Chapter 125: Shameless, Utterly Shameless

Since its invention, the rules of basketball have been in a constant state of flux. Of course, this is true for many competitive sports; as human society develops, our physical capabilities evolve alongside it.

Within the industry, there are two prevailing philosophies regarding the development of the game. The "technical school" argues that humans can continuously improve their basketball skills through rigorous training and the development of their basketball IQ. The "physical school," conversely, believes that human physical potential is infinite and can be perpetually enhanced.

Wang Lei had never concerned himself with such lofty, bird’s-eye-view theories. His current achievements were inseparable from his unique abilities and his experiences from two different timelines. Armed with these, Wang Lei was certain he could attain extraordinary success and, in turn, help his girlfriend achieve her own.

Watching this game—which was now halfway through—Wang Lei spotted a glaring flaw in the European Youth Team. Without his experiences from the Earth timeline, he might not have found a viable solution. But in that timeline, faced with such a scenario, many teams would have opted for the "Hack-a-Shaq" strategy.

Back on Earth, the legendary Dallas Mavericks head coach Don Nelson had elevated this long-standing NBA foul tactic to a theoretical art form. Even before the NBA implemented rules restricting off-ball fouls in the final two minutes, the tactic existed. It had led to many comical scenes, such as a group of players chasing Wilt Chamberlain to commit fouls, while the audience roared with laughter as Chamberlain dodged them like a rugby player.

To curb this, the NBA eventually instituted new rules, causing the tactic to fall into obscurity. Yet, no one expected that with the arrival of a player like Shaquille O’Neal, the strategy would be breathed back to life.

"Mad Scientist" Don Nelson, while coaching the Mavericks, chose to foul O’Neal at will throughout the game to limit his impact, with great success. Thus, the "Hack-a-Shaq" strategy was officially born.

The work left unfinished by Nelson reached its climax under San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich. In the first round of the 2008 NBA Western Conference playoffs, the Spurs fouled O’Neal off the ball less than a minute into the game. The awkward spectacle had countless people holding their sides in laughter, and the Spurs eventually advanced.

With so much successful precedent, Wang Lei naturally intended to use it. Even though the opponent’s center, Alexander Luo, didn’t take many shots, this "Hack-a-Shaq" tactic was exceptionally effective at disrupting the rhythm of the opponent’s offense.

As the third quarter between the European Youth Team and the Frontier Youth Team began, neither Ratamantis nor his players had any inkling of what was about to unfold.

At the start of the third quarter, Turgon first helped the team score a three-pointer. Working with Cai Aihong on a pick-and-roll, he hit the shot as the opposing point guard bypassed the screen.

The European Youth Team’s offense soon hit a snag. The Frontier Youth Team’s defense became incredibly aggressive, with players hacking away without hesitation in one-on-one situations. The referees did not turn a blind eye; they called foul after foul on the Frontier Youth Team.

The European Youth Team scored via free throws, but their rhythm was undeniably shattered. Following this, the Frontier Youth Team kept pushing the pace, firing off shots as quickly as possible without regard for shooting percentage—a strategy that left Ratamantis on the sidelines utterly bewildered. On defense, the Frontier Youth Team continued their reckless strategy, completely disregarding their foul count.

Within three minutes, the Frontier Youth Team had already racked up four fouls. From then on, every foul would send the European Youth Team to the free-throw line.

Just as the European Youth Team inbounded the ball from the baseline, Alexander felt a player lunging at him while clutching him and waving at the referee. Aside from the Frontier players, everyone—including the officials and the fans—was stunned. What was happening? Intentionally drawing fouls? That was likely what everyone was thinking.

Ratamantis stood on the sidelines, dazed, unable to comprehend why the opponent would do this. A confused and uneasy Alexander stepped up to the free-throw line. It must be said that while his parents had blessed him with a great physical frame, they had not given him flexible wrists. Alexander had practiced free throws extensively, but with little success. He made one of two, barely completing the task.

As the Frontier Youth Team quickly inbounded the ball for a fast break, the European Youth Team was still caught off guard, allowing the Frontier team to score. The gap between the teams narrowed to four points.

The game continued. As soon as the European Youth Team inbounded the ball again, the Frontier Youth Team once again targeted Alexander for a foul, though this time with a different player.

A low hum of confusion rose from the stands; the fans had no idea what was happening. Was this even a valid way to play? Even the referees took a long moment to confirm the call before sending Alexander back to the line.

If even the referees were puzzled, the players were even more so. Aside from the Frontier Youth Team, the European players had no clue what their opponents were aiming for. Ratamantis considered calling a timeout, but he hesitated and ultimately held off.

The game proceeded. The Frontier Youth Team maintained their strategy, though they became much more cautious on offense, prioritizing success rates over speed. On defense, they continued to relentlessly foul Alexander.

In less than three minutes, the Frontier Youth Team had erased the deficit and taken a five-point lead. By this point, Alexander had been sent to the line for the eighth consecutive time, having only converted three of his attempts.

Ratamantis finally understood what his opponent was doing. His team could no longer organize an effective offense; the entire rhythm was controlled by the opposition. This tactic was truly shameless, and this young man was truly shameless. Ratamantis wanted nothing more than to march over to Wang Lei and demand to know how such a disgraceful strategy could be allowed on the basketball court.