased him mercilessly.
Amid the laughter, Snoopy leaned against the window. As the bus passed through Beverly Hills and reached the second traffic light, he remembered a young Hollywood actress with golden hair.
She must have been terrified.
A smile curved his lips. He couldn't understand why a girl under 18 would enjoy driving a modified, high-riding Hummer.
Will we meet again, Jennifer Lawrence? he quietly thought.
A melody popped into his head, and he hummed softly: "oh…her-eyes, her-eyes! make-the-stars-look-like-they're-not-shining…"
Snoopy had just sung the first line when Kevin Love leaned over: "Snoopy, were you just singing? That sounded really nice! Want to perform?"
"No, no!" Snoopy waved his hands. He wasn't a performer and didn't want to sing publicly.
Seeing his shyness, Love didn't press. He whispered instead: "That song sounded so sweet. Can you tell me the title?"
"JUST THE WAY YOU ARE!" Snoopy almost blurted out.
Love quietly memorized the name, planning to look it up online and buy it if the whole song was as good.
He was a music enthusiast, unlike Westbrook, he didn't care for rap. He preferred melodic songs. The only rapper he tolerated was Eminem.
The bus soon arrived at UCLA. Before disembarking, Howland announced the team would rest tomorrow. But he specifically called out Snoopy and Westbrook, demanding they arrive at the training facility by 1 PM for passing drills.
For Westbrook, this was a disaster: "Coach, I already made a deal with an Orange County Chronicle reporter for an interview tomorrow afternoon."
"You can have him come to the gym and take a few photos for promotion," Howland replied, ignoring his request.
"But, sir, the Chronicle isn't a sports media outlet. Their reporters prefer quiet cafes, not sweaty gyms…" Westbrook tried to reason.
Howland cut him off: "What, are you running for president? Do you need me to lend you a suit? Or have Snoopy write your policy report? Listen, if he refuses to come to the gym, just say no. The Orange County Chronicle won't help your NBA prospects one bit."
Westbrook had no choice but to accept.
Seeing him sulk, Snoopy, headed to the international students party, considered asking when the drills would end, but decided against it. He didn't want Howland's sarcasm.
On the way back to the dorm, Westbrook called Nina first, then the Chronicle reporter.
Love teased: "So your real goal is a date, not running for president."
Westbrook glared: "Cut it out, Kevin. No black person will ever be president of the UN, okay?"
Snoopy almost blurted: "Isn't Obama black?"
"Hey, Snoopy. Do you think the Democrats will get back in? I don't. Romney's way stronger. Honestly, I'd rather endure Bush another four years," Love said adamantly.
Snoopy stayed silent. He didn't want to argue.
A flash of inspiration passed through him, he was used to these sudden, inexplicable "déjà vu" moments.
Westbrook then put a hand on his shoulder: "Listen, Snoopy. Tomorrow the reporter interviewing me will ask you a few questions too. I don't mind sharing the spotlight."
Snoopy responded seriously: "You know, Russell, I have no interest in the White House."
Hearing that, Westbrook was furious and chased Snoopy around.
Love pulled out his phone, a brand-new Nokia with 300,000 pixels.
Click! Click!
Capturing beautiful memories.