NBA: GIANT KILLING

Basketball.

It has always been a game of heights. Even the 'small' players typically stand at 6 foot tall. 

Of course, there are some who slip through the standards, but even then, they were the exception.

They were always at a deficit.

Basketball has always been, and always will be, a giant's game.

Or at least… it was supposed to be.

2002, United States.

Inside the basketball gym of Aina University.

A group of people surrounded a short, Asian young man, out of sheer curiosity.

"I want to try out." 

As soon as those words were spoken, a commission erupted from the surrounding crowd.

First, he came out of nowhere. 

Second, the NCAA tournament is just around the corner.

Third, his height brought a lot of attention for all the wrong reasons.

And finally, he was obviously of Asian descent.

It's not that it's impossible for people shorter than 6 ft tall cannot play basketball. Players shorter than him have played even in the NBA. Muggsy was just 5'3, and he lasted long in the best basketball league.

It wasn't even purely about his ethnicity. 

There have been Asian players in the league. The most recent no. 1 pick was a testament to this. Yao Ming. 

The commotion was about how he was short AND Asian. Stereotypes were still rampant in this day and age. Asians weren't known for their athleticism.

Yao Ming was 7ft. Tall. The kid in front of them was more than a foot shorter than him.

Oliver, an Asian international student in the U.S., had a dream like many others—to play basketball.

Truthfully, Oliver wasn't bad at basketball.

From a young age, he had undergone rigorous training and gained plenty of experience.

However, there was one undeniable fact—his height was a disadvantage.

At 175 cm (5'9"), he wasn't particularly short or tall in everyday life.

On a regular street ball court, he could hold his own just fine.

But—

When it came to the NCAA or even the NBA, surviving was another story.

In the original course of history, Oliver Han wouldn't have even attempted to try out for the school team.

But before yesterday, he was still living in 2022. And yesterday, he was reborn.

Realizing he had been sent back to 2002, the first thing Oliver wanted to do was make up for his regrets.

He originally let go of his 'absurd dream' in the past. He had let the noise and assumptions of other people affect his decisions. Furthermore, he betrayed his love for the game.

It was a decision he has always regretted. He has wished so many times for a way back.

Now, no matter how hard or impossible it seemed, he wasn't afraid. Even if it meant just securing a spot as a bench player, he wanted to try. He would drag his body there if he has to.

Only then would he feel he had honored his basketball dream.

At the very least, he had to put in the effort.

And that was why—

Ollie officially applied to join the university basketball team.

He believed he had a chance.

After all, while Aina University was a Division I school, it wasn't a powerhouse like Duke or North Carolina.

Plus, his skill level wasn't bad.

He was a solid playmaker.

Even if his height was a disadvantage, as a point guard, he had the skills to contribute.

However—

As soon as he spoke his intentions, the apprehension of the group became increasingly apparent. 

They all looked at the young man with doubt in their eyes, and some of them even had some ridicule beneath it.

"I don't know where you're from, but with that build, you think you can play basketball?"

Said Klint, the basketball team's starting point guard. 

"I'm sorry, man. We're not really open for tryouts this time of the year."

A more amicable senior tried to respectfully turn him down.

Some people in the crowd showed a lot of sympathy for the guy, but there were those who showed immense animosity. 

Particularly those of Klint's group. 

"Go home and drink some milk. I've seen guys like you before. You think passion alone is enough?"

"Bench player? You won't even get that. You'll be lucky to clean the floors."

"Basketball is not easy."

Hearing these words, Ollie was frustrated.

He wasn't asking for much.

And he certainly wasn't dead weight.

In fact, because his past life, he was confident that his basketball IQ and awareness were even better than the starting players.

But just because these guys had better physical attributes, some of them mocked him-

Without even giving him a chance to prove himself.

Oliver didn't argue. He simply repeated—

"I just want to try."

He has been asking for a way back, now that he has it, he won't let it go.

"Try?"

When they heard this, it became obvious that this person wouldn't just accept some half-assed declination. Their coach wasn't around yet too.

Their expressions were a mix of surprise and amusement.

"How about thi-" 

Before one of the players attempted another explanation, one of the not-so-friendly players beat him to the punch.

"Fine, let him try. Let's see what he's got!"

They laughed, shoving a player forward to face Oliver.

That player was none other than the team's starting point guard—Klint.

Even though Klint was also a point guard—

He was 193 cm (6'4") tall.

Klint smirked at Oliver.

"Hah, since you want to join the team, I'll kindly give you a chance. I'm willing to give you some of my time."

Klint said with faux sincerity.

 In his mind, he was thinking,

'Even as a bench warmer, you'll never make it.'

Hearing Klint's obvious sarcastic remark, Oliver can't help but clench his fists.

Before, he just wanted to try.

Now—he wanted to win.

Even if it meant giving everything he had.

Klint casually threw the ball at Oliver's head. But Olie, fully focused, reacted quickly and caught it.

Klint froze for a split second.

Then he smirked.

"Wow, you're quite lucky."

The crowd sensed the bubbling tension.

Klint shrugged, getting into a defensive stance.

He smirked and said—

"Alright then. Show me what you got!" 

Oliver analyzed Klint's stance.

His defense was lax—he wasn't even pressing up.

So, Oliver made his decision instantly—

Shoot!

From beyond the three-point line, he raised the ball—

And released.

"Swish!"

The crisp sound of the net echoed through the gym.

Three-pointer—nothing but net!

As a shorter player, shooting was a fundamental skill he had perfected.

The crowd froze for a moment.

After a fracture of a second, some of them began to show some appreciation for his textbook form.

Klint, however, remained unfazed.

"Hah, lucky shot."

"I bet shooting is the only thing you've got."

He wasn't even trying to hide his contempt anymore.

His friends immediately hyped him up.

"Show him what's up, Clint!"

"Yeah! Dunk on him!"

"Let's see if he can handle a real player!"

Klint took the ball, his confidence fully restored.

"Kid, I'm about to show you what real talent looks like."

He dribbled with flair.

Threw in a flashy between-the-legs move.

Then an aggressive behind-the-back crossover.

Oliver stayed locked in, not biting on any fakes.

Klint grew irritated.

He suddenly dropped his shoulder and charged—

Bam!

He rammed into Oliver and powered up for a dunk.

But just as he lifted off—

Oliver swiped down!

"Smack!"

A clean steal!

Klint—left hanging in midair!

Oliver sprinted down the court for a fast break.

He was about to finish with an easy layup—

But then—

Aina University's star player, Gorin, soared into the air!

"BANG!"

A monstrous block!

Before Oliver could react, Gorin sneered—

"Playtime's over, shortie. I'll be your real opponent now."

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Hello, everyone!

I've long been a fan of sports ffs and a few weeks ago, I had this craving for a basketball fan fiction, so I checked some Chinese fics to translate and edit for myself. As I ran through some of it, I actually started to enjoy the process, and I realized that some people might have had the same desire to read basketball fics. Now, I don't like how some of these fics had over the top drama, mishandled stereotypes, and just overall unrealistic reactions from people. Sooooo, if you're familiar with the og story, you might notice how I changed quite a few details. If you're not comfortable about it, I'm sorry. If you like it, then welcome! See you tomorrow!