He did not wait in place. He kept running, turned toward midcourt as he caught the ball, and immediately sent a lateral pass to the small forward, who had already cut in.
Liu Chuanfeng had only just reached his defensive position and had yet to set his stance when Hakata Commercial High School's small forward made his move. He pushed hard off his right foot, tilted sharply to the left, and dipped his shoulder slightly, threatening a drive into the paint.
Rukawa immediately tensed, extending both arms and lowering his center of gravity as he braced himself.
But in the next instant, Hakata Commercial High School's small forward suddenly pulled the ball back low into his right hand. With a swift crossover step, he spun halfway around like a top and slipped easily past Rukawa Kaede's right side, using that beautiful crossover step to get around Rukawa.
Rukawa's heart tightened. He immediately turned to chase, but his opponent's movements were simply too fluid. Without the slightest hesitation, the small forward drove straight toward the free-throw line.
Seeing that his opponent was about to shoot, Akagi had no choice but to abandon his matchup with Hakata Commercial High School's center.
Akagi gritted his teeth, turned, and hurried into the paint, trying to cut off the path to the basket.
But Hakata Commercial High School's small forward had already anticipated his movement. Just before Akagi could get into position, he flicked his wrist, sending the basketball toward the basket in a gentle arc.
Hakata Commercial High School's center seemed to have expected it, catching the incoming ball securely with both hands.
Sakuragi Hanamichi hurriedly turned to recover on defense and reached out to interfere.
But his opponent's strength was astonishing. Though he was not as imposing as Akagi, his muscles were lean