As a senior and the starting center for Davidson College, Anthony Beasley had always been a dominant presence in the Wildcats' lineup. While Stephen Curry was undeniably the team's star, Beasley was their foundation in the paint—a symbol of strength and reliability. At 201 cm (6'7"), he wasn't the tallest center in college basketball, but he had made a name for himself.
Fans respected him. Younger teammates looked up to him. Occasionally, even bold female fans would slip him notes or ask him out (okay, maybe once or twice).
But ever since that Chinese kid—Lin Yi—grew nearly 35cm (14 inches) in a month, Anthony Beasley's world had crumbled.
And after fifteen days of special training with Assistant Coach Jennings, his nightmare was about to get worse.
"He needs actual game experience," Jennings said to Head Coach McKillop.
McKillop, who had grown increasingly intrigued by Lin Yi, nodded. "Let's have him go one-on-one with Beasley."
Anthony Beasley welcomed the challenge. Sure, the kid had size, but he lacked experience. Lin Yi had never received formal training, and while Curry constantly raved about his shooting and dribbling, this was the paint—not the perimeter. Could Lin Yi fight for positioning? Could he box out? Could he handle contact?
So, with confidence and experience on his side, Beasley stepped onto the court.
.............
Beasley had possession. He backed Lin Yi down, using his strength to get into position. A quick spin, a soft touch…
And then—flesh.
Before he could even release his shot, Lin Yi swatted it away with ease. The ball rocketed to the baseline.
Beasley clenched his teeth. Fine, he's got size. I can adjust.
..................
This time, Beasley was on defense. Lin Yi took the ball at the perimeter.
Beasley knew he'd shoot, so he stepped up aggressively. No way was he letting this kid take an easy jumper.
But then—
Crossover.
Wait, what?
Beasley's brain struggled to process. Lin Yi's first step was unbelievably quick. It was almost as fast as Stephen's. Before Beasley could react, Lin Yi took three giant strides—from beyond the three-point line—and finished with an effortless one-handed dunk.
On the sidelines, both McKillop and Jennings stared in shock.
"This… this isn't normal," Jennings muttered.
"Lin," McKillop called out, "stop using guard skills in a one-on-one!"
Beasley, catching his breath, felt his dignity crumbling.
"Anthony can't stop your high-post moves, so we need to limit you," McKillop added.
Beasley felt like crying.
Limit him? What about me?!
..............
In the next round, Lin Yi played traditionally—backing Beasley down, using footwork instead of speed. Beasley braced himself, expecting a push, but… nothing.
Lin Yi didn't need to push.
A quick turnaround fadeaway. Swish.
Beasley barely had time to react.
By the fourth round, Lin Yi started incorporating deep post moves—drop-steps, up-and-unders, and counter spins.
Each day, he added something new.
Day 1: Simple turnarounds.
Day 2: Advanced footwork.
Day 3: Deep post moves.
Day 4: Elite-level post awareness.
Beasley wanted out, but McKillop refused.
And then came the worst part—Lin Yi kept getting better.
....................
After another month of special training late in addition to the fifteen days of special training, Lin Yi wasn't just taller—he was stronger.
Weight: 97kg → 105kg (214 lbs → 231 lbs)
Bench Press: Best on the team
Agility & Speed: Still elite despite weight gain
McKillop was ecstatic but had one demand: "No guard skills in public."
A seven-footer who could shoot, rebound, and set screens was already elite. But a seven-footer who could dribble like a guard? That was something special.
"Your ball-handling is our secret weapon for March Madness," McKillop told Lin Yi. "I don't want any team knowing about it yet."
And so, Lin Yi dominated practice without ever showing his full potential.
The only casualty?
Anthony Beasley's self-esteem.
..................
"Who's our next opponent?" McKillop asked.
Jennings hesitated. "Oklahoma…"
McKillop's eyes lit up.
Oklahoma.
The strongest team in their division. The team standing in the way of Davidson's Cinderella run.
And more importantly—the team with the best player in the country.
Blake Griffin.
25.1 PPG. 14.7 RPG. The projected #1 pick in the 2009 NBA Draft.
McKillop took a deep breath.
Lin Yi's true test had arrived.