NBA: Defense Wins Championships

In 2003, Chen Yan, a Chinese American bench player in NCAA Division II, was seen by everyone as “a defensive role player who can do nothing else.” At 196 centimeters tall, he had an unremarkable offensive game, and even his teammates teased him, saying, “All you can do is stick to your man.” Then, during a season-ending game that would decide the team's fate, the Defensive Cornerstone System activated in his mind. From then on, anticipating opponents' drives, seeing through pick-and-roll fakes, and boxing out for crucial rebounds became his weapons for changing the game.

From the “double-screen defensive miracle” in the Horizon League tournament to a clutch steal that toppled the top seed during March Madness, Chen Yan leads his team to shocking upsets with his extraordinary defense. Then, in the Sweet Sixteen, he crosses paths with Wade. One is a Chinese American underdog who made his name on defense; the other is a future superstar who excels at both ends of the court. Their first matchup is enough to make an NBA scout write in his report: “This Chinese player has the defensive instincts of a league veteran.”

The first 10 chapters are just a transition. If you want to get to the NBA, skip ahead.