After the game, both head coaches were surrounded by reporters for interviews.
"Our interior was destroyed by Karl-Anthony Towns. He absolutely has the capability to perform at an All-Star level in the NBA. Of course, apart from him, their team has at least five more players with NBA-level skills, which makes things tough for us," Coach Shieff told the reporters directly.
What surprised Coach Shieff the most about the University of Kentucky was their deep bench, in addition to their superstars.
"Besides Towns, which Wildcats player left the deepest impression on you?" the ESPN reporter asked.
"That Chinese guy, his presence changed the momentum on the court, which caused us to completely lose control," Coach Shieff said regretfully.
If he had known before the game that Zeng Xingyang's shooting was so accurate, he would have arranged a stronger defense to counter Zeng Xingyang.
Maybe the team's downfall wouldn't have been so abrupt.
That 11-0 run was really painful for them.
On the other side, Coach Calipari told reporters, "Very happy we won the first game of the opener."
When asked about Zeng Xingyang during the interview, Coach Calipari confidently said, "I knew Zeng could make those three-pointers. That's why I put him on; he did a great job tonight."
Calipari was very satisfied with Zeng Xingyang's performance on the court.
Zeng Xingyang didn't score the most, but many of his points came at critical moments, which was important for the team.
Many Kentucky fans wearing blue jerseys rushed onto the court to celebrate the victory with the players.
Zeng Xingyang was extremely excited. The team won their first victory in the opener, and his performance was also commendable, proving his strength.
This would solidify his place within the team.
"Next, we have to continue to strengthen offensive stability and find more ways to score even when strictly guarded."
"And there's defense as well."
Zeng Xingyang felt he still struggled defensively against those fast guards.
When he first got on the court, he was able to score continuously because the opponent underestimated him. But once they started paying attention, his opportunities dwindled significantly. On defense, when the opponent discovered Zeng Xingyang's defensive weaknesses, they constantly targeted him for attack.
Kentucky's other defensive positions were hard to exploit, relatively speaking, Zeng's position was the easiest to attack.
Back in the locker room while showering, Zeng Xingyang reflected on the gains from this game.
Apart from improving various attributes on the court, his stats of 13 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, and 1 block were decent.
This debut might garner some media exposure, maybe ordinary fans wouldn't notice the stats, but Zeng Xingyang believed the professional scouts would pay attention.
Isn't the draft outlook something that is built up step by step?
"Next, I definitely need to get more opportunities and deliver even better performances."
There was a brightness in Zeng Xingyang's eyes, showing he clearly knew his path forward.
....
"In the NBA regular season, James led the Cavs to defeat the Celtics, scoring a dominant 34 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists." — ESPN
"Tragedy, Kobe's return from injury saw the Lakers nearly face complete annihilation, with four players fouled out and blown out by the Clippers by 27 points, Kobe shot only 4 of 11 in the game." — TNT
"Thunder's Westbrook and Kevin Durant unleashed their power, defeating the Minnesota Timberwolves on the road with a combined scoring of 90+!" — New York Basketball Newspaper
"NCAA witnessed an epic showdown as Kentucky Wildcats demolished the Kansas Jayhawks by 28 points. Top pick favorite Karl-Anthony Towns delivered an all-around performance, while bench bandit Zeng Xingyang showed impressive three-point shooting." — Miami Sentinel
As the night of the game came to an end, basketball news started circulating online like a snowstorm.
Zeng Xingyang was also first referred to as the "bench bandit."
The majority of fans focused their attention on the NBA, being the world's premier league after all.
However, some articles focusing on NCAA did mention Zeng Xingyang's name.
Zeng Xingyang's statistics, in fact, weren't outstanding within the entire NCAA in the U.S., fairly common; his highlight was primarily due to his nationality and skin color.
Amidst Black and White players, such a name might not even be mentioned, but Zeng Xingyang, hailing from almost a basketball desert in Asia, drew some attention.
Many Kentucky fans who witnessed the game live also discussed him online.
Zeng Xingyang's explosive performance on the court left a deep impression on them.
"This guy is definitely the best Asian college basketball player I've seen."
"His three-point shooting is too accurate; Kansas Jayhawks didn't dare give him any space, always had someone following him."
"He has the potential to become a top shooter, I believe this guy will enter the NBA next year."
"What doesn't show in the stats is how he broke Kansas's defense immediately upon entering, causing their defensive structure to collapse."
"From the first game alone, he seems to be a strong supporting point on the Wildcats' wings."
"With Towns, Booker, and Lyles, Wildcats don't need other players to initiate attacks; they just need workhorse players like Zeng."
"Zeng Xingyang's strengths and weaknesses are obvious, he's great offensively, but lacks defensively."
"If he can't find open shots, his offense will also be stifled noticeably."
.....
The next day in the team's training facility locker room, before training began.
Towns took out his phone and humorously read out online evaluations about Zeng Xingyang.
Soon, the impressive Zeng Xingyang became the center of discussion in the locker room.
Everyone cheered and shouted after hearing these evaluations; Zeng Xingyang is a typical inspirational player, and his great performance earned him more praise.
After reading, Towns said to Zeng Xingyang, "Zeng, I bet after last night, your direct messages on social media are flooding."
Lyles joked, "The girls will send their home addresses and phone numbers, hinting you can come visit them anytime."
Harris, familiar with such things, said, "However, when you feel tempted at night, remember to protect yourself, or you might quickly become famous nationwide."
Koulistan put his arm around Zeng Xingyang's shoulder and laughed along with Harris, "Isn't nationwide fame a good thing? Your popularity will soar, ensuring you'll be picked in the draft next year. Even if not, maybe a rich lady will fancy Zeng's strength and accuracy."
Zeng Xingyang laughed and said, "Come on, come on, help me design a fiery nationwide video plot, and tonight I'll look for girls to practice with."
"Hahaha!"
The whole locker room erupted with laughter.
Zeng Xingyang didn't mind his teammates joking about him like this, sometimes he would also joke about himself.
After a while of joking, Zeng Xingyang continued to log into Weibo.
In the internet age, building one's IP is correct. When the fame grows bigger, there'll be some endorsement opportunities knocking, and these are essential connections.
In the past, many stars who managed their social media well earned significant advertising revenues, making more from a single post than from playing a game.
Of course, Zeng Xingyang wouldn't focus too much energy on managing it now; he just treated it as a pastime in between training and games, also a way to relax.
Zeng Xingyang clearly understood that the core of all operations lies in his performance on the basketball court.
If he performs well on the court, many moneymaking opportunities naturally follow; if he plays poorly, then nothing follows.
Zeng Xingyang also noticed that his Weibo had gained dozens of followers, and soon over a hundred, seemingly some fans shared parts of foreign reports domestically.
Zeng Xingyang clicked open his direct messages.
"Coincidentally saw your content, find you really inspirational."
.....
"I'm also cheering for my own goals, your efforts inspire me to believe persistence will yield results. Congratulations on making the team, I feel inspired myself, let's work hard together."
.....
"Keep it up, stranger."
These were unread direct messages received days and weeks ago from the same person that Zeng Xingyang had never opened before.
The avatar belonged to a pretty girl, given the timing of the messages, she seemed not like the fishing girls, so Zeng Xingyang casually followed her back.
Apart from this message, Zeng Xingyang also saw many pointless messages.
There were even girls sending many barely visible photos to tempt him.
Zeng Xingyang clicked to follow...
Afterwards, Zeng Xingyang posted some photos from the game, continuing his regular Weibo updates: "Debut concluded, need to keep working hard!"