NBA: Basketball Legend.

Chapter 11: Interviews Galore and Locker Room Bubble Brawls!

The moment the final buzzer echoed through the arena, a sea of reporters surged toward Chen Yan like a tidal wave.

There were more reporters surrounding Chen than there were around Durant—

And that said a lot.

Durant's 29-point game? Business as usual. But Chen Yan?

A completely unknown Asian kid just dropped 33 points in back-to-back March Madness games. That wasn't just surprising—

That was headline material.

Even reporters with the dullest senses could smell a big story from miles away.

And in their world, big stories meant big traffic—and traffic meant survival.

Screams, cheers, flashbulbs, flowers, microphones—everything was pointed at Chen Yan now.

Once again, just like last game, he had stolen the entire spotlight.

"Chen, your performance was insane! Some fans even said you're born for the Top 5 Plays highlight reel—any thoughts?"

The mic was shoved toward him.

Chen Yan smiled calmly.

"I'm just playing my game," he replied smoothly. "But yeah, I'm glad the fans enjoy how I play."

"Did you know you tied Carmelo Anthony's freshman scoring record in the NCAA tournament?"

Chen raised his brows.

"For real? I didn't know that. But records aren't what I'm focused on. I'm more concerned with getting the win for the team."

"Will you be starting next game?"

"That's up to the coach," he said, cool as ever. "But no matter what, as long as I'm on the court, I'm going all out."

"Chen, what do you think of Nick Young's performance tonight?"

Ah, there it was—the reporters couldn't resist.

Everyone knew about the little verbal jab between Chen and Nick before the game. They lived for that kind of drama.

But Chen's answer caught them off guard.

"He's got solid iso skills and a real smooth shooting touch," Chen said sincerely. "He just had a rough night, that's all. On defense, he's more active than people give him credit for. When I went at him, it wasn't as easy as it might've looked."

He wasn't trying to praise Nick.

No—Chen was cleverly praising himself. Boosting his own value.

Make your opponent look strong… and then beat him. That way, you look even stronger.

Right now, Chen didn't have a team or an agent. He was handling everything on his own.

So this wasn't just a post-game interview to him

This was a live audition for the NBA.

---

On the other side of the court, the USC players left in silence, heads down.

Compared to New Mexico State's emotional collapse, the USC guys didn't cry.

They looked like they'd accepted their fate. Probably because they were behind since the tipoff, and in the end, they got blown out by 27 points.

Chen Yan glanced over and couldn't help but imagine a sad background track like "Yi Jian Mei" playing in his mind.

Post-game Press Conference 

"Coach Rick, first off, congrats on making it to the Sweet 16!"

"Thank you," Coach Rick Barnes nodded with a smile.

"About Chen Yan," the ESPN reporter began. "Back-to-back games with 20+ and 30+—were you expecting this?"

Coach Barnes laughed.

"He surprises us every day. Practice, games, you name it. I'm lucky to have him."

"Did you build specific plays around him?" asked a Yahoo Sports reporter.

"I thought about it at first," Rick admitted. "But soon realized, nah—any set plays would just limit his natural talent.

This kid's athleticism is elite. Handles, finishing—he's got the whole scoring package.

Honestly, he's like a walking bucket. And this is just the beginning. There's a lot more to unlock."

When Coach Barnes talked about Chen, he couldn't stop. It was obvious—he loved this kid's game.

"But Coach, how do you explain his poor stats earlier in the season? He averaged just 1.3 points and 1.1 assists!"

Rick Barnes didn't dodge the question.

"That's on me," he said. "I didn't use him right. Didn't give him enough minutes. That's my mistake."

He took the blame without hesitation.

That's what a real coach should do—not just draw plays, but protect his players. Especially in March Madness, where media attention and pressure are sky-high.

For a player like Chen, who clearly had NBA potential, every word from his coach could make or break his draft stock.

Still, Rick made sure to mention one thing at the end:

"Remember, I was the one who put him in the lineup before March Madness started. I saw something in him. That's my job—spotting talent."

---

Back in the Locker Room – American Airlines Center

The Texas players were losing their minds with excitement.

Their celebration method?

Bubble battles.

At first, Chen Yan was like, nah, I'm good… until DJ Augustin came charging at him like a WWE wrestler locking in a rear-naked choke.

No way out. Chen was in.

But during the chaos, he noticed something weird—

Durant. KD. Slim Reaper himself, curled up in a corner, hiding behind the whiteboard like he was guarding the Holy Grail.

Chen couldn't take it.

"Yo, DJ! Double-team this man!"

And just like that, the two of them launched an ambush.

Tonight, KD finally felt what it was like to be double-teamed—

Off the court.

And once the board was snatched away, Durant just let go.

He turned wild, started chasing everyone around the locker room like a maniac. His huge feet slapped the floor like scuba flippers—it was hilarious.

Watching the usually cool and calm Durant go full gremlin mode, Chen had a revelation.

This dude ain't shy… he's just low-key freaky!

The locker room was filled with laughter, yelling, and chaos.

But deep down, everyone knew—this wasn't just about one win.

Making it to the Sweet 16 meant something big.

Every game from here on out would be nationally televised.

This was no longer just March Madness.

This was the main stage.

From here, the exposure level would skyrocket.

The stakes were higher.

The lights were brighter.

The journey was just beginning.

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