Basketball System: Rebound of the Underdog-Chapter 643: China vs. USA (5)

The Shizi Dogs sat scattered on the bleachers, their usual chatter subdued as they watched Kai on the bench.

"It's not like him at all," Shang said, his brows furrowed.

Jet crossed his arms. "He's usually the one dishing out slaps, not getting them. And, if it's Max doing the slapping, then you know it's serious."

Jinping turned to him with raised eyebrows. "You're not even close to Max. How do you know that it's more serious?"

"We played together!" Jet defended himself.

"Barely," Jinping smirked. "You weren't part of the starting players then."

Jet clicked his tongue. "Ah, whatever. Kai's not looking good. Just take it as that."

Andy leaned forward, concern seen on his face. "I think he's scared."

"What for?" Jinping muttered. "It's not like he's lacking in skill. He's not a stranger to these tournaments, too. Honestly, I thought he would be more excited."

The older players nodded in agreement. Meanwhile, the new players who hadn't played with Kai before became more curious about his temperament.

Caishen scoffed loudly, earning a few glances from the others. "He's not scared. He's weak. He's not ready for a team like the U.S. This is what I'm seeing after riding a plane? This is what the principal paid for? We should have all stayed at home or just watched at the gymnasium or something."

"Do you ever shut up?" Shang sighed. "He has achieved something greater than the rest of us. He's nervous, I believe."

"It's the truth, though," Caishen said with a shrug. "If he can't handle this when everyone has sacrificed so much just to see him, then he should be ashamed. I would have no face to show if I don't play my best."

The others glared at Caishen. They couldn't wait for Kai to come back to show the young player where he stood!

Meanwhile, back on the bench, Kai continued to internalize what Max had said. The second quarter had started now, but he was still fixing his dilemma.

"I don't know what's happening," Kai finally admitted, slumping his shoulders in defeat.

Max tilted his head, waiting for Kai to elaborate.

Kai ran a hand through his hair. "I can't even explain it properly. It's like…I know so much, but I can do so little. The answers are there, but the question is missing. My skills—they're fine—but it feels like I can't do anything with them. What do you call this problem?"

Max stared at him for a long moment before sighing. "Do you know why you're such a great player?" he asked.

Kai blinked at him. "Answer my question first," he insisted. However, Max shook his head.

He continued, leaning forward. "It's because you're not afraid. You've wanted this for so long that you never stop. You weren't naturally good at basketball. You worked hard for it. You know how it is to not play well. So, you strive even better."

"However, it has come to the point where you're so naturally good at any sport you try. It's funny, really. It's like you were destined to reach great heights in sports," he continued.

"Remember swimming? Volleyball? You even managed to do all of those without any real experience. And somehow, you just get it."

"It's in your blood now. Even if you're just beginning, you're already on the road to becoming the best. Don't doubt yourself."

Well, Max didn't answer his question. However, it might just be what Kai needed.

Kai paused, the gears in his mind turning.

A single word escaped his lips.

"Beginning."

He stared at the court, suddenly feeling more alive. His gaze zeroed in on Julian. The smug grin on Julian's face infuriated him, but it also sparked a challenge.

Julian's eyes went toward Kai briefly before performing a flashy no-look pass to Steven Murr.

The move was unnecessarily dramatic, but the U.S. crowd roared their approval. Julian smirked, reveling in the moment and enjoying how Kai was on the bench and him on the court.

The score climbed to 20-38, and Kai's fists clenched. He wanted to get back out there and do something, but doubt still lingered in the back of his mind.

What if I'm overthinking this? What if the key is to simplify, to go back to the basics?

To go back to the beginning.

He let out a breath, remembering something Jonathan Samson had once said.

"The best players aren't the flashiest; they're the ones who master the basics and use them flawlessly."

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Kai's eyes narrowed as he watched Julian closely.

Oh, the irony of it all.

Even if his brother had inherited his strong system with a great foundation, he didn't utilize it to the fullest. And that might just be his weakness.

He wanted to show everyone he was good, but he lacked the perspective his brother had. To stick to the fundamentals.

Kai sat up straighter. "I can beat him," he muttered.

"I just need to strip everything back and play like I used to. Play because I love it. I'm not bad. I was just afraid. However, why should I?" he smirked, feeling his heart race not with nervousness but with happiness this time.

Just like how he tried swimming and volleyball for the first time. No pressure. With that, he knew he would perform even better.

Then, he stood, surprising Max. However, as soon as the latter saw the fire in Kai's eyes, he pursed his lips and stayed silent.

He shared a look with Jimmy, and small smiles appeared on their faces.

Kai walked to Coach Xu Wei. "Coach."

Xu Wei, engrossed in the game, turned toward him. "What is it?"

"I'm ready," Kai said, his eyes blazing with determination.

The coach raised an eyebrow. "You sure? It's only a minute into the second quarter."

Kai nodded. "I'm back."

Xu Wei studied him for a moment, noting the change in his posture and expression. There was no hesitation now.

Finally, the coach nodded, a small smirk playing on his lips. "Alright. Get back in there."