AN__:
Greetings,
I apologize for the delayed upload of this chapter. During the editing process, significant revisions were required, leading to the deletion of numerous paragraphs. This extensive editing and rewriting resulted in a longer-than-usual delay. Additionally, I had to ensure that the content made sense in the context of previous and upcoming chapters, which further contributed to the delay.
Regarding the final game, it is expected to span 6 to 7 parts. However, I would like to gather your opinions on the posting schedule. Should I release 10,000-word chapters twice a week or opt for 5,000-word chapters three to four times a week? Your preferences will guide my decision.
Thank you for your understanding and your input.
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"You guys did a great job, over there!"
Coach Kimura's voice resonated with pride and encouragement as he addressed his players during the break. His words were a testament to the remarkable effort they had put forth in the first quarter. He began by commending the team for their performance, highlighting their impressive display against Teiko, the reigning powerhouse of junior high basketball.
"Koganei, Hideki, you guys are stellar out there. I hope you can keep that energy the whole game."
With a warm and motivating tone, Coach Kimura praised the other players for their resilience and determination. He underlined the significance of being led by just one point against a formidable opponent like Teiko, emphasizing that this was an extraordinary achievement for a group of regular junior high players.
He recognized the standout defensive efforts of Koganei and Hideki, lauding their contributions in slowing down Teiko's star players. Coach Kimura's words were filled with genuine admiration for their performance on both ends of the court.
Kimura's praise was not just about the score but also about their unwavering spirit and their ability to adapt to the challenges presented by Teiko. He instilled confidence in his players and reminded them that they could compete at this level.
The players, listening intently to their coach, felt motivated and invigorated by his words, ready to continue the battle in the upcoming quarters. Kimura's encouragement was a source of inspiration that fueled their determination to give their all in the game.
Following his words of encouragement, Kimura proceeded to provide individual instructions to the players.
"Mitobe, you've only managed to secure two points in this quarter. I understand that you're up against Murasakibara, but that's not up to your usual standards," he began, addressing Mitobe directly. The young player wanted to respond but held back, listening to Kimura's guidance.
As he noticed Mitobe lowering his head, Kimura smiled with a hint of understanding, gently shaking his head. "You still have three more quarters to make an impact. There's no need to hang your head in disappointment," he reassured, urging the young player to regain his confidence before continuing.
"In the meantime, your contribution in assisting your teammates has been crucial. Your screens have played a pivotal role," he commended, keen on not being too harsh with his players, especially given their young age. They were just 15 years old, and Kimura believed in maintaining a balanced approach that didn't discourage them. Witnessing the faint glimmer of hope in Mitobe's expression, Kimura smiled and then turned his attention to the other players.
"Asuma, you're performing exceptionally well defending Aomine. Maintain that focus, and we might stand a chance," Kimura began, acknowledging Asuma's defensive prowess before offering a momentary pause. His gaze shifted to the Teiko bench as if contemplating something before he proceeded.
"They might choose to rest Aomine to calm him down. He's been rather restless after losing possession twice. In the second quarter, you can take on a more offensive role early on. Engage in off-ball cuts, move dynamically across the court, and ensure you provide your teammates with viable passing options at any given moment," Kimura explained, emphasizing Asuma's potential role as a support player.
Allowing his words to linger for a moment, he continued, now directing his attention to Kotaro, who had faced some challenges earlier.
"Kotaro, you can take a break. Your presence on the court could become a significant disadvantage for us at this juncture," Kimura said, delivering the news to the disappointed teenager. While Kotaro looked crestfallen, he understood that his defensive struggles had led to this decision. He held back his emotions, recognizing that his defensive vulnerability was the reason he would not be part of the action.
As Kimura prepared to elaborate on the decision, Hideki interjected, raising a pertinent concern. "I understand your point, Coach, but won't Teiko congest the paint if Kotaro is out? Apart from Koganei, he's the only one who consistently sinks three-pointers."
