Basketball System: Rebound of the Underdog-Chapter 563: Unexpected Harmony

It was definitely unfamiliar.

They should have mixed teams around a week ago. It would be harder to adjust now. But, it was still better late than ever.

Although this was a mere practice game, the two teams took it very seriously.

"If we lose here, I'm not showing up for tomorrow's practice," Muyang said, already feeling competitive.

"As if Coach Xu Wei would let you," Caleb scoffed, shaking his head.

Caleb and Marcus faced off with each other in the center, and for a second, Caleb felt nervous. Of course, even though he had confidence as high as the Burj Khalifa, he still felt cautious around a powerful player such as Marcus.

The younger player knew that Marcus was holding back during practice—pacing himself for the upcoming games.

With the nerves slightly getting to him, Caleb couldn't jump to the best of his capacity.

So, from the tip-off, Marcus darted down the court. Ignoring the calls of his teammates, he seized the ball and powered through the defenders.

His intentions were clear: this was his game to win.

Kai, observing from the backcourt, frowned. The problem emerged so early on in the game.

He made the first show, and he calmly went to the other side of the court. Kai pursed his lips.

He believed that Marcus was a better player than him, but Kai felt that they would be even better together.

"Please pass the ball next time," Kai said, to which Marcus merely shrugged.

Marcus stole the ball from Max this time, causing Caleb and Bam to glare at the younger player. However, the ball slipped from Marcus' hands.

Kai was waiting for the perfect moment. However, much to his dismay, it landed right into Jimmy's hand.

Another one of his problems.

Jimmy tried to play like Marcus, but of course, he wasn't as good as the older player. With Jian and Caleb breathing down his neck, the possession was turned to the opposing team.

Jian, with the ball, scanned the court. Next to him was Caleb, once an Elite Five title holder himself. Their duo was something to look out for. The two had great strengths, but they were pretty clashing, nonetheless useful.

Bam was a great point guard, too. His passes were as sharp as his instincts. He wasn't the flashiest player, but he kept the team together at the most crucial times.

With that, Jian managed to score, making their score a tie.

"Eyes up," Caleb called out.

Only two words and Jian understood right away. It was a no-look pass that landed perfectly in Jian's hands. He was about to shoot, but Kai covered him.

Jian clicked his tongue and passed the ball to Max, who, without hesitation, launched a three-pointer, widening the gap.

Coach Xu Wei took note of these things. He wrote it down in his small notebook, humming to himself.

Certain players thrived when paired together, even more than when with their usual groups. Caleb and Jian, for instance, seemed to anticipate each other's thoughts, executing plays that felt rehearsed. Max, on the other hand, synced with Muyang, and their contrasting styles created a balance of power.

Meanwhile, the other team was struggling to find their balance.

Zheng was getting more frustrated since it seemed like they were only playing as individuals! His pacifist self couldn't handle such situations!

Zheng tried to curate a play for their team, wanting to show that he was good at this, too. However, Jian and Caleb exchanged a quick nod.

Caleb intercepted a pass from Jimmy and sprinted down the court, his eyes scanning for an opening. Jian was already in position, cutting through defenders. Caleb sent a bullet pass to Jian, who faked a shot, drawing Jie and Zheng toward him.

But instead of shooting, Jian lobbed the ball backward to Bam, who nailed an uncontested two-pointer.

This 𝓬ontent is taken from freeweɓnovel.cѳm.

"Woohoo!" Max cheered, sticking his tongue out at Kai.

Jimmy grew more frustrated by the moment, and Zheng looked like he was about to cry. Marcus, on the other hand, bit his lip.

He felt a hand on his shoulder, so he turned to the side.

"We're a team," Kai said, surprising him with maturity. "Please give us a chance, sir," he respectfully said. "We would never win if you don't think of us as our teammates."

Marcus' face hardened. That was because they weren't teammates. It never should have turned this way.

Kai saw the look in his eyes and sighed. It seemed like nothing had changed. However, he was determined to change that.

As Marcus snatched the ball again, Kai shot forward, forcing himself into position. "Marcus!" he called, his voice lacking the respect now.

For a second, Marcus hesitated. His veteran instincts knew better than to ignore a teammate in the open. But he held onto the ball until the very last second.

That was until someone stole it from him. His eyebrows raised in shock when he felt the strength of steel and speed of light.

What was that? He couldn't even see it!

The others were just as stunned. Even Coach Xu Wei watched the scene with wide eyes.

Because the opposing team didn't steal Marcus' ball, his teammate did!

And it was no other than Kai!

"What?" Marcus muttered, looking at his hands.

Kai launched into action, darting past Muyang with a devastating crossover before slamming the ball back to Marcus. This time, Marcus had no choice but to follow Kai's lead. Their movements synchronized almost instinctively. Kai's determination had magnetized Marcus into the play.

Marcus faked left before bouncing the ball back to Kai, who spun past a towering defender and lobbed a perfectly timed alley-oop. Marcus caught it in mid-air and dunked it with authority.

Their teammates watched them with wide eyes. The play was flawless—almost like it was orchestrated by an invisible force.

The opposition froze, caught off guard by the well they worked with each other.

"Keep up," Kai muttered to Marcus as they jogged back to their positions.

Marcus glared but couldn't deny the results.

A small smirk formed on Coach Xu Wei's lips.

"They work well together," he muttered.

As the game continued, it became apparent why some people get addicted to gambling. It was because they gain something when they least expect it.

That day, Kai gained back the lost upgrade from his Endurance stat.

So, best believe he'll gamble an unexpected game again.