At this time, Barkley and Kenny Smith were ready in the live broadcast booth.
TNT bought the rights to broadcast the NCAA prime-time games in North America. During this period, the two bosses have to not only record the show but also broadcast it live. They have been running all over North America and are exhausted.
"Charles, I don't see Michael."
Before the game even started, Smith had already gotten to the point.
After the last episode was broadcast, whether Jordan would come to this game became a major focus of fans.
They really wanted to confirm whether Jordan really had this attribute.
Before this, Jordan already had an expression of "I always lose when I gamble", and it would be really interesting if he added an expression of "I always lose when I play".
"Congratulations to North Carolina, they have secured a spot in the Sweet 16."
Barkley is direct enough.
"But I believe Michael will come. He has been very idle since his retirement. He will basically come to all the games after North Carolina enters the March Madness."
But he immediately changed the subject.
Commentary and playing basketball are two completely different professions. It is no coincidence that Barkley quickly became popular on TNT after retiring.
The pre-game warm-up was turned directly into a continuation of the "NBA Insider" program, and information that was not given in the program was also provided.
This has whetted the fans' appetite.
The fans' interest has been piqued and the opening ceremony has begun.
After the opening ceremony, the starting lineups of both sides were announced.
North Carolina: Ty Lawson, Wayne Ellington, Rayshaun Terry, Tyler Hansbrough, Brandan Wright.
Danny Green was not a starter.
Originally, he had a chance to become a starter as a sophomore, but because his father was involved in a drug case, he was under tremendous pressure and even wanted to drop out of school.
He stayed at the request of North Carolina head coach Roy Williams.
History has also proven that Dean Smith's former assistant coach, who was the main force behind recruiting Jordan, did have a good vision.
Of course, those are things that happened later. At this time, Green could only play as a substitute due to psychological problems.
On the University of Texas side: Augustine, James, Durant, Lin Ying, and Wendell.
In the last game against Georgetown, the small lineup worked wonders, but North Carolina's twin towers are strong inside, and the five small players can't match up on the defensive end.
After the final tactical arrangements before the game, the starting lineups of both sides appeared one after another.
This time Barnes arranged a jump ball for Lin Ying.
There are also enough shots of Lin Ying on the scene.
He had a triple-double in the last game and is now more than just a shadow behind Durant.
"beep!"
A whistle sounded from the sidelines and Lin Ying jumped first.
But Wright came from behind and used his long arms to get the ball first and push it back to half court.
Whether in terms of height, wingspan, or even jumping ability, Wright is better than Lin Ying.
Lawson controlled the ball and North Carolina University got the chance to attack first!
Lawson carried the ball to the frontcourt, moving in and out and spreading out on both wings. Hansbrough sank into the low post with his back to Durant.
A very standard low-post offensive style of play.
Wendell and Hansbrough one-on-one.
Hansbrough chose to play a back-to-the-basket single.
Wendel withstood the first two blows, but he was clearly pushed back half a step by the third blow.
Although Hansbrough is only 2.06 meters tall, he weighs 113 kilograms!
And in complete contrast to Pittman, this guy has a very low body fat percentage and is as strong as a bull.
Of course, what is even more surprising is that later, after feeling that Wendell was pushed away by him, he actually chose to turn around and jump shot.
Although his movements were not very smooth, Wendel had a very good shooting space because he could not raise his center of gravity.
“Swish!”
The first ball of the game went into the pocket!
The University of North Carolina took the lead.
Then, the fans at the scene went wild.
The stadium seats more than 60,000 people, and like in previous games, the number of fans is half and half.
But the noise made by North Carolina fans at this time made people feel that the whole stadium was theirs.
Rather than saying it is the passion of the fans, it is better to say it is the foundation of a wealthy club!
NCAA North Carolina Duke, just like Tsinghua University and Peking University in China, may not be the strongest, but it has the most famous reputation!
"Defend! Defend!"
And before the cheers died down, they turned into defensive shouts.
This is just the beginning!
However, it is very impressive!
Amid the cheers, North Carolina players on the field also began to show defensive aggressiveness.
Augustin was nearly intercepted by Lawson while controlling the ball, and was forced to dribble the ball backwards.
Not only Lawson, but Hansbrough also pushed Lin Ying out.
After a few confrontations, Lin Ying also experienced the same feeling as Wendel.
This is really a bull, and a fierce North African fighting bull like the one in the bullring!
This style of play is completely different from Georgetown University's style of setting up a formation and then playing against you in a rigid manner. It doesn't give you any chance to implement tactics well.
Although the University of Texas was somewhat aware of this when watching the video before, watching it and actually playing are completely different feelings!
