The energy in the building was straight-up electric. The NCAA Final Four? Man, the hype was just as crazy as the Eastern Conference Finals.
All the Knicks players were in the house, and plenty of NBA stars too.
Yao Ming's agent, Zhang Mingji, showed up at the arena as well.
But with NCAA rules in place, his contract as Yao's agent was technically terminated. Nobody outside really knew that, so he couldn't talk to Yao in any official capacity.
"Zhao Dong, Yao's changed a lot. Dude's really matured," Zhang Mingji said.
"The NCAA level, especially at a top-tier program like Duke, is way beyond anything back home in high school leagues," Zhao Dong replied, smiling.
Hu Weidong chimed in, "Zhao Dong, if you had played in the semis, y'all wouldn't have been eliminated."
"I mean, it's all good now," Zhao Dong grinned.
"Facts," Hu Weidong nodded with a laugh.
"Yo, Brother Hu, you met Yao Ming before?" Zhao Dong asked.
"Yeah, I saw him at the National Games last year. I told you about that," Hu Weidong said.
"Oh right. Yao's definitely gonna be part of the national squad down the line. If you get the chance, talk to him more. As long as he keeps his body right and stays healthy, that kid's got real NBA superstar potential," Zhao Dong said seriously.
"He's that good?" Hu Weidong looked surprised.
"Since senior Mu Tiezhu? No doubt, he's the best center China's got."
"Better than Shan Tao and Bater?"
Hu looked over and asked, "Stronger than you?"
"I'm not a center, man. I just fill in when needed." Zhao Dong shot him a look.
"Haha..." Hu laughed.
"Yao's game is gonna be way ahead of guys like Shan Tao and Bater," Zhao Dong said confidently.
"Damn, really?" Hu was visibly impressed.
"Mr. Hu, please keep an eye out for Yao Ming in the future," Zhang Mingji said politely.
"Of course, no doubt," Hu Weidong responded.
Soon enough, the game was about to tip off.
This Utah squad only had two guys with NBA-level talent.
One was Andre Miller, who'd later lead the league in assists—Chinese fans called him the "NBA Mo Wenwei."
The other was Michael Doleac, a 6'11" center who ended up being a role player in the league, averaging just 3.3 boards and 4.9 points per game.
Yao's matchup was Doleac.
Zhao Dong figured Yao should be able to handle him easily at this point.
From the sidelines, as Yao stepped onto the court for warmups, Zhao Dong hollered, "Yao Ming! Make it to the finals and I'll hook you up with a girl. You pick the type—trust me, I got you!"
"Huh?!"
Yao Ming looked panicked. "Bro Dong, no need for that..."
"Haha..." Hu Weidong couldn't stop laughing beside him.
"Shit... this kid already got someone, huh?" Zhao Dong muttered to himself.
He dug through his memory and froze. Right! Yao met Ye Li back in '96 at the Shanghai Sports School. Could he have already caught feelings back then?
"Met her in '96? Man's only 16... definitely some early puppy love," he said.
"I heard about that too. But nothing seems to be happening. The girl doesn't seem that into him," Zhang Mingji said with a smile.
"So that means he is into her," Zhao Dong chuckled.
"Zhao Dong, Yao Ming said you're like his big brother and that you're the one who helped him get into Duke. That true?" A reporter came over and asked.
"Yeah, that's true," Zhao Dong said coolly.
"Then can you tell us—will China's Yao Ming enter the NBA draft next year?"
"Nope."
"But a lotta New York media are predicting he'll go lottery if he declares. What's your take?"
"When did New York media get so damn conservative?"
"What? Zhao Dong, could you be more specific?"
"Nope."
"..."
The reporter was left speechless. Teased again by the damn New York Tyrant.
Tip-off came. Yao won the jump easily, and Duke was on the attack.
Yao Ming headed straight down low. Doleac was guarding him. Yao posted up on the left block and called for the ball.
They dumped it down to him. Yao gave a couple shimmies, shook Doleac, then turned and dropped in a smooth jumper.
"Zhao Dong, Yao's 7'3" now, around 220 pounds. Coach K wants him up to 230 by next season, and ideally 250 before hitting the NBA," Zhang Mingji said.
"No need to rush. Let him take his time. Once he's in the league, he should level off around 265, maybe 275 max. What matters is building that lower-body strength so he can hold his ground down low. With his height, nobody's moving him if he's got that base," Zhao Dong said.
"Zhao Dong, you think the Knicks might draft him in a few years?" Zhang Mingji asked.
"..."
Zhao Dong paused. That was tricky. Unless he left the Knicks and they went back to being trash, how would they ever get the #1 pick? Sell off everyone just to tank?
Anyway, Duke rolled over Utah and booked their ticket to the finals.
Yao played 28 out of the 40 minutes, went 8-for-13 from the field, hit 1-of-3 from deep, knocked down 5-of-6 at the line, and finished with 22 points, 8 boards, and 3 blocks. Solid night.
