Y13 [EN]: Chapter 14

Y13-14 (14/296)

00014 NCAA Opener

“How is it, coach?”

Christmas Eve. To avoid any carelessness, Youngjae visited the hospital. He was overly cautious about his ankle and entire body, determined not to repeat the horrifying memory of his ankle injury that had plagued him like a curse. Of course, as a college student, he couldn’t manage himself like a professional, but he was thorough in managing himself as much as possible.

“Ah… Yoon? Sorry to keep you waiting.”

The doctor brought the X-ray and had Youngjae lie on the bed. He pressed various spots on Youngjae’s ankle, explaining as he went.

“Overall, it seems like fatigue has accumulated and caused some strain, but it’s not severe. Basketball often involves movements with excessive rotation, and players with poor landing posture or other bad habits are prone to injuries. However, based on the data you’ve shown me, there aren’t many problematic signs. I can assure you that you move more smoothly and flexibly than most athletes I see.”

Youngjae breathed a sigh of relief. *Moves smoothly and flexibly*. He was so pleased by those words that he felt a slight chill all over his body.

“There’s a lot of talk about injuries, especially in a rough, fast-paced, and high-activity sport like basketball, which makes athletes vulnerable to ankle and knee injuries. There are several possible causes, but the most accepted theory involves the forefoot and heel.”

The doctor brought out foot and knee models and began to explain to Youngjae step by step.

“Ankle and knee injuries mostly occur from improper landings or severe collisions with other players. Landing heel first puts a lot of stress on the leg. The heel is connected to the Achilles tendon, goes up to the ankle bone, through the calf, to the knee, and even the hip. So, any impact on these areas is like the entire lower body absorbing the shock. However, the data you sent shows that Yoon has never experienced a significant impact or landed improperly on his heel, causing shock to his entire lower body. But, the occasional wobbling of the ankle happens because you unconsciously try to soften the impact, which prevents tension from being applied to the ankle.”

Indeed, with the doctor’s professional explanation, Youngjae could clearly understand his problem. Although his overall landing mechanism was smooth, his ankle sometimes wobbled precariously or was on the verge of twisting. This was especially dangerous when using steps and speed for drive-ins and cuts.

“Applying tension might seem like it doesn’t cushion the impact, but proper tension can firmly support the ankle against shocks or external factors. It might be difficult to get used to immediately, but if you consciously play with it, you can manage your ankles and knees well.”

The doctor recommended that Youngjae use compression bandages to provide additional tension to his ankle. Youngjae had been considering this method, but he hesitated because he was worried it might distract him during the game if he focused on it too much.

“It’s just a supplementary measure, so you can remove it later once applying tension becomes a habit.”

After looking at a few products recommended by the doctor, Youngjae left the hospital without buying anything, having only noted ‘what types are available.’ He was short on money and wanted to research the products more and buy them cheaply.

——

The last day of 2009. Despite it being December 31st, the Aztecs are hosting a game against Pomona-Pitzer College. In the previous game on the 29th, Youngjae played for about 20 minutes and skillfully orchestrated the game, leading the team to a 65-53 victory.

However, Youngjae still hadn’t bought an ankle brace to protect and support his ankle. There were various prices and types. Youngjae considered buying a compression bandage or balance taping, but balance taping was disposable and required continuous purchases, and compression bandages could come loose if not tied properly and also needed to be replaced.

One hour before the game, Youngjae didn’t have anything on his ankles. He simply adjusted the ankle bands of his Huarache 2K5s [a popular basketball shoe], hoping that his ankles and knees wouldn’t get injured today. Giving his best in the time allotted to him each game was a given, but there were occasionally moments that made him dizzy, and each time, the memories of his past life flashed through his mind, causing him pain. His physical abilities had greatly improved compared to his past life, but he still couldn’t easily forget the memory of that injury. Trauma is something you have to forget, but it’s not easily forgotten.

“Hey-”

At that moment, Kawhi Leonard quietly entered the dorm room. Youngjae, embarrassed that he was sitting on the bed with his hands clasped together as if praying, awkwardly smiled and got up from the bed.

“Sorry, I didn’t mean to interrupt.”

Leonard knew that Youngjae always had his own time before the game, whatever it was, so he deliberately left the dorm early. Youngjae didn’t express it, but he was very grateful to Leonard.

“No, I was about to leave. What’s up?”

Leonard smiled slightly at Youngjae, as if to cheer him up. Then, he held out a small box in his right hand to Youngjae.

“Envious? Already getting gifts from fans.”

“Fans?”

Youngjae looked puzzled at the word ‘fan gift’ and carefully opened the box he received from Leonard. Inside the wrapping paper with a pink ribbon was a pair of ankle braces with a black background and a rather stylish red border.

“Leonard, what is this…”

But Leonard had already left, and Youngjae plopped down on the bed and opened the small letter inside the package.

[Yoon! It’s David. I’m going to watch Yoon’s Aztecs game today too! I actually wanted to give it to you in person… Anyway, thank you! My sister was surprised and happy when I gave her the T-shirt, but my cousin isn’t interested in the NCAA [National Collegiate Athletic Association]. So Yoon! Please go to the NBA [National Basketball Association] and surprise my busy cousin! Oh, and my cousin picked this out for you. She said to use it well.]