Kimura's choice to remove Kotaro from the game triggered mixed reactions among the players. The team huddled to discuss this strategy further, with Hideki pointing out the vital role Kotaro's three-point shooting played in creating spacing in the paint.
Kimura recognized the validity of Hideki's argument but remained resolute in his decision to bench Kotaro temporarily. "You're correct, Hideki. However, if he stays in, we're looking at Teiko converting 80 percent of their offensive plays against us. We can't afford that," Kimura explained, emphasizing his concern that Kotaro if left on the court, would be continuously exposed in the 1v1 matchups against Teiko's offense. Kimura's decision was a calculated move to shield Kotaro from being consistently targeted by Teiko's scoring.
The players comprehended the rationale behind Kimura's decision, understanding that it was a calculated risk to prevent Teiko from exploiting Kotaro's defensive weaknesses.
With no objections from the team, Kimura continued his instructions, directing his focus to Koganei and Hideki.
"Both of you are performing admirably, but I need more from you," he began, addressing Koganei while continuing. "You've been generating opportunities, primarily for yourself. I asked you to handle the ball not just to score but to distribute it as well," he finished, fixing his gaze on Koganei, who seemed taken aback by the directive.
Koganei, with a contemplative expression, retorted, "I understand what you mean, Coach. I see the passing lanes, but they're consistently blocked by Aomine and Akashi. If I attempt to pass to an open teammate, it's likely to be intercepted." His passing skills had not reached a high school tier yet. So, despite recognizing the available lanes, his skill didn't allow him to react quickly enough or deliver the ball with the precision necessary.
"Have you not been practicing with Mitobe these past few months?" Kimura questioned. "If the pick-and-roll is the only strategy you two have developed, I'd be quite disappointed. I believe you have the talent to do more," he added, his focus shifting to Hideki, effectively disregarding Koganei's revelation.
While Koganei and Mitobe had indeed been working on various plays in practice, they hadn't yet integrated them into a game. Koganei hesitated to employ these untested tactics. Nevertheless, with Kotaro sidelined, Teiko might accelerate the game's tempo and take the lead. Both Koganei and Hideki understood that they couldn't carry the team alone.
The two minutes and thirty seconds passed swiftly, signaled by the buzzer and the referees' calls to get the players back on the court. With some final instructions, Kimura dispatched his players, anticipating what they might deliver.
...
The beginning of the second quarter saw both teams making strategic adjustments to their lineups, responding to the evolving dynamics of the game. Yuuki Junior High made a significant change, opting to have Kotaro, a key player, take a breather on the bench. In his place, an individual wearing jersey number 24 entered the game, looking to make an impact and contribute to the team's performance.
On the other side of the court, Teiko Junior High decided to give Aomine a short break, mainly to help him regain composure and focus. Stepping onto the court in place of Aomine was an individual donning the number 5 jersey, ready to uphold Teiko's high standards of play.
With these lineup changes, the second quarter started with Yuuki in possession of the ball, and the scoreboard showed Yuuki trailing by a single point. For Yuuki, maintaining the competitiveness of the game was paramount, and they showed their determination from the get-go.
As Koganei, their star player, dribbled the ball up the court, he was met by the formidable presence of Teiko's captain, Akashi. Yuuki's approach remained simple and efficient as they aimed to keep their offensive plays crisp and their execution on point.
In this early phase of the second quarter, Koganei decided to set a straightforward play into motion. He called for a pick, with Mitobe coming up to provide the screen. The pick allowed Koganei to get a step ahead of Akashi, although the Teiko captain was quick to recover and shadow his every move. Murasakibara, Teiko's imposing big man, joined the defensive effort, converging on Koganei to create a double-team situation while also cutting off passing lanes.
Koganei, however, leveraged his wealth of experience in high-stakes basketball. He executed a swift dribble move, seemingly attempting to create separation from his defenders. As Akashi and Murasakibara reacted to this, looking to trap him and deny any open passing options, Koganei made a solid pass to Asuma. The pass, while not particularly flashy, was effective in reaching its target.