Showing out in a high-stakes game like this meant he was officially on the NBA radar. Scouts would keep eyes on him, taking notes, building draft profiles.
"I'm telling you, this one season in the NCAA is worth a bunch of seasons in the CBA. Telling him to come here? Definitely the right call," Zhao Dong told Zhang Mingji.
"You paved the way. Without seeing your journey, I wouldn't have had the confidence to push for it. You convinced his parents too," Zhang Mingji said with a grin.
On the 21st, Kentucky knocked out Syracuse and made the finals.
On the 23rd, the NCAA Men's Basketball Championship tipped off at none other than Madison Square Garden.
On the 22nd, Zhao Dong pulled up at the airport with Yao Ming and Zhang Mingji, just in time to pick up Yao Ming folks.
Back in the day, when Yao's parents were hooping, there wasn't even a real league in China. The economy was trash, and they were living rough—worse than the average family. Even now, money's still tight for them, especially after they blew 100,000 yuan on training costs. They're still struggling to stay afloat.
Yao Ming's overseas journey is being bankrolled by Zhao Dong Sports. That includes this plane ticket too.
Now the old couple doesn't have to be stuck at home eating plain radishes every day.
"Zhao Dong, I'm really sorry to trouble you again like this."
The moment they linked up, Yao's mom shot a quick glance at Yao Ming. Even after half a year apart, she didn't even waste time talking to him—just went straight to Zhao Dong.
"It's nothing," Zhao Dong grinned, waving it off. "Yao Ming's real money is still on the way."
He smiled and added, "Before the draft hits, I'm locking him into a signature sneaker deal worth tens of millions. I'm not shortchanging him."
"Tens of millions?" Everyone froze, including Yao Ming.
Even Zhang Mingji, who's always been hyped about Yao Ming's future, couldn't believe it. A shoe deal that massive? That's wild.
"I'm worth that much?" Yao Ming mumbled, still dazed.
"You're worth every penny," Zhao Dong chuckled.
Back in Zhao's past life, when Yao entered the league, Nike had the first shot. They'd been lacing him with shoes since high school. But when the time came, they lowballed him with a $1.6 million deal over four years. Total disrespect. Yao was pissed and turned it down. Nike panicked and tried to bounce back with a $120 million offer over seven years, but it was too late. Yao curved 'em.
In this life? Yao's already the biggest name out of China. That market value is still there. Tens of millions? That's light work.
Too bad in the NCAA final, Duke's young squad choked and lost to Kentucky. No title.
But Yao still did his thing—dropped 20 points and grabbed 7 boards. The media was giving him mad props.
Yao Ming was a little down about the loss, though.
Zhao Dong gave him a nudge, "Bro, cheer up. I've played two whole seasons and haven't even sniffed the division finals. I ain't even made it to March Madness."
"Heh… true that," Yao Ming laughed.
It's late March now. The Knicks dropped five games this month. They're sitting at 50-23—just one win behind the Pacers, with a slim lead over the Bulls and Heat. Second place in the East.
Zhao Dong bagged Player of the Month again. He's averaging a wild 38 points and still leading the MVP race.
Dude's been on fire this season—three Player of the Month awards in five months.
But after losing the top seed in the East, the New York media started stirring the pot. They came at Coach Nelson hard, saying his coaching and system didn't fit the Knicks' gritty style. The heat was on.
Nelson already got fired once two seasons ago. He's not tryna go through that mess again.
Zhao Dong didn't catch much flak, though. His stats were insane, and the team was still ranked above the Bulls. The media couldn't hate too hard.
As April hit, the 97-98 regular season was almost a wrap. Only nine games left for the Knicks.
The media started breaking down the playoff picture.
Jordan's Bulls? They've been off all season. Not the same squad. ESPN had them fifth in championship odds—just a 20% shot at the title.
The top four?
Pacers: 31%
Knicks: 30%
Jazz: 26%
Lakers: 23%
"We're locked in for the playoffs," Zhao Dong said in an interview. "I can see that trophy calling our name."
Meanwhile, other players were talking big.
"The Bulls? Jordan's done. They won't even make it past the first round. That so-called 'super lineup' is washed. Ewing's old, man—he can barely move."
"The Knicks? Half-useless. No inside offense, no post game. Yeah, their D's tough, but who cares if you can't score? We'll shoot 'em out the building. Zhao Dong is nice, but he's solo out there. Truth is, he's a stat-padding cancer."
"The Jazz? All they do is pick and roll. Karl Malone just dunks. We'll smoke them."
"The Lakers? All Shaq does is bend down and pick up the ball after I splash it through the rim," another player clowned.
April 1st, right after ESPN dropped their title odds, Reggie Miller went off—talking mad trash in the media.
Zhao Dong heard that and fired back during an interview:
"Reggie Miller? That man's gonna be courtside watching the Finals like the rest of y'all. He ain't got that ring energy."
Jordan clapped back too, "When did Reggie Miller earn the right to speak on this league?"
