"Miyagi, starting point guard (PG)."
"Mitsui, shooting guard (SG)."
"Rukawa, small forward (SF)."
Coach Anzai's gaze lingered on Kaede Rukawa's face for a moment. "Rukawa, tomorrow's opponent, Daiei Academy's centerpiece Jun Tsuchiya, plays power forward, but his style is closer to a point forward.
"He may exploit our weakness inside. On defense, you'll need to put more effort into help defense and disrupting plays."
Kaede Rukawa remained expressionless, but his gaze deepened, and he gave an almost imperceptible nod.
"Our starting lineup will be Ryota Miyagi (PG), Hisashi Mitsui (SG), Kaede Rukawa (SF), Ryota Kudo (PF), and Hanamichi Sakuragi (C)."
Coach Anzai looked around at everyone. "This lineup is faster and more mobile, but severely lacking in height.
"Our strengths are speed and shooting. Our weaknesses are interior height and securing rebounds.
"On offense, we need to be more flexible, using screens and ball movement to create space and running more fast breaks.
"On defense, Sakuragi and Kudo must protect the paint. Everyone else must fight for rebounds with everything they have. Make up for our lack of height with hustle! Understood?"
"Yes, Coach!" everyone answered in unison, their voices carrying an all-or-nothing resolve.
The next morning, at nine thirty.
The arena was already buzzing. News of Shohoku's hard-fought victory over Aiwa Academy yesterday and Takenori Akagi's absence due to injury had long since spread.
It brought even more uncertainty and attention to this game against Daiei Academy.
In the stands, Eri Fujisawa and her enormous Fan Club had secured prime seats early. Their huge golden support flag stood out beneath the lights.
Shohoku arrived on the court early to warm up. The atmosphere was entirely different from yesterday. Without Takenori Akagi's steadying presence, a trace of tension and unease hung in the air.
Under the basket, Hanamichi