NBA: GIANT KILLING

Chapter 27: Chapter 27: "Oliver...How far can he go?"



The moment the news broke that Aina University had defeated Georgia Tech, the basketball world turned its attention to an unexpected protagonist—Oliver, a 5'9" short guard defying the very conventions of the sport.

FOX Sports wasted no time crafting a special segment, placing clips from Oliver's electrifying performance front and center. The moment the report aired, it sent shockwaves through the industry.

That very day, Aina's head coach, Boeheim, found his phone ringing nonstop with calls. Scouts, analysts, and journalists all clamored for information about Oliver, eager to secure an interview.

But Boeheim, understanding the fragile balance between media attention and player focus, declined all inquiries under the guise of tactical secrecy. Deep down, he felt an overwhelming sense of relief—his sharp instincts had ensured he didn't overlook a once-in-a-generation talent.

Aina University maintained a strict no-media policy around Oliver, inadvertently shrouding him in an air of mystique. This only fueled the intrigue, and soon, headlines across the nation blazed with speculation:

ESPN: The Enigmatic Star from Aina University—How Far Can He Go?

FOX Sports: Oliver, the Architect of March Madness's Greatest Cinderella Story!

The Post Game: An Unassuming Underdog—The Most Dangerous Man in March Madness?

Oliver, a 5'9" player in a sport dominated by giants, was now being cast as a mythical figure, an anomaly in a world that had long favored height and power.

And yet, Oliver shattered every preconception. With sheer talent and unrelenting will, he led his team to victory, toppling the tournament's fourth-seed, Georgia Tech.

Georgia Tech wasn't just strong—it boasted an exceptional freshman, Chris Bosh, a prodigy heralded as a future NBA superstar. In fact, a number of analysts even had Georgia Tech penciled in as the eventual champions of March Madness.

But fate had other plans.

Aina University stood in their way, and in a stunning upset, Georgia Tech fell—without even reaching the Round of 32.

The initial disbelief turned into curiosity. Fans who hadn't witnessed the game live sought out replays, eager to understand how such an improbable outcome had unfolded.

The answer became clear to anyone who watched the tape.

Aina University wasn't a powerhouse. In fact, they were considered weak.

Yet, they won.

And they won because of him.

"Oliver carried Aina University on his back and single-handedly took down Georgia Tech!"

The name Oliver was now on everyone's lips.

During an ESPN interview, a journalist posed a question to Yao Ming:

"What do you think of your fellow countryman, Oliver?"

Yao's response was direct and unequivocal: "He's exceptional. He's the best guard I've ever seen. I would love to share the court with him, and I've already urged our front office to pursue him at any cost. If it means sacrificing our first-round pick this year, so be it."

"Are you certain he'll play in the NBA?"

Yao chuckled, his tone filled with certainty. "We come from the same place. I understand the fire in his heart. He's coming—I have no doubt about it. And I'll be waiting for him."

Yao's public endorsement set off a whirlwind of reactions. Some praised his foresight, while others criticized his enthusiasm as overblown.

"Oliver is good, no doubt, but calling him the best guard is ridiculous. He's still playing in the NCAA—there's a massive gap between college ball and the NBA. With his frame, he'll get crushed in the league's physical play. Trust me, he won't even crack a starting lineup in the NBA."

Yet, amidst the divided opinions, one organization took Yao's words to heart—the Houston Rockets.

Behind closed doors, the franchise had already begun maneuvering to bring Oliver into their fold. In a preemptive move, they negotiated a deal with the Detroit Pistons, securing an additional first-round pick—though at an undisclosed price.

Oliver was aware of the growing discourse around him. It exhilarated him. The thought of playing in the NBA had long been his dream. But he also knew that dreams weren't handed out freely.

To prove his worth, he had only one option—win.

In March Madness, only the victors are remembered. And only the champions are granted passage to the NBA.

With every passing game, Oliver reinforced his claim to greatness.

From the Round of 32 to the Sweet 16, from the Elite Eight to the Final Four—his performances were nothing short of breathtaking.

Averaging an astonishing 30 points, 11 rebounds, and 15 assists per game, Oliver dismantled every opponent that dared to stand in his way.

The murmurs of doubt had faded. No team in the NCAA dared underestimate Aina University anymore.

"This is a Cinderella team, no doubt. But the magic? It all stems from that incredible 5'9" guard who keeps rewriting the script!"

And now, standing between Oliver and the chance to play in the finals and win the national championship was Marquette University.

The semifinal matchup was set.

When the schedule was announced, local media swarmed Marquette's star player—Dwyane Wade.

Wade, already showcasing a level of dominance that would one day earn him the moniker Flash, had been a force throughout the tournament. Alongside Bosh, who was supposed to make it this far in the tournament, he was considered one of the most valuable players of the season.

In an interview, Wade acknowledged his opponent with measured respect.

"Oliver's good. His game is complete, and his speed makes him a nightmare to guard. He's got a relentless spirit."

But then, with a small smile, he added: "Still, I'll use my speed to beat him. We will finally see who the best guard in the NCAA is."

His words carried an unmistakable edge.

And the internet exploded.

Debates raged across forums. Who was faster—Wade, the lightning bolt of the court, or Oliver, the phantom who appeared where defenses least expected?

"Wade is a storm—blindingly fast, overpowering. Oliver? He's a shadow. He slips into spaces unseen, attacking from impossible angles."

"Come on, let's be real. Oliver has looked great, but he's only faced decent teams. Wade has been torching the best of the best."

"Are you calling Georgia Tech decent?"

"Listen, Georgia Tech used to be strong, but they flamed out way too early this season. Hard to say how good they really were."

The consensus was clear—most sided with Wade.

Nobody was underestimating Aina anymore, but it was plain to see the difference of each team's journey in the NCAA.

Marquette had faced elite competition throughout the tournament, while Aina's path, aside from Georgia Tech, had been relatively smooth. To many, Aina's Cinderella run had a little bit of luck involved.

On paper, Wade had the edge.

But those who had watched Oliver play knew better.

Oliver was not just a player. He was a phenomenon.

And on the court, he would answer every doubt.

The semifinals loomed, drawing the gaze of scouts, analysts, and even NBA coaches.

If Oliver's true brilliance had been masked by the early rounds, now was the time for his grandest revelation.

One game. One duel. One night to silence the doubters.

Another match of giant killing.


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