Just when Lin Ying was about to go over to screen for Augustine.
"Snapped!"
Lawson intercepted the ball over there!
Augustine did not give up after being cut off and fought hard to defend behind him.
Like UNLV, the players at the University of Texas were very motivated after their upset.
TJ Ford's presence further boosted their morale.
Relying on his enthusiasm, Augustine caught up with Lawson and then tried to disrupt the latter's layup.
But he... didn't move!
After the confrontation, Lawson steadily sent the ball into the basket!
4 to 0!
North Carolina made the University of Texas a little confused in the first two rounds!
Lin Ying also knew why North Carolina’s defense seemed so strong when watching the video.
Because the starting players are stronger than expected!
It means strong, or it can be understood as strong in confrontation.
There is no need to say much about Hansbrough, as for Harrington and Lawson on the outside, especially Lawson, he is good at confrontation and has strong explosive power, he is like a little cannon.
And this little cannon is really fast!
In history, this guy made 8 steals in the 2009 NCAA finals, breaking history.
Just like in the first round of attack, they had to work very hard to execute any tactics, not to mention shooting comfortably.
A very realistic thing: compared with talent and technology, the gap in confrontation is the biggest gap.
After just a few rounds, the University of Texas was already out of breath.
UNC has too great an advantage in head-to-head competition.
So it was no surprise that they were able to crush their way to the championship in 2009.
For most players, the confrontation in their first and second years is like this. By the third and fourth years, it is like college students playing against high school students.
Add to that the accumulation of talents, wouldn’t that be a sure win?
With almost 6 minutes left in the game, the University of North Carolina launched a defensive counterattack, and Ellington received a three-pointer from Lawson during a fast break.
“Swish!”
The knife falls with a sudden movement!
11 to 2!
The score difference on the field is about to reach double digits!
Barnes reached out and called a timeout!
The Texas fans looked somewhat desperate at this time.
There is a big gap in strength between the two sides.
But at this moment, there was a huge commotion at the scene.
And it was accompanied by a burst of cheers.
The camera focuses on the source of the commotion.
He is domineering and relies on his wealth to get close to people.
Here he comes, he comes late with light steps!
Jordan made his way through the crowd to his front-row seat.
After sitting down, he took a look at the score on the spot, smiled, turned around and said to his female companion:
"It seems I arrived just in time."
Last December, Jordan and his wife Juanita, who had been together for 17 years, officially divorced, and Juanita took away 160 million in assets from Jordan.
The cost was high, but it also made Jordan a single man.
He no longer had to hide his feelings like he did when he got married, but could bring his female companion openly.
This time he was accompanied by Brazilian supermodel Kelly Elland.
Compared with his first wife Juanita, her figure and appearance are simply described in one word: amazing!
But who can resist the handsome god of basketball?
"Kenny, what did I say?"
On the live broadcast side, Barkley looked at Smith with a smile.
In fact, before the game started, Jordan had already sent him a text message saying that he would be there.
Of course he wouldn't send such a text message, otherwise how could the show be effective?
Q: Was Jordan called by Barkley?
Answer: No, or it is not necessary.
Based on Barkley 's understanding of Jordan, he knew that if he said that, Jordan would definitely come because of his competitive spirit.
As long as Jordan comes, the show will be at its best.
Even the outcome of the game is secondary.
If North Carolina wins, even though he gets slapped in the face, who cares if Barkley gets slapped in the face?
If North Carolina really loses, the show will be a huge success.
In fact, when Jordan's figure appeared on the big LED screen on the scene, the Edward Jones Dome was completely boiling.
Whether it is Texas fans or North Carolina fans, they all want to know whether Barkley’s "Jordan’s Losing Law" is true or false.
Lin Ying followed his teammates out on the field at this time.
After hearing the cheers of the fans around him, he looked up at the large LED screen.
At this time, the screen has switched to the live broadcast area.
Seeing Barkley's smug expression, he suddenly remembered the story between Barkley and Jordan.
The two are famous good friends because they have so many common interests.
Gambling, playing golf, talking nonsense...
Hobbies are a necessary condition for people to become long-term friends.
Just like he and Durant both love training.
And Jordan can also be regarded as Barkley's mentor.
In addition to basketball skills, he also taught Barkley a lot of investment skills, helping the latter make a fortune.
Of course, Barkley was also by Jordan's side when he suffered a blow (his father was murdered).
However, these two people eventually broke up.
The reason for the breakup is surprising.
It was Barkley who criticized Jordan for nepotism on the show, which prevented the Bobcats from rising.
Barkley felt that what he said was right, and it was a good opportunity to give Jordan a formal reminder in public.
