Chapter 011: Tinh Hai Tuong Lai can even 'sense' the air currents and vibrations from an opponent's attack
Nice!
A new 'Future Preview'!
On one hand, this meant that the 'Future Preview' would likely appear in every game. On the other hand, it meant that with his three-point ability, plus this new defensive skill, he had leaped to having the basic foundation of a modern top-tier 3&D player.
This was also what Kamomedai Junior High was currently lacking the most.
With this thought, he proactively turned his head:
"Coach, from now on, please let me guard Mitsubayashi Koji!"
Just now, Mitsubayashi Koji's continuous sharp drives had forced Kamomedai to collapse their defense, which in turn gave Iwai so many three-point opportunities.
If someone could shut down Mitsubayashi Koji's drives, Iwai's three-point chances would definitely be cut by more than half!
Coach Nakama Sho was a bit surprised. He knew that although Hoshiumi Mì's three-point ability had skyrocketed, his athletic ability hadn't improved much. His lateral quickness wasn't fast, which meant his defense wouldn't be too strong either.
Nakama Sho hesitated for a moment.
But... after meeting Hoshiumi's determined gaze, he relented.
"Alright, I'll give you three possessions."
"If it doesn't work, we'll switch back..."
"Don't force it."
"Yes!"
Hoshiumi Mì's fists clenched tightly. His gaze shifted to Mitsubayashi Koji on Iwai's side, looking like a hungry wolf staring at a... uh, lamb.
..................................................................................
On the court.
It was Kamomedai's offense.
After the ball crossed half-court, Imamatsu Shinshu held it at the top of the arc.
The Iwai players still maintained their tight zone defense.
Leaving the perimeter open!
Imamatsu Shinshu's gaze swept across the Kamomedai players, finally landing on Hoshiumi Mì.
"Hoshiumi!"
He called out and passed the ball to Hoshiumi Mì. The latter caught the ball and, without any hesitation, released it very quickly. Without sacrificing speed, his touch was exceptionally soft!
In a situation with almost no pressure...
Swish~!
The three-pointer swished through the net!
The crisp sound of the basketball rubbing against the net was clearly audible in the Kamomedai gym, and the crowd of Kamomedai students erupted in cheers!
"He made it!"
"A three-pointer!"
"From Hoshiumi Mì!"
Hoshiumi Mì listened to the cheers, closing his eyes slightly, enjoying this wonderful moment.
Imamatsu Shinshu high-fived Hoshiumi Mì:
"Nice shot!"
Center Ouboki Taro, who had been struggling against the zone defense all day, also walked over, saying excitedly, "So consistent, Hoshiumi!"
Off the court.
The Iwai coach looked calm despite Hoshiumi Mì's three-pointer.
Just one three.
Obviously, even the Iwai coach didn't pay it any mind.
Naturally, the Iwai players on the court didn't either.
Of course, they had done their homework on their opponents, but in reality, that was all based on last year's outdated information, so they hadn't made any specific plans for Hoshiumi Mì.
Iwai's offense.
Hoshiumi Mì directly matched up against their offensive core, the third-year Iwai captain, Mitsubayashi Koji. With his previous physical talent, it would have been impossible to lock down the taller, longer Mitsubayashi Koji.
But...
'System!'
Buzz~
The familiar panel appeared before his eyes again. This time, the new 'preview package' occupied the center. The previously completed 'Try Not to Miss' had been moved to the collection list.
[Future Preview Details...]
[Dance of the Spider's Legs: During the 10-minute duration of the first playback, your 1v1 defense will have an average success rate of 80%.]
[Play?]
'Yes!'
The next moment, Hoshiumi Mì felt as if his feet were much lighter, and his whole body felt relaxed and powerful. A top-tier defensive ability far beyond his current level was infused into him, allowing him to touch a completely new world a player could reach!
At this time, Tsugawa Tomoki dribbled past half-court and passed the ball to Mitsubayashi Koji.
Standing in front of Mitsubayashi Koji... was Hoshiumi Mì!
The Kamomedai students in the crowd couldn't help but be a little surprised.
"Eh?!"
"Hoshiumi is going to guard Mitsubayashi Koji?"