Asuma, who had cut toward the basket from the corner, received the pass in stride and capitalized on this well-executed play by scoring an easy layup. This basket allowed Yuuki to recapture a one-point lead, and the scoreboard read 21 to 20 in their favor.
Teiko's players were well aware of Koganei's caliber as a basketball player. In their eyes, he belonged to the group of individuals whose skills and experience could be compared to the likes of Hisashi Mitsui, Reo Mibuchi, Shinichi Maki, Teppei Kiyoshi, and several other outstanding players. While Koganei may not have possessed the raw talent and abilities of the Generation of Miracles, his wealth of experience, basketball IQ, and solid individual skills were factors that couldn't be overlooked.
Teiko had faced players of Koganei's caliber before, and they recognized that these formidable individuals could challenge the Generation of Miracles in one-on-one situations. They were adept at creating opportunities and scoring points, but they often faced limitations when it came to winning games due to their teammates' relative weaknesses in comparison to the GoM.
For Akashi, Koganei was now placed firmly within this category of talented players. Akashi's acknowledgment of Koganei's abilities served as a signal to Teiko that it was time to take the game extremely seriously. The challenge presented by Yuuki Junior High, led by Koganei, required a focused and determined approach, as they knew that underestimating this formidable opponent could lead to unforeseen complications in the match.
With Akashi at the helm, Teiko aimed to demonstrate their strength as a collective unit while keeping a watchful eye on Koganei and his team's crafty plays. The game was far from over, and Teiko understood the need to bring their A-game to maintain their status as a powerhouse in Japanese high school basketball.
Akashi continued to display his prowess as he dribbled the ball up the court. His keen eyes assessed the court, searching for potential opportunities to exploit. While the player wearing number 25, who had replaced Kotaro on the floor, was noted for his defensive capabilities, he wasn't on the same level as the Generation of Miracles in guarding top-tier opponents.
Undaunted by the change in Yuuki Junior High's lineup, Akashi executed a play that had proven effective in the previous possessions. As he once again found himself standing on the wing, facing number 25, he employed his signature moves. A swift jab step, followed by a precise crossover dribble, and then a behind-the-back dribble - these calculated actions unfolded almost too quickly for number 25 to react effectively.
Even though the defender put up a valiant effort, he was unable to keep pace with Akashi's exceptional ball-handling skills and agility. Akashi capitalized on the open path to the basket and effortlessly scored a layup, giving Teiko the lead.
Koganei, not one to be outdone, decided to showcase his basketball prowess. He executed a play similar to the one performed by Akashi and soon found himself in a one-on-one situation against Teiko's number 5. As the two locked eyes, Koganei plotted his next move.
With precision, Koganei executed a delayed between-the-legs dribble, a move that momentarily froze his defender, number 5. Seizing this opportunity, Koganei unleashed a burst of explosive speed, propelling himself past his opponent. His agile maneuver left number 5 in the dust, struggling to catch up.
Recognizing the imminent threat, Kise, who was closest to the action, sprinted over to provide defensive support. However, Koganei's quick decision-making came into play. He swiftly dished the ball to Hideki, who was left unguarded due to Kise's help defense. With a poised and precise shot, Hideki sank an open mid-range jumper.
The game continued to intensify, with Koganei and Hideki taking turns to showcase their individual skills, often creating isolation plays against Teiko's number 5. When faced with defenders or double-teams, both players displayed excellent court awareness by passing the ball to open teammates, who made the most of the opportunities presented to them.
On the Teiko side, the Generation of Miracles continued to create mismatches through their collective prowess. The competitive spirit of the contest was evident as even Hideki found himself defending Murasakibara one-on-one in the post, emphasizing the versatility and depth of both teams.
With seven minutes remaining before halftime, the score remained close, with Teiko holding a slight lead at 29-26, largely thanks to Midorima's three-pointers. The return of Aomine and Kotaro further solidified both lineups. Meanwhile, on Yuuki's side, Asuma, who had expended considerable energy, was subbed out, allowing fresh legs to enter the game.
