Davidson's winning streak hit a pause—not because they lost, but because the Southern League's first half and second half had a huge talent gap.
To keep his guys in shape, Coach McKillop scheduled a scrimmage with a team from another league. The opponent? Arizona State from the Pac-10. And no, not the Arizona Wildcats, but the Arizona State Sun Devils.
McKillop had a pretty straightforward reason for picking them. First, they were about the same level as Davidson. No point in picking a team way above or below their level, right? Second, they had a star player worth watching.
James Harden.
One of ESPN's top three draft prospects.
This was a smart move. A game like this wasn't just about practice—it was about making headlines. Stephen Curry vs. James Harden? That's a story. And now, with Lin Yi in the mix, it was even bigger.
Curry and Harden were both projected lottery picks in 2009, and if there's one thing American basketball loves, it's a good one-on-one showdown.
Back in March, Curry had shocked the nation by carrying Davidson on his back. Harden was doing the same thing now at Arizona State, dragging his team through the Pac-10 almost single-handedly.
But their paths to college ball couldn't be more different.
Curry ended up at Davidson because no big school wanted him. Harden? He had offers from major programs but chose Arizona State because of one man—his high school coach, Scott Pera.
When Pera asked, "Will you follow me?"
Harden didn't hesitate.
Just like that, Arizona State lucked into a superstar.
The game was set to be played in Phoenix, and Davidson had to fly out. Naturally, Lin Yi and Curry suspected McKillop was just using the game as an excuse to squeeze in a vacation.
Still, the matchup was exciting.
James Harden was already a star in Phoenix.
College ball is different from the NBA. There's no money, no contracts—just raw talent, passion, and a shot at glory. On campus, a college star is a hero, an idol, the face of the school. And yeah… it helps with the ladies.
...............
When Lin Yi first met Harden in person, though, he froze.
Wait. This is James Harden?
He was expecting more menace. Instead, he was looking at… a chubby, baby-faced kid.
No beard. No signature scowl.
Just… soft.
Harden was polite, greeting everyone warmly. But Lin Yi and him become fast friends. Upon seeing Harden getting comfortable around him he couldn't help himself but ask
"James, bro… don't take this the wrong way, but aren't girls more likely to think you're cute than, y'know… manly?"
Harden blinked in shock. "Damn, Lin. Ain't my fault big G gave me such a lovable face"
Lin Yi nearly choked laughing.
"Bro, you gotta grow a beard," Lin Yi said. "Trust me. A long one. It'll change your whole vibe."
Harden nodded, "You think so?"
"I know so."
Harden stroked his smooth chin. "Damn. Never thought of that."
And just like that, a legend was born.
............
The arena was packed. Fans were hyped. Scouts filled the stands, whispering back and forth, comparing notes.
Lin Yi had been climbing up ESPN's draft board, now projected as an early second-rounder. Scouts from the East didn't know much about him yet, but the guys from the South? They were raving about Lin and Curry.
The Eastern scouts just smirked.
"You guys think those two are good? Wait until you see James Harden."
Harden was the hometown hero. One man, one school, one city. Arizona State's golden boy.
James Harden!
The crowd roared as he stepped onto the court.
During warmups, Harden threw down a dunk and spread his arms, soaking in the cheers. His usual friendly face turned ice-cold. A stone-cold baby killer.
Lin Yi, watching from the other side, doubled over laughing.
"Yo, Steph, tell me I'm not crazy," Lin Yi said, wiping tears from his eyes. "Doesn't Harden's 'tough guy' act look on his cute face remind you of someone?"
Curry stared at him, deadpan.
"Lin, I have no idea what you're talking about."