"Um."
Kawamoto picked up a ball and walked to different angles on either side of the basket, demonstrating several bank shots in imitation of Akagi's shooting habits.
Although not 100% accurate, the success rate is significantly higher than that of a regular hook shot or jump shot.
"Utilizing the backboard can effectively expand your offensive range, especially around the 45-degree angles on both sides. Moreover, backboard shots are relatively stable and less susceptible to defensive interference."
Kawamoto explained, "You've been focusing solely on the basket, neglecting the backboard, which is a great help."
Akagi's eyes gradually brightened.
yes!
Wipe the board!
I used to think that was for players with a soft touch, and that a power center like myself wouldn't bother using it.
But now it seems that this might fill the gap in their mid-to-long-range offense, making them harder for opponents to defend.
" Miyagi- senpai."
Kawamoto looked at Ryota Miyagi.
"I am here!"
Miyagi stood up straight.
"Your speed and penetration were quite good in the game against Kakuno. But I noticed that you seemed to lack any mid-range or long-range shooting threat."
Kawamoto hits the nail on the head.
Miyagi's face stiffened.
This is indeed his weakness.
Kawamoto analyzed, "Your speed is your greatest advantage. You can fully utilize your speed to pull up and shoot after a drive, becoming a difficult mid-range killer."
"Furthermore, when facing tall interior defenders, you can use various rhythms and angles to launch floaters, which will make your finishing around the basket more varied and efficient."
Miyagi's eyes grew brighter and brighter.
What Kawamoto said precisely points out his technical shortcomings and areas for improvement.
Relying on speed is instinctive, but improving shooting and finishing skills is the only way to become a top point guard.
" Rukawa -kun."
Kawamoto's gaze shifted to Kaede Rukawa.
Kaede Rukawa raised his eyes, his gaze questioning.
"Your individual skills are among the best in the team."
"But you have a big problem with your offensive choices."
Kaede Rukawa frowned slightly.
"Whether facing one defender, two, or even three, it seems you only have one option: to overpower them. You have absolutely no concept of passing the ball."
Is it due to past experiences or a disdain for passing the ball?
Rukawa pursed his lips and did not answer.
"You can win against an opponent like Kakuno with your individual skills, but what if you face a stronger defender?"
Kawamoto asked.
"An even stronger one? Sendoh?"
Sakuragi interrupted.
Kawamoto shook his head and looked at Kaede Rukawa: " Sendoh's overall strength is indeed above yours right now, but the gap isn't insurmountable. I'm referring to an opponent who can completely suppress you on both offense and defense."
"If you still insist on one-on-one play in that situation, then your strength as a key player for Shohoku will be rendered useless."
He continued, "Moreover, the one-on-one format is extremely physically demanding. Regardless of the opponent's strength, you're scoring in the most strenuous and inefficient way."
"A match isn't a one-on-one bullfight. Is your ultimate goal to defeat your opponent or to help your team win the game?"
You need to think this through carefully.
Kaede Rukawa listened quietly, his face expressionless.
He neither refuted nor agreed; he simply remained silent.
Finally, Kawamoto looked at Hanamichi Sakuragi, who was pointing at his nose.
" Sakuragi..."
Kawamoto's voice softened a bit. "Your problem is that you're too nervous during the competition; you want to perform too much but are also afraid of failing."
Sakuragi opened his mouth to retort, "Why would I, a genius, be afraid?"
But remembering the unnecessary mistakes and hesitations he made during the competition, he shut his mouth.
"Remember Sakuragi, even experienced veterans are allowed to make mistakes, let alone a newbie like you."
So don't be afraid of making mistakes.
Kawamoto said earnestly, "Treat every match from now on as an experiment."
"Try to break through, try to take the initiative on offense, try to shoot directly, try to fight for every rebound, try to understand defensive positioning..."
"As I've said before, comprehensiveness is the most important thing."
"The early stages of the county tournament are your best training ground. Your opponents will get stronger and stronger. Before you encounter the real monsters, try to get your body and mind used to the pace of the competition and explore all the possibilities."
"Scoring goals is important, but losing is important to you too."
Because every failure lays the foundation for your success.
Hanamichi Sakuragi listened to Kawamoto's words and scratched his red hair.
He nodded vigorously. "Oh... I understand, Brother Kawamoto. This genius will treat every match as a training ground!"
The match between Shohoku and Takahata High School is scheduled for three days later.
The sky was just beginning to brighten, and the air was fresh.
Kawamoto Kazuki, carrying two bento boxes prepared by his mother, had just left home when he encountered Hisashi Mitsui on the slope leading to the station.
"Morning, Kawamoto."
Mitsui took the initiative to greet him.
Good morning, Mitsui- senpai.
Kawamoto nodded in response.
The two walked side by side for a while.
Mitsui seemed to still be working on the technique, and brought it up himself. "I practiced that feint you taught me in front of the mirror for a long time after I got back, but the effect of the feint wasn't nearly as deceptive as yours. I always felt like something was missing."