...
"Atsushi, for the next few minutes, you'll have the ball in your hands, and you can freely attack the rim. Mitobe is exhausted and won't be able to stop you from scoring," Akashi directed as he received the inbound pass from Murasakibara. The giant player cast his eyes on Mitobe, his demeanor displaying a degree of boredom.
"I understand," he responded, looking somewhat disinterested. His previous duel with Teppei Kiyoshi had been so intense that facing Mitobe now felt like a walk in the park. "It's too easy," he mused as he continued to assess Mitobe's condition.
Mitobe's fatigue was evident to anyone, even children watching from a distance. However, Yuuki Junior High lacked a center capable of matching his level of play.
As Akashi advanced into the frontcourt, he immediately passed the ball to Murasakibara in the low post. The towering player wasted no time, aware that Koganei would rush in to assist his teammate on defense. He had to act swiftly.
Upon receiving the ball, Murasakibara initiated a dribble and used his formidable frame to back Mitobe down. He repeated this process twice more, creating enough space to pivot and execute a powerful dunk, increasing Teiko's lead to 31-26. Their dominance in the game was becoming increasingly apparent.
Koganei was determined not to allow the point difference to further expand. So, he turned to Mitobe after receiving the inbound pass from him.
"We're going to execute the play we've been practicing in recent months," Koganei announced as he began to dribble the ball up the court, with Mitobe keeping pace beside him.
"Do you really want to use it?" Mitobe expressed his doubts, questioning whether this play would be effective against a powerhouse like Teiko. Koganei responded by giving Mitobe a reassuring pat on the back.
"Don't worry. It's not like we have any other options against them," Koganei assured him. "Besides, you'll be substituted soon. There's no need to stress about things at this stage of the game."
Koganei wore a kind smile, although he, too, was feeling the effects of fatigue. In important games, Coach Kimura typically relied on an eight-man rotation consisting of Shinji, Mitobe, Hideki, Kotaro, Asuma, number 25, number 2, and the talented second-year player, Damien Kawai. Except for Damien, who joined the team during the summer break, all members of this rotation were third-year players.
During their match against Seki Junior High, Kimura displayed confidence, even if the game proved to be a closer contest than expected. He understood that their victory was all but assured. The team had previously defeated Seki before Koganei had reached his current level of skill, so there was no reason they couldn't win now. Consequently, Kimura ensured that everyone, including the second and first-year players, received playing time in that game to gain valuable experience. The game became unusually close due to several factors, including his obsession with making everybody play and the unexpectedly strong performance of Minoru.
However, he couldn't allow himself that during this game. So, he planned to keep the rotation tight and allow his main players a lot of playing time.
Reaching the frontcourt before Koganei, Rinnosuke Mitobe ventured out toward the three-point line, a move designed to stretch the defense and set up an opportunity for Shinji Koganei to exploit Akashi's positioning. As Koganei dribbled the ball up the court, Mitobe established himself beyond the arc. Instead of rolling toward the basket, as is typical in a pick-and-roll, Mitobe made a strategic decision to remain at the three-point line, which caught the Teiko defenders off guard.
Koganei recognized this defensive hesitation and made a pass back to Mitobe. Uncertainty loomed as Murasakibara, Teiko's massive presence in the paint, considered the possibility of Mitobe taking a three-point shot. He swiftly dashed out to contest the shot, which left Akashi and Koganei alone in the paint area.
Koganei, showing his basketball IQ and craftiness, used a subtle shoulder push to create a bit of space between himself and Akashi before making his move toward the three-point line. Akashi reacted swiftly and pursued Koganei to contest the shot. As Koganei reached the perimeter, the two players executed a beautifully coordinated dribble hand-off, with Mitobe transferring the ball to Koganei.
