Basketball System: Rebound of the Underdog-Chapter 544 : The Veterans’ Plan

For the second time in the week, the boys found themselves in the onsen despite their initial defiance.

They didn't plan it again.

However, it seemed like Coach Wu Xei's regimen truly did them dirty, as all of them were limping as they entered the water.

This time, they were all silent. They didn't even have the strength to call each other out for coming to the onsen once again.

Kai sighed in relief as the hot water soothed his aching muscles right after soaking in the ice bath. The others also visibly relaxed, closing their eyes as they enjoyed the feeling.

It was a good thing they were the only ones there…or maybe Kai had thought too soon.

Not long after the thought occurred, the door opened from the other side, and familiar voices filled the space.

"Ah, Coach Wu Xei's training program is still tough," Dong said. "I wanted to show the young players that it was easy, but my body can't lie. My age is showing, too. I'm not usually this sore after his regimen."

The boys' eyes widened when they realized that the five veterans were also there.

"Is there anybody else in here?" Marcus asked, his voice echoing in the large space.

Max was about to say something, but Zheng placed his hand over his mouth, signaling him to the quiet.

"Can you check the hot spring, Caleb?" Marcus asked.

Kai's heart stopped for a moment. Then, he pointed underwater, silently asking them to dunk inside. Honestly, he didn't know why he was asking them to hide; however, they all obeyed without any complaints.

As Caleb's footsteps neared, the boys all dunked their heads, holding their breaths and hoping they wouldn't be discovered.

Fortunately, Caleb didn't scrutinize their area any longer.

"Yup, we're the only ones here," he said after a while, his voice fading into the distance.

Kai was the first one to lift his head, and once he saw that Caleb was already with the older players at the cool spring, he patted his teammates so they could rise from the water.

Although it was tempting not to call for Jimmy's attention.

Max scratched the back of his head when he realized what they were doing. "Why are we hiding in the first place?" he whispered.

Jian was about to answer when the veteran's voices filled the space once again.

"Do you think we can do it this time, bro?" Muyang asked.

There was silence for a few seconds before Marcus spoke. "If we would have stuck to the original line-up, then yes," he confidently said. "However, after adding those young ones in the mix, I'm not so sure," he muttered.

The boys glanced at each other. It was clear why they hid now. They wanted to listen in on what the older players really thought about them.

Caleb clicked his tongue. "This is the first time in years that China is playing in the Global Games. I'm unsure why they're doing something so new."

"I think you just answered your question," Jaw-Long said. "They're changing it up because we've never placed in the podium in what? The last twenty? Maybe even thirty years?"

"Basketball is taken as a joke in this country. Honestly, a lot more people watch the high school leagues because it brings in a lot of freshness in the industry," he continued.

Kai was right. It seemed like Jaw-Long was the most accepting of them joining the team.

Updat𝓮d from freewēbnoveℓ.com.

Muyang scoffed. "So, are you saying that those kids deserve to be here?"

"That's not what I'm saying," Jaw-Long sighed. "The national basketball club is being defunded every year. They want results, and we're not able to bring it. Even those who come to professional games are lessening. They'd much rather watch foreign leagues, or worse, the high school league before even tuning into our games."

"They feel like this is the way to save the face of basketball in our country," he concluded.

"Still, though," Caleb said. "Our team was perfect before they were joined. Only 12 players are allowed to be on the roster."

Kai's eyebrows raised in recognition.

"So, this is it," he muttered—the reason why they weren't so accepting of them.

They had teammates before, probably ones who have been cut just to accommodate them.

"Anyway," Muyang said. "Can we reverse this in any way? There's still a little less than a month before the other athletes come to the country."

Max let out a small gasp, to which Zheng covered his mouth once again.

"Well, on the brighter side," Marcus chimed. "Coach Xu Wei seems to be serious about having them leave if they're not serious in the court. Despite him not being in the basketball scene for quite a few years, I believe his opinion would still be well-respected," he said.

"So, we just prove to Coach Xu Wei that those kids do not deserve to be here?" Caleb asked. "Sounds like a good plan."

The boys frowned as they continued to listen to their conversation. They felt it—they were being serious when they didn't want them to be there.

Jaw-Long scratched the back of his head. "How are we going to do that?" he asked.

Marcus chuckled. "We've already done it before—when they first arrived here. We showed them whose boss. Honestly, the game wasn't tough at all. It was actually easy. So, it just shows that they aren't ready for this."

Jaw-Long still looked hesitant. "Well…I think it's because they haven't played as a team together before. That's one factor. I felt like they are strong, though. They wouldn't be in the Elite Five if they weren't."

Dong chuckled. "You've really developed a soft spot for those children, huh? You've been defending them since earlier."

"I'm just trying to be logical," Jaw-Long muttered.

"Whatever, man," Dong said. "Anyway, I'm in."

"Count me in, too," Caleb said with a smirk.

"Don't forget about me," Muyang added.

Then, there was silence as all of them turned toward Jaw-Long.

Jaw-Long pursed his lips.

"Fine," he caved in. "Do I even have a choice?"