The Blazers wanted their own Jordan.
But the problem was:
Who in the NBA didn't want their own Jordan?
The league had seen countless "Next Jordans" over the years.
In the end, none reached Jordan's level.
Even LeBron had to grind until forty, barely claiming the all-time scoring record—finally having one thing over Jordan—before daring to call himself "GOAT."
That showed just how dominant Jordan's reign had been.
While Paul Allen and McMillan were chatting, Yuuto once again led UCLA to victory.
He felt unstoppable right now.
Yet ESPN still refused to move him into their top three mock draft.
It was textbook racial bias.
They seemed determined not to elevate him unless he proved himself in the NCAA tournament.
But it didn't matter. Yuuto would show them what he was capable of.
Besides, ESPN's mock draft was just a projection—entertainment for fans. NBA scouts weren't idiots.
Put simply, ESPN's mock draft was a TV show for casual viewers.
...
UCLA kept winning. Under Yuuto's leadership, the Bruins steamrolled through the conference. The entire Pac-12 trembled.
Soon enough.
The Bruins naturally advanced to the conference tournament finals.
They would face the Oregon Ducks in the championship game.
Most people favored UCLA.
Not just roster talent—there was also the program's legacy.
Talking about "legacy" in basketball might seem odd, but fans instinctively leaned toward teams with championship pedigree.
Yet in the original timeline, Oregon had been this year's Pac-12 champion.
And history had proven to Steve, Yuuto, and everyone else countless times:
The NCAA was a hotbed of upsets.
No victory was ever guaranteed.
For this reason, Steve brought in "reinforcements."
Trail Blazers head coach Nate McMillan.
He knew his boss wanted Yuuto. As head coach, McMillan's presence could effectively motivate the players.
Because if they performed well, they might earn a shot at the NBA. That was the fastest path up.
McMillan also wanted to connect with Yuuto, so he gladly accepted the invitation.
Paul Allen's message was simple: acquire Yuuto at any cost.
If they bet wrong, they'd suffer through another painful rebuild.
But if they bet right—if Yuuto wasn't a bust, if he could deliver on his talent in the NBA—
Give him a few years to develop, build a roster around his skill set...
The Blazers could contend for a championship within three to five years.
Portland's market couldn't attract top free agents like LA or New York. But Paul Allen had money!
He'd throw cash until he assembled a championship-caliber roster.
"Long time no see, Steve. You look great."
"Having you here gives me confidence, Coach."
Steve was humble.
He knew exactly how UCLA had gotten this far.
It wasn't him. It was Yuuto.
Though as the man who recruited Yuuto, he deserved some credit.
"You'll win today."
"I believe we will too."
The mentor-student exchange was brief. Steve needed to prep for the game.
They agreed to grab drinks afterward and returned to their positions.
Still, McMillan's appearance caused a stir within the Bruins' camp.
Of course.
McMillan showing up right now was extremely sensitive.
The NBA explicitly prohibited front office personnel from contacting college players before they declared for the draft.
Yet McMillan was sitting right next to the Bruins' bench.
On his way past, he even initiated a conversation with Yuuto.
"Yu, you're doing something great. I hope you succeed—because then you'll have the chance to change how fans worldwide view Chinese players. They're not just big men in the post. They can also be supremely talented guards."
"Thank you, Mr. Nate."
McMillan wanted to chat more, but this wasn't the time.
Still, he left one crucial piece of information.
"Our owner, Paul Allen, is very fond of you. He hasn't missed a single Bruins game—in fact, he enjoys watching you guys more than the Blazers."
Yuuto nodded.
He understood exactly what McMillan meant.
The goodwill they were signaling stopped just short of outright saying, "We want to draft you."
ESPN's commentators noticed McMillan.
They discussed the potential league sanctions he might face.
But given the Blazers' wealthy owner backing them, any fine would be trivial.
Both teams' starting fives took the court.
Oregon looked intensely focused.
Their roster didn't have a single player with clear NBA prospects—certainly no one like Yuuto who was guaranteed top three.
But they had fighting spirit and burning desire.
The opening tip. Oregon won possession.
E.J. Singler pushed the ball quickly. The moment he crossed halfcourt, he whipped a pass to Charles Rice, who attacked the rim and drew a foul on Norman. He converted both free throws.
"Norman!" Steve immediately roared from the sideline, furious at the defensive lapse. "Focus! Get to the right position!"
Norman Powell didn't score much—his role was all dirty work.
If he couldn't handle defense, there was no point keeping him on the floor.
The team's start was shaky. You could tell the players were distracted—their minds elsewhere.
They were probably all thinking about how to impress the Blazers' brass.
Even Norman wanted to score more tonight.
Mosely brought the ball up and attempted a three. It clanged off.
Steve watched, second-guessing whether inviting McMillan had been the right call.
The players were eager to show out, but they'd lost some of their usual cohesion.
Oregon scored again in transition.
4-0!
Mosely and the others wanted to keep trying, but Yuuto had already positioned himself to receive the pass.
Mosely sighed internally and swung the ball over.
The moment Yuuto caught it, the crowd's volume jumped several decibels.
"Yu is undoubtedly one of California's most beloved college players!"
Meanwhile, Oregon deployed a 6'7" forward to guard him.
From a static standpoint, the defender basically engulfed Yuuto and possessed guard-like quickness.
But if physical tools were everything, you wouldn't see Mo Bamba bouncing around the league.
Yuuto gave a shoulder fake, making his defender think he was driving. But the instant he started his move, he crossed over to the left.
What was dynamic athleticism?
Yuuto's ability to blow past defenders with a single step—that absolute speed—was dynamic athleticism.
Wearing UCLA's classic blue jersey, he became a streak of light piercing into Oregon's paint.
The Ducks' defense collapsed immediately—they'd been waiting for this.
But Yuuto spun into a turnaround fadeaway, elegantly releasing the ball.
Oregon's 6'9" center could do nothing about it.
This move was universally acknowledged across the Pac-12 as unguardable.
As his opponent, all you could do was pray he missed.
Swish!
It went in. Yuuto put UCLA on the board.
Oregon's coach shook his head on the sideline.
This same scene had played out countless times throughout the Pac-12 this season.
Most players matched up against Yuuto got toyed with like children.
...
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