The hard work paid off. In subsequent games, his shooting percentage from the stripe improved noticeably, from 1 for 10, to 2 for 6, to 8 for 13.

And it’s not just free throws. From posterizing dunks to grabbing rebounds to dishing assists, Dai is now finding his rhythm on the floor, playing with a never-back-down intensity on every possession.

Fans marvel that this young man always delivers when it counts.

In Wenzhou’s home matchup against Zhuji City, a game that went to overtime for the first time in Wenzhou’s season, the entire team was under immense pressure. With the game on the line, Dai stepped up. At the top of the key, Dai caught a pass from his teammate. Without hesitation, he pulled the trigger on a three ball. The shot arced beautifully through the air and splashed through the net. Instantly, the arena erupted as that clutch bucket helped ice the game. Remarkably, this was only his second three-pointer of the entire ZJBA season.

It was also his second MVP honor. In the post-game interview, he said,“ The clock was winding down. I must take the shot.”

◎ A Young Player’s Uphill Climb

Selling His Precious Trading Cards to Learn Basketball

Averaging one poster dunk per game is Dai’s gift to the fans and to himself. Some say he channels the spirit of “Sakuragi Hanamichi” from Slam Dunk. But few know that when he first picked up a ball, like Sakuragi, his game was raw and unpolished.

Dai’s basketball journey began when he was admitted to Pingyang County Wanquan Comprehensive High School. At 6’3”, he easily made the varsity squad.

Back then, despite being tall and athletically gifted, Dai’s handles, shot mechanics, and court awareness were all underdeveloped.

Determined to work on his fundamentals, Dai also joined the Wenzhou DRC Basketball Club. He paid for the training fees by selling his collection of holographic trading cards that he had treasured for years.

In his very first session at the club, his unrefined shooting form caused him to brick a shot so badly it shattered the ceiling light above the backboard. During two ball dribbling drills, his lack of coordination made him trip