This sequence also featured Mitobe setting a screen in front of Akashi, creating additional separation for Koganei. Crucially, Murasakibara, who was unaware of this intricate play developing, maintained his position and continued defending Mitobe, allowing Koganei to release a wide-open three-pointer. The ball left Koganei's hand and gracefully found the net, reducing the score to 31-29. The crowd erupted with excitement at the execution of this well-designed and perfectly executed play by Yuuki Junior High
...
Witnessing the successful execution of the self-made play, Kimura couldn't contain his excitement. In junior high-level basketball games, complex tactical plays were a rarity. Most coaches relied on isolation plays for their star players and straightforward pick-and-roll strategies for the rest of the team.
Kimura was well aware that these plays, although labeled as tactical, were fairly basic. Junior high players typically lacked the experience and skill to execute more intricate strategies. Thus, seeing his two players seamlessly implement their innovative play filled him with immense satisfaction.
As he contemplated how to involve the other players in such tactical plays in the future, a sobering thought crossed his mind, momentarily dampening his excitement.
"What if I don't win this game?" Kimura pondered, recalling a recent conversation he had with the principal of Yuuki Junior High. The principal had provided numerous justifications for the ultimatum he'd issued to Kimura, despite the coach's commendable track record over the past three years.
Kimura, however, recognized the underlying motive behind this ultimatum, which was not explicitly stated. "One of the principal's grandkids wants to take over as Yuuki's coach," he surmised, his expression wry.
Kimura was a pragmatic man who grasped the realities of the situation. With his current team, beating Teiko was a near-impossible goal for them.
However, faced with the daunting prospect of defeating Teiko with only Koganei and Hideki, Kimura couldn't help but smile when he looked at the bench and spotted Damien Kawai, the talented mixed-race Japanese-American newcomer to the team. A glimmer of hope arose in Kimura's mind.
"We might still have a chance," he mused, a determined look on his face.
...
A while later, Midorima missed a heavily contested three-pointer and Hideki secured the rebound. He immediately noticed Shinji Koganei breaking away and sprinting up the court. Determined to capitalize on the momentum, Hideki decided to take charge and handle the ball himself.
As he crossed into the frontcourt, he found himself confronted by Teiko's Kise, who was known for his defensive prowess. The pressure was on, but Hideki remained calm and focused. He surveyed the court, fully aware of Koganei's movement. Recognizing an opening, Koganei utilized a screen set by Mitobe, allowing him to sprint from one corner to the opposite wing.
When Koganei received the pass, Akashi's coverage was swift and suffocating, leaving Koganei with little time to execute a shot. However, Koganei displayed his veteran basketball IQ. He decided to go to work in the mid-range area near the baseline, initiating a post-up play. With his significant strength advantage over Akashi, he muscled his way to create space by pushing his defender.
Then, in a skillful pivot, Koganei spun around and launched a picture-perfect fade-away shot. The ball left his fingertips with grace, swishing through the net, as he secured two crucial points. This skillful play tied the score at 31-31, igniting excitement among the spectators and demonstrating that Yuuki Junior High was a force to be reckoned with in the championship game.
As the ball swished through the hoop, Midorima, who was positioned near the paint, swiftly retrieved it and sent a pass to Aomine. Teiko's star player had already crossed the half-court line, and with no defenders nearby, he surged toward the basket. In a graceful display of athleticism, Aomine leaped into the air and slammed the ball through the hoop, completing a resounding dunk that extended Teiko's lead to two points.
Yuuki Junior High's number 2 and Hideki had just managed to reach their backcourt when Aomine executed the dunk. They could only watch in awe as Aomine elevated for the powerful slam. However, the Yuuki players were unfazed and quickly inbounded the ball to Hideki, who, with remarkable speed, dribbled it up the court.
As Hideki approached the frontcourt, he found himself facing Kise, who was positioned in his path. Without hesitation, Hideki executed a skillful hesitation dribble move, momentarily deceiving Kise. Seizing the opportunity, Hideki burst past Kise with exceptional speed, leaving him in the dust. With the path to the paint now open, Hideki observed the court. Murasakibara had followed Mitobe out of the paint, Aomine was stationed near Koganei to intercept passes, and the rest of the Teiko players were closely guarding their respective opponents.
