May 30th, Monday afternoon, light rain, slightly cool temperature.
The atmosphere inside the county stadium gradually heated up as the two teams entered the field.
Because it was the day of instruction, there weren't too many spectators in the stands.
Toru Hanagata and Kenji Fujima from Shoyo were already seated in an area with a good view.
They had previously conducted a detailed analysis of Shohoku and were confident of victory; today was their final on-site observation before the match.
The main purpose was to confirm the status of Shohoku and to prepare for possible new discoveries.
Not far away, Shinichi Maki from the Kainan University Affiliated High School, leaned against the steps alone, exuding an air of regal authority.
His indifferent gaze swept over the players from both sides warming up on the field.
Whether it's the current Shohoku and Tsukubu, or the potential future opponents like Shoyo and Ryonan.
In his eyes, there was no essential difference.
They are merely challengers on Kainan's path to defending their title.
He came just to see if Tsukubu had any promising first-year guards.
This is his last summer at Kainan Affiliated University, and the team desperately needs an injection of fresh blood.
The allure of Kainan's reputation, coupled with the special offer of tuition-free admission, makes it difficult for most people to resist.
On the other side, Jun Uozumi Akira Sendoh and Hikoichi Aida from Ryonan sat together with Hikoichi Aida, who was holding a notebook.
" Hikoichi, which side do you think has a better chance of winning?"
Uozumi a deep voice.
Hikoichi Aida quickly flipped through his notes. "It should be Shohoku. Does Tsukubu have anyone who can stop Kaede Rukawa? They can't do it without the strength of Sendoh -senpai."
"Furthermore, judging from the data, although Tsukubu's teamwork and tactical execution may be superior, Shohoku's offensive power is more terrifying. And comparing the scoring methods of both sides, the key point is..."
"It lies in the outside."
Sendoh picked up the conversation, his gaze falling on number 15, who was silently warming up in the first half of the Shohoku court.
"Both are three-point shooters, Tomokazu Godai's spot-up shooting ability is probably no less than Hisashi Mitsui's. However, he needs his teammates to create opportunities, making him a pure finisher. Mitsui, on the other hand, not only catches and shoots, but also has the ability to attack with the ball."
"From this perspective, doesn't Shohoku's outside shooting have a significant advantage?"
Uozumi asked.
"It's more than just an advantage."
Sendoh said, "Don't forget that Shohoku also has an even more terrifying Kawamoto Kazuki."
" Hikoichi, does Tsukubu have any defensive players in his lineup who can limit outside shooters?"
Hikoichi flipped through the data and replied, "According to the data, the tallest player in Tsukubu is their rookie center, number 15, Koichiro Nango, who is 192 centimeters tall. The average height of the other starting players is about 178 to 180 centimeters."
"Their perimeter defense would be at a height disadvantage against Mitsui, let alone Kawamoto Kazuki."
Sendoh nodded. "If Kawamoto shoot even half the percentage he did against Miuradai, Tsukubu's defense would likely collapse. Even with a 192cm center in the paint, they might not be able to compete with Akagi and Sakuragi on the boards."
" Shohoku might even be able to defeat Tsukubu simply by using outside shooting."
"That's right!"
Hikoichi exclaimed excitedly, " Kawamoto Kazuki made eight three-pointers in less than five minutes against Miuradai, a 100% success rate! His three-point shooting ability is simply incredible! I just wonder if he'll start today."
"Only three-tenths of your ability?"
Sendoh said in a low voice.
Shohoku bench.
Anzai's gaze met that of Tsukubu Kazumi Kawasaki the opposite coaching bench.
Kazumi Kawasaki stood up and bowed respectfully in the direction of Anzai.
He was one of Coach Mitsuyoshi Anzai's students during his early years teaching at university.
Anzai nodded slightly in acknowledgment.
The two exchanged a brief glance, the meaning of which remains unknown.
Anzai turned his attention away. "There aren't any overly complicated tactical arrangements for this match."
He looked at the players who had gathered around him and slowly announced the starting lineup, "Center, Takenori Akagi."
"Small forward, Kaede Rukawa."
"Point Guard, Ryota Miyagi."
"Shooting guard, Hisashi Mitsui."
"As well as--"
" Kawamoto Kazuki."
He didn't specify Kawamoto's exact location; he simply looked at him.
" Kawamoto, I won't give you a fixed position on the field; you'll have to play by yourself."
"This battle needs no dragging on."
"Use whatever method you think is most appropriate to defeat them before Tsukubu can react."
Anzai's idea is very clear.
With the prefectural tournament nearing its end, it's time to expose Kawamoto Kazuki to potential rivals like Shoyo, Kainan, and Ryonan.
This sudden and overwhelming display of power will disrupt the enemy's preparations, leaving them in a state of endless distress and tactical chaos within a limited timeframe, struggling to figure out how to deal with this monster.
Before the battle, sow discord among their minds.
"Dad! Where's this genius?"
Hanamichi Sakuragi panicked immediately when he heard that he wasn't in the starting lineup.
He lunged at Anzai and shook his shoulder.
Kawamoto Kazuki reached out and pressed down on the restless Sakuragi: " Sakuragi, don't forget that our secret training was for an even more important match."
Sakuragi was taken aback, remembering Haruko's words that she would come to watch Shoyo's game...
yes!
Haruko didn't come today, which is a good opportunity for Kawamoto and the others to finish the battle, while this genius can rest and recharge.
When it's time to fight Shoyo, I'll use the results of my special training to make a name for myself and shine in front of Haruko!
"Haha! I see!"
Sakuragi immediately beamed with joy.
"Brother Kawamoto, then go ahead and crush them in one fell swoop! And especially that blond guy! What's his name, Ichiro? Let me see... yeah, that's number 15 over there! Teach him a lesson he won't forget! Let him know what happens when he tries to take advantage of Haruko!"
Anzai glanced at number 15 on the opposite side with a smile, but didn't say anything.
Gorilla, on the other hand, are more sensitive.
What will be the consequences of having designs on Haruko?
Tsukubu is on the bench.
Coach Kazumi Kawasaki was making final preparations. " Shohoku has strong individual abilities, especially Akagi, Rukawa, and Mitsui. And our average height is lower than theirs, that's an objective fact. But our advantage lies in teamwork and tactical execution, which is what Shohoku lacks."
"On offense, we'll focus on two points. Godai, look for opportunities on the perimeter and take those three-pointers decisively. Nango, use your skills to try and beat Akagi."
" Natsume, Tamura, and Mine, you need to move around more, pass the ball more, and set more high-quality screens to get Shohoku's defense moving and wear them down, especially Akagi, Rukawa, and Mitsui."
"On the defensive end, we will employ a combination of zone defense and man-to-man marking, focusing on marking Hisashi Mitsui and Kaede Rukawa when they receive the ball."
"As for the inside... although Nango's rebounding ability is inferior to Akagi's, you should still try your best to fight for it."
"Yes, Coach!"
The members of Tsukubu were in high spirits and responded in unison.
Especially number 15, Koichiro Nango, stared intently at Hanamichi Sakuragi on the opposite Shohoku bench.
"Just you wait, Sakuragi, watch how I beat you on the court and win over Haruko -san."
The referee blew his whistle, and the starting players from both sides walked towards the center circle.
When he saw the five people standing up opposite him, Koichiro Nango was stunned.
What happened to the supposed battle to protect love? Why didn't Red Hair even make the starting lineup?