Kawamoto glanced at him and calmly pointed out the key. "Your feints need to be realistic, but your real moves must be threatening enough. The key is to make the defender genuinely fear your three-pointers."
"The more afraid they are of your shot, the easier it is for your feints to work."
"If your three-point shooting is inconsistent, even the most beautiful feints will be less effective."
Mitsui nodded thoughtfully upon hearing this.
really.
He was out of practice for two years, and although his form is rapidly recovering, his threat level is definitely not what it used to be during his MVP period.
It seems that besides practicing fakes, he also needs to hone his three-point shot to the point where it strikes fear into his opponents.
Just then, the sound of a motorcycle roaring from afar broke the morning's tranquility.
Several brightly colored motorcycles were seen frantically chasing a black motorcycle in front of them.
The rider of the black motorcycle, wearing a dark green jacket and with a muscular build, was none other than Tetsuo.
Tetsuo was driving extremely fast, but the cars behind him were also tailing him closely, clearly there to cause him trouble.
" Tetsuo!"
Hisashi Mitsui's expression changed drastically.
He barely hesitated; instinctively, he rushed a few steps toward the direction the motorcycle was chasing.
etc!
Mitsui stopped in his tracks.
The competition is about to begin.
Anzai and Akagi are still waiting.
But...
After all, Tetsuo was his brother.
Judging from the way those cars behind us are handling things, this is definitely not a small matter.
Seeing Tetsuo being chased firsthand, he couldn't stand idly by.
Tetsuo is a strong fighter, but the enemy team outnumbers him...
Mitsui's brain was working at lightning speed.
If he goes alone, he'll definitely be a liability; he might not even be able to play the game and will end up in the hospital.
but...
His gaze swept over the human-shaped weapon beside him.
The terrifying scene of him lifting Tetsuo with one hand and instantly knocking down Noriyuki and Takashima is still vivid in my mind.
If he could help...
A perfect plan instantly took shape in Mitsui's mind.
He turned around abruptly, immediately adopting an expression of righteous indignation.
Grasping Kawamoto's shoulders with both hands, her eyes filled with a resolute yet tragic gaze, her voice urgent and moving. " Kawamoto! I can't abandon Tetsuo! Although he went astray, he never abandoned me when I was just drifting through life!"
"He's in trouble now. If I, Hisashi Mitsui, pretend I didn't see it, would I even be a human being?"
He took a deep breath, as if making a death wish, and pointed in the direction the motorcycle had disappeared. "Judging by this, it's definitely going to be a fierce battle! I don't know if I'll come back..."
He observed Kawamoto's expression.
However, Kawamoto's expression remained unchanged.
Mitsui continued in an even more somber tone, "If I get knocked out and miss the match... please, you must tell Anzai, tell Akagi, tell everyone... I, Hisashi Mitsui, am not deserting my post... I'm doing this to protect my former brothers!"
Even if I can't play this game, I can't lose my loyalty!
"But there are too many people on the other side, and I'm all alone..."
He spoke with such emotion that he was almost moved to tears, his eyes even welling up with warmth.
Half of it was acting, and the other half was genuine concern for Tetsuo.
Mitsui thought to himself: Now that things have come to this point, how could Kawamoto, with his seemingly cold but actually warm-hearted personality, possibly just stand by and watch me go to my death?
That way, he can both help Tetsuo out of a tight spot and make it to the game on time.
I, Hisashi Mitsui, am truly brilliant.
He looked at Kawamoto expectantly, waiting for him to step in and help.
Kawamoto Kazuki listened quietly to Mitsui's emotionally charged last words, his face remaining expressionless.
Only after Mitsui finished speaking did he calmly nod, "Okay. I will pass it on."
After saying that, he gently brushed Mitsui's hand away from his shoulder and walked away unhurriedly.
They've gone... gone...
Hisashi Mitsui:"???"
He stood there blankly, staring at Kawamoto's tall and ruthless back, his mind unable to process what was happening for a moment.
etc!
I said so much, so movingly, so tragically...
You shouldn't be reacting like that!
Shouldn't you be all fired up and say, "Let's go together" or "Leave it to me"?
"Hey! Kawamoto! Wait a minute!"
Mitsui quickly followed a few steps.
Kawamoto stopped and turned around to look at him with a questioning gaze.
"You... you're just leaving like that?"
Mitsui pointed in the direction the motorcycle had disappeared, his voice trembling slightly. " Tetsuo might have been beaten to death! Those guys looked really fierce!"
"Um."
Kawamoto nodded, then looked at Mitsui seriously and said, "So, Mitsui- senpai, aren't you going to rescue him? Go ahead, I'll explain the situation to you."
Mitsui: "..."
Looking into Kawamoto's earnest, almost innocent eyes, he suddenly understood.
This guy never even considered helping.
He genuinely felt he should risk his life for his brothers, and he was responsible for relaying the message.
What kind of stereotypical straight man is this?
No, it's a rigid, inflexible mind!