Basketball System: Rebound of the Underdog

Chapter 535 535: The Global Games Pro Team

As soon as Ashley and Johnny were gone, the older players took that as a sign to observe the members of the Elite Five.

They started speaking among themselves.

"It looks like they haven't hit puberty yet," one of them muttered. Kai instantly recognized who it was.

Muyang 'Bullseye' Zhang. Number 7.

Position: Shooting Guard

Age: 28

Muyang was the team's key scorer and was known for sinking three-pointers under pressure. He grew up in a family of athletes and made waves by scoring 64 points in a single game, a league record for a player his age. With a sharp tongue and an even sharper aim, Muyang kept the team on edge with his confidence and insults.

Achievements:

- League MVP (2018)

- Three-Point Contest Champion (2017, 2019, 2021)

- Holds the record for most three-pointers in a single season

Another player chuckled at Muyang's remark. "Come on now. I bet these kids have pubic hair already. They're not too young. Hey, Jian Niu is here. Isn't your team trying to recruit him?"

The next player was also someone Kai knew about.

Jaw-Long 'Maestro' Lee. Number 3.

Position: Point Guard

Age: 30

Jaw-Long was the team's playmaker and strategist, known for controlling the pace of the game and outsmarting opponents. He spent years playing for a top European team before returning home to lead his national team to multiple championships. His calm demeanor and quick decision-making made him invaluable during tight games.

Achievements:

- Assist Leader for five seasons (2015–2020)

- Finals MVP (2019)

- Led team to three national championships

"Come on now. You're intimidating the children," a player chimed.

The boys looked at him with wide eyes. They had never played with someone as big as this guy!

Jaw-Long shook his head in amusement. "You're acting as if you weren't bashing these kids a while ago. Don't put on a 'savior' act right now."

He chuckled. "You got me there. Well, I know that this guy," he said, pointing to Jimmy. "Is Johnny Wang's son. It wouldn't be too bad to butter up to him, right? Maybe then, I'd get better funds for my team."

A small frown made its way to Kai's face while Jimmy cast his eyes to the ground.

Dong 'Diesel' Chen. Number 15.

Position: Center

Age: 26

Dong was a powerhouse on the court, dominating both offensively and defensively. At 6'11" and 250 pounds, he has a physical presence that was hard to stop. Despite his size, Dominic was agile and known for his explosive dunks. Coming from a small-town background, he has earned his spot through plain determination.

Achievements:

- Dunk Contest Champion (2020)

- Defensive Player of the Year (2021)

- National League Champion (2020, 2021)

Another player scoffed, capturing their attention. Somehow, this person seemed more familiar than the others. He had a confident look on his face, along with a sneer that couldn't be painted.

"He looks familiar," Max muttered.

Zheng pursed his lips before responding quietly. "Calvin's brother."

With those two words, Kai finally realized why he was so familiar. Aside from looking like Calvin, the two of them seemed like complete opposites.

Caleb Wu. Number 8.

Position: Shooting Guard/Small Forward

Age: 22

Caleb was the youngest player on the team and a rookie straight out of college. He's been a pro prospect for years and was a top recruit, thanks to his versatility and hard work. Although he was untested in the pros, Caleb's talent and confidence made him stand out, even among veterans.

Achievements:

- College Player of the Year (2023)

- Led college team to a national championship (2022)

- Youngest player drafted to the National team in a decade

There were two other players with them. However, Kai wasn't too aware of their achievements. Still, since they made it to the national team, Kai reckoned they were beasts as well.

"Aren't these the players your brother played with?" Dong asked with an amused smile.

Caleb's expression turned sour. "I don't have a brother," he muttered, making the younger players frown.

"Oof, that's got to hurt," Jaw-Long said. "Why? Are you ashamed that he's not here right now?"

Caleb clicked his tongue, appearing like his patience was running thin. "I told you—I don't have a brother."

Kai tilted his head to the side in confusion. How bad was their relationship that Caleb would deliberately deny his relationship with Calvin?

"Settle down," a deep, gruff voice that sent shivers down the spines of everyone in the room said.

Muyang placed his hand over his heart. "Goodness. I still get shocked by your voice even though we train with each other every year."

The last player—the most intimidating one—walked closer to them, observing each of their faces. His face didn't show any amusement. Out of all of them, it seemed like he was the one who hated the idea of the Elite Five joining their team the most.

Kai held his breath as he walked past him. He knew about him, of course. How could he not? In fact, everyone in the room knew who he was—the living legend.

Marcus "The Wall" Han. Number 10.

Position: Power Forward

Age: 35

Marcus was the oldest and most experienced player on the team. He played in the 2012 Global Games, the only one from his batch to continue his career in professional basketball. He was also drafted into the NBAA in his early 20s but came back to China after sustaining an injury. He was better now and had been representing the country ever since. However, the 2012 Global Games was the last time the country had entered into the national scene.

Known for his defensive skills, Marcus earned the nickname 'The Wall' because of his ability to shut down opponents. He was the leader both on and off the court, respected for his grit and straight-talking attitude.

Achievements:

- All-Defensive Team for six consecutive years (2014–2020)

- Most Rebounds in League History (Active Players)

- Team captain for five seasons

He continued walking back and forth before settling in the middle, crossing his arms in front of his chest.

"I hope you know what you've gotten yourselves into."