Ryota Kudo called for the ball a step beyond the three-point line on the left wing.
Miyagi lobbed it over. The other Shohoku players quickly spread out, clearing that side of the floor.
Minami Shoyo immediately lowered his center of gravity, ready for the challenge.
Hakata Commercial's other players were also intensely focused. Haruhiko Kitajima edged toward that side, ready to help at any moment.
Ryota Kudo caught the ball and faced Minami Shoyo.
He made no fancy probing moves, just a simple crossover step, his body suddenly leaning forward to the right!
His speed and explosiveness instantly hit their peak!
Minami Shoyo reacted extremely quickly, sliding back to cut him off!
But the explosiveness of Kudo's first step far exceeded his expectations. In just one step, Kudo had gained the positional advantage!
Just as Haruhiko Kitajima's help defense was about to arrive, Kudo pressed against Minami Shoyo without slowing at all, forced open a sliver of space, and took three long strides before launching into the air!
"Not a chance!" Shuichi Todo rotated over from beneath the basket, his huge hand blotting out the sky!
Minami Shoyo jumped from the side to block him at the same time!
Haruhiko Kitajima also leaped from behind!
Three defenders surrounded him! It was almost a hopeless situation!
In midair, Ryota Kudo displayed astonishing core strength and flexibility through his waist and abdomen!
He seemed to pause briefly in the air, avoiding Todo's head-on block. With his body leaning against Minami Shoyo, he extended the ball in his right hand at an unbelievable angle and flicked it gently-
The ball kissed the backboard and dropped through the net!
"Tweet-!" The referee's whistle sounded! Defensive foul, one free throw!
And-one!
The instant the ball went in, the entire arena seemed to fall silent for