But Jordan felt that Barkley was using him to gain attention.
It’s hard to comment on who is right or wrong, but are you not very familiar with each other?
That’s right, it’s a replica of this one!
The only difference is that Jordan and Barkley had a very good relationship at that time, so good that he didn't think that way.
Pause time.
The UT bench was exceptionally quiet.
If it had been the previous game, the team had played so badly that Barnes would have gone into "Angry Rick" mode and started cursing.
But at this moment he was unusually quiet.
Accustomed to his scolding, this silence made the team members uneasy.
“Full-court press.”
After picking up the tactical board and staring blankly for a while, Barnes continued to speak.
When Lin Ying and Springman discussed full-court press before, they mentioned the issue of when to use the full-court press tactic.
Barnes' decision at this time is the answer to that question:
When positional warfare cannot be launched or the situation is unfavorable.
The same thing happened at the University of Florida before.
The only difference is that the University of Florida has the strength to drag the game into the second half.
But the University of Texas can't do that. If they don't make changes, they might be defeated at the half.
Springman was hesitant to speak.
Texas doesn't practice full-court press much, and Lawson's ball handling and passing abilities are excellent, so this tactic may not work.
But he had no better choice.
Fighting against this kind of thing is not something that can be solved by simply changing tactics.
After Barnes arranged the tactics, he saw that the players were still confused, so he threw the tactical board directly to Springman.
"What the hell are you thinking? Are you scared of the fans at the scene? Or are you scared of the strength of the North Carolina team?"
Well, the spray has started.
What is meant to come will come.
Maybe, just maybe, Durant's habit of scolding people was influenced by Barnes.
This sudden scolding made the team members shudder unconsciously.
It may sound a bit strange to say, but Barnes' calmness before made people feel uncomfortable, but after he started to scold... they were not so nervous anymore.
"Forget everything in your head, the honors, the fans...
Just focus on the game, focus on every detail on the field.
Don’t think about what will happen if you lose the game, because you have nothing to lose!
Then show your aggression and tell those guys on the other side that you are not to be trifled !"
Barnes scanned the faces of his players like a wolf king inspecting his pack.
This wave of criticism was more effective than anything else, and the fighting spirit of the University of Texas players was instantly ignited.
"Texas cowboys, show your courage!"
Barnes gave one last shout to his players.
"Longhorn!"
The players put their hands together and shouted the team slogan.
Live broadcast seat.
"Charles, are you familiar with this scene?"
Smith began to speak.
He had seen this scene when he and Barkley were commentating on the game between the University of Texas and the University of Kansas.
It was after this scene that the University of Texas fought back in the first half and eventually reversed the game and defeated the University of Kansas.
"Yeah, I smell something different too."
Barkley directly agreed with Smith's words this time.
It’s not that he doesn’t want the show effect, but doing this will make the show more effective!
Jordan was there, so in order to prove that what he said was true, shouldn't the University of Texas fight back?
After the timeout, both teams returned to the court.
There have been personnel adjustments on both sides
The University of Texas took the initiative to change and replaced Abrams with a small lineup.
Putting this on at this time gives people the feeling that they are fighting to the death.
However, given the unfavorable situation, this adjustment is not surprising.
But on the North Carolina University side, Lawson was replaced!
Danny Green is substituted in!
When Lin Ying saw North Carolina's lineup, he was dumbfounded.
He really wanted to run up to Roy Williams and ask: Are you an undercover agent sent to North Carolina by Barnes? !
Just when Texas was about to go full-court press, UNC took out its best point guard?
Although Ellington played as a combo guard in the NCAA, his ball-handling and passing abilities were far inferior to Lawson's.
Finally, he couldn't help but turn his head to look at Jordan who was flirting with Elland in the audience.
Is it possible that metaphysics really exists in this world?
"beep!"
The whistle blew on the sidelines, and the ball went to the backcourt of the University of Texas.
Maybe because Lawson was substituted out, Ellington did not lead the defense throughout the game.
Of course, it was just a lack of defense; the physical confrontation on the field at the University of North Carolina did not weaken.
Augustine controlled the ball to the frontcourt and took some effort to pass it to Lin Ying.
Under the basket, Wright failed to push Durant out of the restricted area and began to use front defense.
Wright has an excellent wingspan and Durant's position is relatively deep, so even if this ball is a lob, it can easily be intercepted or passed out of bounds.
Lin Ying waved to signal for a corner pick-and-roll.
Ellington is taller than Lawson, but his speed and ability to circumvent pick-and-roll are not even close to Lawson's.
Lin Ying directly blocked him to death.
