Facing Rukawa Kaede's defense, Mike dribbled slowly, sizing him up. Then, with a sudden burst of speed, he drove to Rukawa's left. Rukawa moved his feet quickly, trying to stay in front, but Mike was lightning-fast. With a smooth spin move, he slipped past him.
What?!
Rukawa wasn't shocked that Mike had gotten past him; he was astonished at his speed and agility. This was the first time he'd faced such a nimble opponent, especially one a forward's height, rivaling Nango!
From the sidelines, Nango watched closely. Mike wasn't just fast—his ball-handling was exceptional, allowing him to pull off such fluid maneuvers. This guy truly lived up to his American reputation. His strength was extraordinary.
"He got past Rukawa Kaede in one move?"
"Someone who caught the NBA's attention really is different… He's on another level entirely."
The Shohoku bench buzzed with whispers of astonishment.
Coach Anzai remained calm, but in his mind, he thought of Yazawa.
Eri, on the other hand, was thrilled. There's more excitement to come! Go, Mike! Show them what you can do!
Mike's bold move caused Akagi to hesitate slightly. He wasn't ready to step up for a block—but another player reacted immediately.
"Foreigner! You're not scoring!" Sakuragi shouted as he sprinted over.
Mike grinned, not forcing his way to the basket. Instead, he passed to the unguarded Totsuka Tetsuya. Totsuka immediately went for a layup—but
"Smack!" Akagi swatted the ball out of bounds with authority.
Sakuragi's timely defense had bought Akagi just enough reaction time. Totsuka, standing at only 180 cm, was at a disadvantage in the paint.
"There it is! Gorilla's block!" Shohoku's bench erupted in cheers.
"Damn it…" Totsuka and Eri both groaned in frustration.
"Don't worry, there will be other chances," Mike said nonchalantly, grinning. Even without scoring, the thrill of toying with opponents was enough.
Akagi ruffled Sakuragi's head. "Good job."
Sakuragi's tail-like pride shot up. "Hmph! I knew that Stinky Fox couldn't handle him."
"Idiot…" Being underestimated by Sakuragi irritated Rukawa Kaede. He vowed to prove himself later.
Totsuka inbounded the ball and passed it to Ebina, positioned at the top of the arc to organize the offense.
At the baseline corner, Katsumi Ichiro, with Mitsui on his tail, sprinted out. Totsuka moved a step inside the three-point line and held his position. Katsumi used a screen to shake off Mitsui's defense, extending his hands to receive Ebina's pass.
It was a simple pick-and-roll play. If Sakuragi didn't react, Katsumi could shoot. If he did, Katsumi could pass to Totsuka for a mismatch against Mitsui.
But none of it mattered. Just as Ebina prepared to pass, Nango's long arms intercepted the ball with a clean steal.
Sakuragi and Rukawa immediately sprinted downcourt, joining Nango.
Ryokufu reacted fast as well. Totsuka and Mike sprinted back, but Ebina couldn't stop Nango's drive. He was pushed off-balance and avoided fouling, creating a 3-on-2 fast break: Sakuragi on the left, Nango in the middle, Rukawa on the right.
Nango! Go!
Kano clenched her small fists, silently cheering. With classmates around, she couldn't openly "betray" Ryokufu.
Totsuka and Mike's retreat speed was impressive, especially Totsuka. Though slower at first, he quickly overtook Sakuragi, reaching the paint first to set up defense. His footwork was astonishing.
Mike ran alongside Rukawa, subtly closing in on Nango in the middle.
With the ball, Nango scanned both sides, already knowing what to do. Facing Totsuka, he didn't slow or back off; he drove straight to the basket.
A 180-cm power forward trying to stop his layup? Nango wasn't about to be embarrassed.
Past the free-throw line, he took two precise steps and jumped.
Totsuka, knowing he was being underestimated, prepared to defend but held back. He trusted Mike would deal with Nango if needed.
Nango rose, gripping the ball with his right hand, aiming to dunk. Mike, closing in behind him, leapt as well. Totsuka watched with respect, ready for a rebound.
Mike extended his arms, aiming to block against the backboard—but Nango flicked his wrist, redirecting the ball straight to Sakuragi. The latter snatched it mid-air and dunked with force.
Nango's calm glance at Mike said it all. Mike's relaxed expression shifted slightly. You thought you could block me?
"Ebina, pass me the ball later. I'll make this brat regret provoking me," Mike muttered, his tone sharper than before.
"Uh… okay." Ebina hesitated, glancing at Nango, wondering what he was planning.
Dribbling past half-court, Ebina was immediately pressured again by Nango.
Why is such a tall guy playing point guard?
Ebina struggled. Nango's tight defense left him no clear path to attack.
Mike had planned to wait for a pass, but seeing Ebina entangled, he ran to the perimeter.
"Ebina! Over here!" Mike called out, waving his hands.
Nango's keen senses caught Mike's voice from his right rear. He subtly shifted left, revealing a gap on his right—an opportunity.
Ebina's eyes lit up. He passed—but Nango reached out again, tipping the ball away.
Eri practically exploded. "How did he steal again?! This is useless!"
Coach Anzai's mood lifted slightly, imagining Nango's potential at the Nationals.
Mike and Nango raced toward the bouncing ball. Mike was faster, but Nango's reach gave him the edge. He tapped the ball forward, sprinting to chase it.
Good! I'm ready for you!
Mike had an idea. He planned to let Nango run a solo fast break, then block the layup with a single leap.
Nango hesitated, puzzled at Mike's lack of a steal attempt—until he realized Mike's strategy.
Alright… let's go!
Ryokufu's Totsuka, standing at only 180 cm—shorter than his own shooting guard, Katsumi Ichiro—was a curious choice for a power forward. Truly baffling, and no wonder Inoue wasn't satisfied.
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