Karl Malone wasn't having it either. "Don't matter which round—we see the Pacers, they're outta here."
Then Shaq chimed in. "Only thing I gotta do against the Pacers is change the rim after I break it with a dunk."
Yep, Reggie went full villain mode—ran his mouth and got every top contender hating on him.
Fast forward to April 7th—league drama hit again. Karl Malone elbowed Warriors forward Donyell Marshall in the ribs, cracked one, and shut him down for the season.
"I ain't mean to do that, he caught my knee," Karl Malone explained after throwing the elbow.
"Zhao Dong, what's your take on that elbow from Malone?"
Right after the incident, while the game was still going, a sideline reporter managed to call Zhao Dong for a quick phone interview.
"A knee strike? That's a street fight move. Gotta give props to Malone—his technique's solid. Might have to borrow that move next time we meet," Zhao Dong chuckled.
Then he shifted the vibe and added with a grin, "Actually, I'd love to throw down with Malone again. What rules we using if we fight?"
The reporter didn't waste time and ran to Malone with Zhao Dong's quote.
Karl Malone's face went stiff. He barked, "What's that gotta do with him?"
"So, you down for a rematch with Zhao Dong? Street fight rules?" the reporter pressed.
"Hell NO!" Malone snapped.
"Fake tough guy! Dr. Iron Elbow scared of Zhao Dong!"
"Mailman's elbow only hits the weak, but he ducks the smoke when Zhao Dong calls him out!"
"Mailman's tough guy image just crumbled like a cookie!"
The media ran wild with headlines dragging Karl Malone, making him look straight up embarrassed.
April 18th, the Knicks wrapped up their last regular season game, locking in the 2nd seed in the East and 3rd in the league, trailing only the Pacers and Jazz.
Eastern Conference Final Standings:
Pacers: 58-24 (1st in East)
Knicks: 57-25 (2nd in East)
Bulls: 56-26 (3rd in East)
Heat: 55-27 (4th in East)
Bottom four in the East: Hornets, Hawks, Cavaliers, Nets.
Since the Heat won the Southeast Division, they automatically grabbed the 3rd seed and will face the 7th-place Hawks. The Bulls dropped to 4th and got matched up with the 5th-seed Hornets.
Western Conference Standings:
Jazz: 1st (also best in the league)
Lakers, SuperSonics, and Spurs take 2nd to 4th
Suns, Blazers, Timberwolves, Mavericks round out 5th to 8th
Spurs, as Southwest Division champs, automatically took the 3rd seed and go against the 7th-seed Blazers. SuperSonics dropped to 4th and take on the 5th-seed Suns.
West Playoff Matchups:
Jazz vs. Mavericks
Lakers vs. Timberwolves
Spurs vs. Trail Blazers
SuperSonics vs. Suns
East Playoff Matchups:
Pacers vs. Nets
Knicks vs. Cavaliers
Heat vs. Hawks
Bulls vs. Hornets
The playoffs kick off on April 23rd, with five days to prep.
Now let's talk Zhao Dong's regular season stats. Dude's workload went up this year—more minutes, more touches.
He averaged 43.5 minutes, went 14-for-25 a night, shooting 56% overall. From deep? 1.6-for-3.3 at 48%, and at the rim? A ridiculous 75%. From the stripe? 6-for-7.5, shooting 80%.
Zhao Dong put up a filthy 35.6 points, 12.1 boards, 9.1 dimes, 1.85 steals, and 3.2 blocks per game. Straight up walking triple-double numbers.
This kinda stat line? League-wide pressure.
He ain't just a bucket—he's the whole offense. Efficient, dominant, and one of the most complete players the league's ever seen.
His scoring numbers even make MJ's peak look shaky.
Back in the '86-'87 season, MJ came off a rough injury year and dropped a 37.1 PPG average, shooting 48.2%, going 13.4-for-27.8 a game. That got him the scoring crown.
That 37.1 is still the modern high. Even Jordan never topped it again.
But that wasn't about skill—it was the rules that held him back.
That year, MJ would clear out—have everyone stand to the side—and cook one-on-one from the strong side. Defense couldn't double in time, too spaced out.
But that style—1-on-1 while 4 dudes just watched? The league wasn't feelin' it. People were calling it boring, like glorified 1v1.
So in April '88, the NBA dropped the Jordan Rule—the OG anti-isolation law.
Over 100 articles deep, but two rules mattered most:
Can't have more than 3 players chillin' on the weak side or top of the arc.
When players are at the top or high post, only two can be below the free throw line at the same time.
That forced teams to spread it more and stopped the whole "watch Jordan go to work alone" game.
That rule hit the Bulls hard—they struggled for three straight seasons.
And after MJ retired in '94, they scrapped the Jordan Rule.
Even when Zhao Dong got similar treatment last season, it was just a lite version.
Now? Dude drops 35.6 a night with better efficiency than MJ ever had, and the league's already talkin' about bringing the rule back.
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