Augustine took two steps to a forty-five-degree angle and prepared to attack.
But he didn't get a good chance to shoot!
Hansbrough went to catch him in advance!
From this one detail, you can feel the defensive gap between North Carolina and Georgetown!
On the court, Augustine had no chance and passed the ball back to Lin Ying for reorganization.
Just at this moment, Lin Ying suddenly took a three-point shot from outside the three-point line!
He wouldn't have easily shot this kind of ball before, but now.
Face the wind!
A metaphysical miracle from the God of Basketball!
“Swish!”
A crisp sound.
Lin Ying's three-pointer penetrated the net!
It really exists!!
Texas' first three-pointer of the night!
Instantly, Texas fans were excited.
A large group of fans stood up from their seats and cheered for the University of Texas.
Being able to score points after coming back from a timeout sends a very positive signal!
There's no panic in North Carolina.
Roy Williams didn't even get up from the bench.
It's just a three-pointer, why are you so nervous?
But soon he couldn't sit still anymore.
Because when the University of North Carolina was preparing to serve from the backcourt, the University of Texas actually pressed the entire court!
He was still alert, but he didn't panic. Having coached in the NCAA for so many years, he must have encountered this kind of situation a hundred times, if not a thousand times.
He stood up and reminded his teammates to pay attention to the response.
Hansbrough passed the ball to Ellington.
James directly presses!
Ellington protected the ball sideways and tried to dribble away but failed.
Lin Ying immediately double-teamed them.
This time it happened very quickly and Ellington was a little panicked.
Fortunately, Green has come over to provide support.
He just flicked the ball over.
but!
"Snapped!"
Augustine rushed out from the side and stole the ball!
Although the training time was not long, the University of Texas played a very successful full-court press!
Augustine stole the ball and rushed to the basket, but Hansbrough had already come in from outside the court and retreated to the basket with his experience.
After seeing this, Augustine chose to throw the ball early.
Hansbrough pounced on him when he saw it.
He is 2.06 meters tall, but his wingspan is only 2.12 meters, and he is not very fast.
But his playing style is so fanatical that North Carolina fans gave him the nickname "Crazy T"!
This ball perfectly illustrates this.
Augustine shot earlier as the attacker, but Hansbrough almost blocked the ball when he rushed over.
"when!"
Augustine's shot hit the rim.
The University of Texas played a great full-court press, but... they failed to score!
etc!
Just as the North Carolina fans were about to cheer, a figure suddenly leaped toward the basket.
It’s Lin Ying!
After Augustine successfully stole the ball, he also cut into the basket!
It was only because Hansbrough rushed forward and blocked his view that Augustine didn't notice him.
After Hansbrough jumped out, no one could stop Lin Ying.
He jumped up, grabbed the bouncing ball, and then exerted force.
“Bang!”
A one-handed dunk!
On the advantages of long hands!
Although his jumping ability is not very good now, he has long arms!
This time, the cheers of North Carolina fans were stuck in their throats, but the cheers of Texas fans broke out again!
This dunk was so cool!
11 to 7!
The University of Texas narrowed the gap to 4 points!
At this time, far away on the other side of the ocean, countless fans in front of their computers in China shouted loudly.
In 2007, the computer penetration rate in China has reached a considerable level.
Although big-butt phones are still the main form of video, watching live broadcasts online is not a rare thing.
Just as Lin Ying had thought before, although there were only two days from the confirmation of the broadcast to the start of the broadcast, this game was still watched by tens of millions of people.
This dunk gave them an instant climax.
Although Lin Ying is not the first Chinese player to enter the NCAA, he is the first Chinese player seen in the live broadcast of the NCAA!
No, it would be more accurate to say that he is the first Chinese player to dunk in the NCAA!
What they were thinking at that moment was that Chinese college students could also play in the American college league and could also dunk!
In the audience, Ma Jian and Yang Yi were even more excited.
Especially Ma Jian, with his shaved head he looks like Lu Zhishen.
He stood up with his fists raised, and if you didn't know him well, you would have thought he was really going to uproot the weeping willow tree.
But his mood swings are very normal.
Just as Yang Yi said, he basically didn't sleep a wink in order to win the broadcasting rights for this game.
He just wanted to show the Chinese people that Chinese people can be successful in the NCAA.
But at the beginning, the University of Texas was constantly being beaten, and Lin Ying did not perform well. His mood could only be described as extremely anxious.
Now, with a three-pointer and a tip-in, Lin Ying scored 5 points in a row, and his presence was overwhelming!
Of course, it was impossible to give them the live footage at that time.
The live camera shows...Jordan!
It's over, this is no longer explainable!!