Collective Growth: USC Team's Training Progress

Lian Dao's relentless pursuit of physical excellence began with the implementation of a meticulously crafted training regimen devised by USC's coaching staff. Embarking on an ambitious strategy, he activated a 4x bonus card for strength training, swiftly followed by a 2x bonus card for comprehensive skill enhancement. This strategic use of bonuses effectively multiplied his training gains sixfold in a significantly condensed timeframe.

"Just a little bit more time," Lian Dao mused with a hint of resignation, acknowledging the fleeting nature of the 24-hour duration of the strength training bonus card. Conscious of optimizing every moment, he prioritized technical strength exercises when the bonus was active, unwilling to squander any opportunity for improvement.

Beyond strength training, Lian Dao's daily routine was a testament to his dedication. Rising promptly at 5 AM, he commenced each day with intense boxing drills before transitioning seamlessly into specialized training sessions meticulously tailored to enhance his athletic prowess.

Lian Dao's custom regimen encompassed five core areas, each designed to address specific facets of his game and physical conditioning. Dribbling skills topped the list, crucial for a small forward like him. Practicing with both hands and mastering directional changes were paramount, offering tactical advantages on the court.

Speed training followed suit, focusing on explosive bursts of acceleration to outmaneuver defenders. From short sprints to agility drills, Lian Dao embraced the discipline of relentless repetition to hone his quickness and agility.

Recognizing his need to fortify his shooting capabilities, particularly from the perimeter, Lian Dao devoted substantial time to three-point shooting. His regimen encompassed a variety of scenarios—from open shots to shooting under defensive pressure—aiming to ingrain muscle memory for consistent, effective shooting under duress.

Explosive power training formed another cornerstone of Lian Dao's routine. Emphasizing techniques like super isometric contractions and resistance exercises, he sought to maximize his ability to accelerate past defenders and secure crucial rebounds during pivotal moments in games.

Finally, strength conditioning rounded out Lian Dao's daily regimen. Whether focusing on upper body, lower body, or core strength, his dedication to weightlifting and resistance training underscored his commitment to developing a robust physical foundation.

Balancing these intensive workouts with strategic breaks for meals and recuperation, Lian Dao dedicated approximately sixteen hours each day to his training regimen.

At first, the coaching staff viewed Lian Dao's training plan with disbelief, thinking he was out of his mind and branding it as "suicide training." They were skeptical that he could sustain such an intense regimen.

Lian Dao, however, remained steadfast, adhering to his rigorous plan for seven consecutive days, leaving the coaching staff in stunned silence.

On the eighth day, Tim intervened and halted Lian Dao's training to have a personal talk with him. While he deeply appreciated Lian Dao's dedication and hard-working attitude, Tim couldn't hide his concerns.

Tim firmly believed that while talent sets a person's lower limit, hard work defines their upper limit. He had witnessed numerous talented players fail due to lack of discipline, and conversely, had seen average talents rise to excellence through relentless effort.

However, he considered Lian Dao's training method to be dangerously extreme. In his opinion, it wasn't just intense—it was borderline suicidal. Tim was convinced that such a training approach would cause severe harm to Lian Dao's body.

Fortunately, Lian Dao was able to mitigate the immediate strains through the strategic use of stamina recovery liquid, facilitating rapid physical recuperation after intense training sessions. Reassuring Tim of his unique recuperative capacity, Lian Dao's vibrant energy further allayed concerns, prompting Tim to mandate a thorough examination by Bob, the team's esteemed physical trainer and therapist.

Bob's assessment yielded surprising results. Lian Dao not only exhibited robust health but also displayed rapid physical enhancements across all metrics, piquing Bob's profound interest in his physiological profile.

Meanwhile, Lian Dao's relentless pursuit of excellence inspired teammates like DeRozan and Gibson, who, though unable to match his intensity, dedicated substantial hours to honing their skills. Even Vucevic, initially resistant due to physical limitations, embraced the challenge of transitioning to the fifth position under Lian Dao's mentorship.

Amidst California's scorching summer days, these four stalwarts maintained an unwavering commitment, arriving at the gym at dawn and departing only after dusk, their shared dedication forging deep bonds of camaraderie. Gradually acclimating to the demanding routine, they relished tangible progress and collective growth, buoyed by mutual support and competitive spirit.

By November, with USC's academic year in full swing, the culmination of their months-long training regimen becomes apparent. Lian Dao's physical transformation is nothing short of remarkable—he has gained a solid 8 kilograms of muscle, reducing his body fat to a mere 8%. This rigorous training has not only boosted his strength but also sharpened his overall athletic abilities, making him a formidable presence on the court.

Alongside Lian Dao, Vucevic and their teammates have also made significant strides. Vucevic, in particular, has focused on enhancing his physicality to excel in his new role at the fifth position. Their collective dedication to daily grind—from early morning conditioning drills to late-night skill sessions—has fostered a deep camaraderie and a shared hunger for success.