Before the Southern Conference playoffs kicked off, Lin Yi got a text from Javier Stanford.
"Yo Lin, any chance you're down for an exclusive interview? It's for the March Madness."
Lin didn't even think twice—he was in.
He also figured it was time to treat Javier to a meal. After all, the guy had been hyping him up non-stop.
"Gotta feed my number one hype man," Lin laughed to himself.
Honestly, without Javier's non-stop praise, Lin probably wouldn't have gotten this much attention so quickly. The NCAA's flooded with new talent every year—standing out takes more than just stats. It takes the right people backing you.
Like LeBron in high school, Lin knew he'd need a team around him someday.
If Javier wanted in on that circle, Lin didn't mind. The dude had earned it.
The interview itself was chill. Fun, even.
Sure, everyone already knew the basics of Lin's story. But Javier knew how to sprinkle in the good stuff and leave fans wanting more. Guy used to work in NBA front offices and scouting before joining ESPN, so he understood the media game.
"Never give away the whole plot in one go," Javier grinned. "Let it build, like a good novel. Gotta save some twists for the playoffs."
At one point, Lin tilted his head. "I've always wondered… why haven't you gone back to the NBA?"
Javier let out a sigh and leaned back in his seat.
"Man… I got a GM offer once. Thought I had it in the bag. But on signing day, they ghosted me. Turns out they went with someone else—a guy who sweet-talked the owner with promises he couldn't keep. Said he'd turn the team into a championship team."
He rolled his eyes. "Left behind a mess of bad contracts and bounced with a fat paycheck."
Lin raised an eyebrow. "Let me guess… the Smiling Assassin?"
Javier gave a tight-lipped smile. "Let's talk about something else. I've seen your bracket. The biggest game's coming against Oklahoma Sooners."
"Yup. Only two real threats in the Southern League," Lin nodded. "Me, Steph, and Blake Griffin are destined to clash again."
Javier leaned in. "I'm not supposed to say this… but screw it. Win or lose, you or Oklahoma Sooners are getting into March Madness."
"Seriously?" Lin blinked.
"Yeah. It's politics, man. Scouts want to see more of you and Steph. America's buying into this Davidson miracle run."
Lin chuckled. "So, basically… the NCAA needs us for ratings."
Javier shrugged. "NCAA prints money off March Madness. Fans want drama. You guys are the drama."
Lin gave a slow nod. Made sense. And Javier giving him this info? That wasn't just kindness—it was a pitch.
He wanted to be part of Lin's NBA team. Or at least stay close to the source.
Well, Lin had something to offer.
As they finished dinner, Lin looked up and said casually, "I'll be entering the draft this year. Not waiting."
Javier raised an eyebrow, impressed. "That's a scoop."
Lin grinned. "Thought I'd let you break it."
The truth was, Lin had been thinking long-term. Things were already changing things. He couldn't just wait around and hope for the best.
Basketball was more than a game—it was his ticket. And he was ready to go all in.
He told Coach McKillop and Steph the next day.
Coach just smiled. "Didn't think I'd stop you. It's the right call. And it'll light a fire under the team."
Steph nodded. "Same here. This is my last year too."
So that was it. For the rest of the team, this was their final shot to make history.
"Miracles usually happen in the last chapter," Steph said, tapping the playbook.
.....
Later that night, Steph pulled Lin aside. "If you're serious about going pro, you'll need an agent."
Lin already knew that.
Steph had a whole crew behind him, and he even offered to bring Lin into the fold. But Lin declined.
"I gotta build my squad," Lin said. "Like Bron did."
Steph got it. "You'll have no shortage of agents lining up."
Still, Lin wanted to control the narrative. So he told Javier first.
He wanted that draft announcement locked in before the playoffs began.
Even if they kept it quiet till March Madness ended, the NBA teams would notice the signs—especially once Lin started meeting with agents.
That was his way of saying, "I'm coming. Get ready."
NBA scouts hated getting blindsided by guys who bailed last minute. Lin wasn't gonna be that guy.
He was ready to make moves. This was just the first.
......
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