Kai Chen became the first Asian player in NCAA history to win the Final Four MOP.
He is also the only player from China to date who has reached the NCAA Final, led his team to a championship, and won the MOP!
Most importantly, Kai Chen's MOP award was well-deserved!
No one would doubt the authenticity of this award, as Kai Chen was undoubtedly elected based on his individual strength.
After the game,
Kai Chen, holding the MOP trophy, became the focus of countless media interviews.
"Kai, first of all, congratulations on winning this championship back-to-back, and congratulations on becoming the MOP!"
An ESPN reporter broke through the crowd and asked Kai Chen, "Now, fans across the entire US are very eager to know—what are your plans next?"
"Will you choose to enter the NBA, or stay in college to help the team achieve a three-peat!?"
Hearing the reporter's question, Coach K and Grayson Allen, who were standing nearby, stopped.
They, too, really wanted to know what Kai Chen's choice would be.
"I will bring my talent to Michigan State University."
Taking the microphone, Kai Chen joked, "To become Draymond Green's junior!"
"Hahaha!"
Hearing Kai Chen's reply, the reporters in front of him burst into laughter.
During the Final Four, Kai Chen's verbal sparring with Draymond Green once topped the US hot search rankings.
And now Kai Chen bringing this up again was nothing more than a subtle jab at Green.
"I will participate in this year's NBA Draft!"
After the joke, Kai looked at the camera and said seriously, "I have already won the highest honor in the NCAA. It's time for the next challenge!"
With the MOP and championship trophy in hand, for Kai Chen personally, the NCAA story was clearly over.
"Woohoo~"
Upon receiving Kai Chen's affirmative answer, the reporters present erupted in an uproar.
Indeed, this young man from China had already reaped the highest honors of his college career; he was fully qualified to bring his talent to the NBA.
However, when Kai Chen personally said this, it was still shocking.
Nevertheless, Coach K, upon hearing this news, still felt some regret.
In his eyes, if Kai Chen had played one more year at Duke University, he would undoubtedly become the top prospect for next year's draft.
"Sorry, let me say a few words!"
Coach K stepped out from behind, took the microphone from another reporter nearby, and said, "Kai Chen absolutely has the opportunity to become a superstar in the NBA!"
"He stayed at Duke University for three years, and I know him very well. Although he didn't get much playing time in the first two years, this does not affect his overall strength!"
"I think he is as good as, or better than, anyone else entering the draft!"
After Coach K finished speaking, the reporters in front of him did not show much surprise, but rather nodded repeatedly.
After all, Kai Chen's performance in the knockout stage had already proven that he would undoubtedly be the dark horse of this draft!
After the interview,
Kai Chen saw Kendall, who had not yet left the court, and walked over to her side.
The reporters, who were just about to pack up and leave, saw this scene.
They once again swarmed over.....
"Kendall, can you tell us, what is your relationship with Kai Chen now?"
This time, a TNT reporter shook off the ESPN reporter's entanglement and was the first to ask Kendall.
"Uh… as you can see."
Kendall put her arm around Kai Chen's waist and said, blushing, "We are in a relationship now. He is my boyfriend!"
"Crazy!!"
Hearing Kendall's answer, the reporters in front of them burst into exclamations.
Apparently, this explosive news was even more newsworthy than Kai Chen entering the NBA Draft.
"Alright, thank you, everyone!"
Kai Chen looked at the reporters who still wanted to ask questions and couldn't help but interrupt, "Now I'm going to attend the team celebration with my girlfriend, so I won't be answering any more questions for now!"
With that, Kai Chen put his arm around Kendall and walked toward the players' tunnel, under the envious gazes of everyone.
....
The news of Kai Chen announcing his talent for the NBA was already known to the executives of various NBA teams even before it spread through the major media.
"The team's upcoming games… it seems we'll have to play in a different mode!"
After learning that Kai Chen had confirmed his participation in the draft, Los Angeles Clippers Special Advisor Jerry West directly issued a combat mission for the remaining games to Head Coach Rivers:
"Play appropriately at home, but don't lose too badly in away games."
Tanking shouldn't be too blatant; home games still need face.
When it comes to away games, that's the time to show the team's acting skills!
Jerry West was well aware that Kai Chen's draft pick would be quite high, and it would be very difficult for the Clippers to acquire him through trade.
But how would they know if they didn't try?
For the rise of the Los Angeles Clippers, Jerry West was prepared to take a gamble.
"Kemba Walker, rest for all upcoming games!"
On the other side, when the Basketball God Michael Jordan received the news of Kai Chen entering the draft, he was even more direct in issuing a combat mission to the management:
"I don't care how you do it, you must get me a top-five draft pick in this year's draft!"
"You can even use anyone on the team as a bargaining chip!"
"I only want a top-five draft pick in this year's draft!"
The Basketball God's approach to getting Kai Chen was even more insane.
He didn't care about the impact of tanking; he only wanted Kai Chen!
"It's time for us to make a change, and I think Kai will be our top choice!"
Inside the Phoenix Suns General Manager's office.
Head Coach Monty Williams once again found the General Manager to explain his thoughts:
"Kai Chen's performance in the NCAA Finals was simply too crazy. I think his combination with Booker will be our hope for a resurgence!"
"Monty, I really don't understand!"
The Suns General Manager looked at Monty in front of him, very displeased.
"I have already planned the future of our team. Deandre Ayton is still our primary target!"
"This decision—even if the owner came—I would not change it!"
Facing a head coach who repeatedly contradicted him, he was very impatient.
He just didn't understand how a third-year rookie from China could be worth a high draft pick.
"Don't say anything more!"
"Ayton is our top choice, and your next task is to lead the team to continue tanking and strive for the first overall pick!"
Looking at Monty, who was about to speak, he directly interrupted him.
"OK!"
Seeing the unyielding General Manager, Monty shook his head and walked out of the office with a very dejected expression.
Perhaps, there really was a reason why the Suns had never been able to rise from the East!
==========
Thank you for the support.
100 power stones = Bonus Chapter
Check my P@treon for 25+ advanced chapters
[email protected]/JustTranslate