Chapter 161: Just a

The head coach of Yamagata Junior High is feeling a bit troubled right now.

The key to them defeating Teikou in this match lies with Hayama Kotaro.

If this team core cannot go on a killing spree like in previous matches, they will be in big trouble.

When it comes to roster depth and overall strength, no team is a match for Teikou this year; they can only rely on superstar tactics.

But if their own superstar isn't good enough to handle the opponent, what should they do?

"We'll run pick-and-rolls!" He soon had the answer.

Since I can't break through your lockdown one-on-one, I'll just play pick-and-rolls to avoid you.

"Wait, Coach, I still..."

"Hayama!" The coach stopped Hayama Kotaro from continuing, his expression stern. "This is no time to be willful. Do you really want to lose to Teikou again?"

Of course he didn't.

It's just...

To admit defeat just like this, Hayama Kotaro is truly unwilling.

He had already learned from the newspapers that Bai Jin Yongzhi had invited Tiandao.

If they become teammates in high school later, and he loses now, wouldn't that mean he'd have to be Tiandao's lackey in the future?

Hayama Kotaro doesn't believe anyone can refuse Rakuzan's invitation.

That is the number one powerhouse in the high school basketball scene.

The most championships, the most victories; joining Rakuzan is equivalent to having a spot in the National Tournament for all three years of high school.

If he performs well, he could even use this stepping stone to break into the professional scene, securing his future. But on the other hand, he really, really does not want to lose to Teikou.

Things are simpler on Teikou's side.

Bai Jin Gengzao doesn't need to make any arrangements at all; Tiandao has already solved the biggest trouble in his heart.

"How did you do that?" Seeing Tiandao come off the court, Aomine immediately asked impatiently.

"How did I do what?"

"That dribble of yours."

"Ah, that? Just go 'snap' with the dribble, then 'whoosh' to break through, and that's it."

"Snap, whoosh~ Don't you understand? It seems you guys lack intuition..."

Tiandao used both hands and feet to demonstrate for everyone, leaving his teammates with black lines all over their heads.

To hell with lacking intuition, do you even hear what you just said?

You're doing this on purpose, aren't you!

'Hahahaha!'

'That damn "snap" and "whoosh"—Kuroko was really right to find Tiandao to teach him how to play.'

'Tuition wasted!'

'Aomine and the others' expressions are so funny, they look like they want to hit someone.'

'Why do I suddenly want to beat him up so much?'

The viewer comment teachers laughed and complained, while Bai Jin Gengzao fell into thought.

"Did he really get inspired just by observing Hayama's Lightning Dribble twice?"

His talent is too astonishing.

He can be certain that Tiandao's dribbling is different from Hayama's Lightning Dribble.

Tiandao's dribbling is simply fast; it doesn't utilize the power of the fingertips.

What a terrifying basketball IQ!

This is just like the Lakers legend Jia Baer back in the day.

His signature move, the Skyhook, was something no one in the entire league, or even NBA history, could stop.

Once he entered the three-point line, it was equivalent to entering Jia Baer's shooting range.

Back then and later on, many centers tried to imitate this signature move; they didn't even need all of it, just five-tenths of the power would have been enough.

As a result, even today, no one has been able to learn five-tenths of the Skyhook.

Instead, his teammate, another Lakers legend, Magic Johnson, did it.

Although he couldn't do it as freakishly as Jia Baer—stepping inside the three-point line and hooking whenever he wanted—

he relied on his own formidable basketball IQ to improve it into a "Little Skyhook" that best suited himself.

It is exactly the same as Tiandao today.

It is not simple imitation, but the creation of a weapon exclusive to himself.

When this basketball IQ reaches a certain level, one can truly do whatever they want.

The match restarts.

In less than half a quarter, Tiandao has already racked up points, assists, and steals; all that's missing are rebounds and blocks.

The fast horses of Qunma County have lost their dignity in front of Teikou today.

Tiandao's cheerleaders are jumping wildly, and the fans are shouting loudly. The scouts from high school teams are frantically taking notes.

Yamagata's offense.

Right away, Hayama Kotaro uses a teammate's screen to face Midorima's defense, breaks into the paint, and scores with a layup while Murasakibara is helping on defense.

With the blessing of his "Wildness," this Lightning Beast is truly not afraid of the Generation of Miracles at this stage.

But anyone with a discerning eye can see that Hayama Kotaro's scoring is not as easy as it looks. ===== CHAPTER 163 =====