Youngjae couldn’t help but chuckle, imagining David struggling to write the curly letters with his small hands. Anyway, it had been a while since he had a fan who liked him with such pure feelings. The NBA is a brutal place, often called the end of business, but the passionate support and pure affection of fans are untouched by the taint of business. Youngjae reminded himself of this emotion, which he had almost forgotten, and took off his shoes to put on the brace.

The feeling of the brace supporting his ankle up to his shin wasn’t bad. When he arrived at the gym, the players looked at Youngjae with a puzzled expression, but instead of explaining, he simply replied, ‘It’s a gift.’ Coach Steve Fisher wanted to check if Youngjae had strained his ankle, but Youngjae explained that it was a gift from a fan and that the doctor had said the ankle brace would help with ankle tension.

[San Diego State University, the Aztecs’ starting players are coming out! Center, 6-foot-9, average playing time 33.8 minutes – 9.3 points – 7.6 rebounds – 1.6 assists – 1.4 turnovers – 0.7 steals – 1.6 blocks, Malcolm Thomas!!]

The Aztecs players who weren’t starting lined up on either side between the bench and the court so that the players on the bench could come out and give high-fives. The crowd cheered wildly for Malcolm Thomas.

[Please give a big cheer to Malcolm Thomas, who is having a hard time with a recent heartbreak!]

The introductions were done by a student commentator, not a professional commentator – of course, the broadcast was done by professional commentators, and the commentary team was located separately – so the event was conducted with various jokes. Fans comforted Thomas’s heartbreak, shouting ‘Cheer up!’ or ‘Oppa! Me!!!’ [Oppa is a Korean term used by females to address older males they are close to, like an older brother or boyfriend].

“Tsk…”

Malcolm glared sharply at the commentator, but he high-fived the players and stood on the court, raising his hand to the fans.

[Forward, 6-foot-6, average playing time 32.7 minutes – 11.6 points – 9.6 rebounds – 1.7 assists – 2.3 turnovers – 1.1 steals – 0.5 blocks! Double-double machine! Kawhi Leonard!!]

Leonard quietly got up from the bench, high-fived the players, and walked onto the court. Leonard was popular with female fans who liked quiet people, or middle-aged male fans. The female fans who had been shouting ‘Oppa~’ to Malcolm Thomas were now cheering for Leonard, waving placards that read [I LOVE K.L].

“Damn, should I be quiet too?”

“Huh?”

“Yeah. There’s no point in being jealous of someone I don’t even know.”

Thomas pouted and patted Leonard on the back.

[Next player, forward, 6-foot-7, average playing time 29.8 minutes – 11.3 points – 5.5 rebounds – 1.1 assists – 2.7 turnovers – 1.1 steals – 0.5 assists! A perfect forward if he reduces turnovers! Billy White!!]

Billy White gave an awkward smile, high-fived, and quickly walked onto the court. Billy White’s scoring ability was decent, but he wasn’t particularly talented in rebounding or defensive help, so it could be said that he needed a lot of effort to grow this much.

As fans do, they encouraged White, hoping that he would reduce his turnovers, saying, ‘Let’s only have one turnover today~’ or ‘White! Make your turnover record 0 and keep it clean! Like your name!’

[Guard, 6-foot-0! Average playing time 29.1 minutes – 11.4 points – 1.6 rebounds – 3.5 assists – 1.4 turnovers – 1.2 steals – 0.1 blocks! Did his turnovers go to Billy White? D.J. Gay!]

Gay, who had greatly reduced his turnovers this season and regained the love of fans with stable ball handling and distribution, high-fived the players and clapped in response to the cheers of the crowd, slightly bouncing his hips as if dancing to induce cheers from the fans. Thomas shook his body, saying, ‘What is that!’ and the crowd laughed and applauded Thomas’s dance-like movements.

[Finally, the last player. Ah… I can only say he’s a really great player. Guard, 6-foot-4! Average playing time 29.5 minutes – 24.8 points – 4.9 rebounds – 7.7 assists – 1.4 turnovers – 2.4 steals – 0.5 blocks!! How far does his versatility go! Point guard, shooting guard, even small forward!! A perfect man who can go anywhere from 1, 2, and 3! He’s good at basketball and studies well, damn it! Wannabe perfect! Youngjae, Yoon!]

At the last ‘damn it,’ Youngjae chuckled and walked onto the court, high-fiving the players. The fans’ cheers reached their peak, and the students cheered, ‘We’re looking forward to it today!’ and the female fans screamed.

Different from the NBA, but the pure passion of the NCAA. Unlike what he felt in the NBA, Youngjae’s heart began to pound with the raw but uncontrollable passion.

============================ Author’s Notes ============================

★Thank you to those who gave advance reservations, recommendations, comments, and coupons!!

Milk Boy/// Yes. He is at a disadvantage due to his physical condition. Jeremy Lin is a miracle…

Kingdom Brothers/// Haha… The team to go to is roughly set. Please look forward to it. Draft-related stories will be coming soon.

Leadven/// Thank you.

Banpo Ajji/// When you see players like LeBron or Kobe, it’s really tiring just to watch them.

White Heart/// Please wait until the draft story.

Hikar/// He is a contemporary of Jeremy Lin. Lin participated in the 10th draft but was not drafted and signed with the Golden State Warriors as an undrafted player. Lin will appear soon. However, the protagonist will succeed before Lin’s craze, so Lin’s craze will not be a big issue.

Thank you for the advance reservations, recommendations, comments, and evaluations!!