"He's half a head shorter than Mitsubayashi Koji, and his frame looks much thinner. I don't think he can guard Mitsubayashi Koji."
"Only Captain Imamatsu can barely match up with him..."
..................................................................................
"You dare to zone out in front of me?!"
Mitsubayashi Koji dribbled closer, but when he looked up, he saw that the #12 from Kamomedai had a somewhat... distant look in his eyes?
"Zoning out?"
You've got to be kidding!
This is called being at ease!
After all, even I don't know how strong my defense is right now!
"Come on!"
Hoshiumi Mì sank into his stance, one hand extended forward, beckoning to Mitsubayashi Koji!
"Hmph!"
"I hope you can be this arrogant later!"
Facing the shorter #12 from Kamomedai, Mitsubayashi Koji didn't choose to shoot from long range. Compared to his teammates, long-range shooting wasn't his preferred way of scoring. His favorite was the pull-up mid-range jumper after a half-drive. The distance was closer, the chance of making it higher!
Immediately... Mitsubayashi Koji lowered his body and attacked!
But Hoshiumi Mì's reaction was ridiculously fast! He kept his center of gravity extremely low, his feet moving in a strange yet swift pattern, instantly blocking Mitsubayashi Koji's driving lane!
Mitsubayashi Koji: "!?"
The defense Hoshiumi Mì displayed made Mitsubayashi Koji's pupils shrink!
He changed his dribbling rhythm, trying to force his way through on the right. But Hoshiumi Mì's feet quickly slid over again, blocking his path. Seeing that he couldn't get through, Mitsubayashi Koji immediately pivoted on his left foot and spun around, trying to break through from the left.
However...
Thump~
Thump~
Thump~
The personal skills Mitsubayashi Koji displayed... were useless!
Falling into his defensive stance, Hoshiumi Mì's mind suddenly entered a state of high concentration. His entire being was as quiet as a venomous spider waiting for its prey!
A lower defensive center of gravity, yet it brought swifter movement. Beautiful defensive footwork, it was almost as if he were dancing in step with Mitsubayashi Koji's dribble!
Concentrate...
Concentrate more...
Hoshiumi Mì: "!"
The three-point ability from the last 'Future Preview' was amazing enough, but the 'Dance of the Spider's Legs' from this 'Future Preview' was even more astonishing!
With his current abilities enhanced, Hoshiumi Mì could even 'sense' the airflow and vibrations from his opponent's attack. His neural reaction speed had also skyrocketed, completely overwhelming Mitsubayashi Koji's driving moves!
Perhaps it was the excitement building in his heart, or the effect of his ability, but at this moment, an aura was faintly condensing around his body, manifesting as pupils that had dilated wider and a darkness that almost threatened to spill out of them!
"Mitsubayashi Koji..."
"Faster!"
Hoshiumi Mì's tone was icy, perfectly matching his cold appearance. The depths of his eyes were so profound they seemed to want to swallow his opponent whole!
"Don't be so arrogant, you brat!"
He was getting impatient!
He accelerated with all his might, trying to break through to the right of Hoshiumi Mì's outstretched arms!
However... this time Hoshiumi Mì didn't even move his feet. He just maintained his defensive posture, not even turning his head. His left hand shot out like a sudden spray of venom!
Smack~!
A crisp sound brought Mitsubayashi Koji's swift movement to an abrupt halt. The wind from his sudden stop rustled Hoshiumi Mì's shuttlecock-like hair. The ball that should have been in Mitsubayashi Koji's hands, in the middle of a drive, was now suddenly in Hoshiumi Mì's!
"Eh?!"
"Are you... kidding me?!"
"Mitsubayashi Koji... got stripped clean?!"
"..."
"How did he do that??"
"Hoshiumi Mì's sudden display of defense is indeed impressive, but just now... it was like he was standing still, just casually reached out, and stole the ball?!"
Mitsubayashi Koji turned his head back in disbelief!
Hoshiumi Mì, having completed the steal on the spot, immediately glanced at the figure streaking towards the opponent's frontcourt like an arrow released from a bow!
Imamatsu Shinshu!
He forcefully threw the ball to the frontcourt with his left hand.
Imamatsu Shinshu caught the ball, took one dribble, and went up for a three-step layup.
Clang~!