Hideki made a quick decision and opted for a layup as he approached the basket. In response, the athletic Kise leaped into the air, fully prepared to block the shot. However, with an acute awareness of Kise's defensive effort, Hideki extended his arm to its maximum reach and skillfully released the ball off the backboard. Kise made a desperate swipe, but his hand missed the ball entirely, leaving nothing but air. The ball kissed the backboard and dropped through the hoop, leveling the score once more.
Observing this fantastic play, Koganei shook his head in amazement. He had first-hand experience and knew the profound contrast in skill between the Junior High and High School levels. As Hideki released that layup, Koganei recognized the disparity in the teenagers' finishing abilities, particularly compared to their game against Seki Junior High.
"His finishing ability has broken through the High School tier," Koganei mused, a contented smile gracing his face. He had finally found a reliable partner to assist him for the remainder of the game.
...
"Hey, pass me the ball. I've got something figured out," Aomine called out to Akashi as Akashi was gearing up to bring the ball up the court. Akashi peered deeply into Aomine's eyes and detected nothing but resolve and a burning desire.
With a slight grin, Akashi inquired, "You want to take him on one-on-one?"
In response to the question, Aomine nodded, directing his gaze towards Koganei.
While seated on the bench, Aomine mulled over his matchup with Koganei. Initially, he managed to score, and it wasn't easy, but it was attainable as he found a way twice. However, as time passed, it became progressively challenging to keep adding points.
It was as if Koganei had deciphered Aomine's intentions and was constantly shadowing his every move, intercepting him before he could even execute his planned actions.
As he pondered strategies to outmaneuver this tenacious opponent, his coach, recognizing Aomine's thoughts, chimed in, "You tend to rely on the same moves quite often. By counting your dribbles before you attack and discerning your dribbling rhythm, he can anticipate your actions and block your path. He's an excellent defender."
Upon absorbing this insight, Aomine had an epiphany.
'What if I employ a defensive approach on the offensive end? Rather than preplanning my moves, why not adapt to the circumstances and counter whatever defensive tactics he employs?'
With a broad grin, he prepared himself to put this idea into action.
...
As Akashi initiated the pick-and-roll play with Aomine, the dynamics of the game began to shift. Aomine now found himself under the watchful defense of Shinji Koganei, who was prepared to lock down Teiko's star player.
The ball was in Aomine's hands, and with a live dribble, he seemed to be setting up his next move. Koganei, a seasoned defender with years of experience, was quick to analyze the situation, mentally counting Aomine's dribbles as he prepared to defend against Aomine's renowned scoring skills. "One, two," Koganei counted in his head, ready to react to Aomine's imminent attack.
Just as Aomine was about to take his anticipated third dribble, he unleashed a lightning-quick crossover that left Koganei momentarily off balance. The sudden change in direction allowed Aomine to blow by Koganei with remarkable speed as he drove towards the basket. Koganei's extensive experience on the court came into play as he managed to recover and apply relentless pressure on Aomine, refusing to give him an easy path to the rim.
Koganei anticipated that Aomine might execute a snatch-back dribble, a signature move to create separation and leave defenders in the dust. So, he readied himself to intercept the ball, relying on his defensive instincts and knowledge of Aomine's playing style. His focus was laser-sharp.
However, Aomine had other plans. Instead of opting for the expected snatch-back, he shifted his dribbling rhythm with a hesitation move that left Koganei momentarily frozen in his tracks. This subtle change in tempo created a critical split-second opening for Aomine to exploit. Seizing the opportunity, Aomine burst toward the rim with incredible speed and power.
In a breathtaking display of athleticism and finesse, Aomine elevated above the defense.
With the crowd holding its collective breath, he unleashed a high-flying dunk, his powerful drive culminating in an emphatic and gravity-defying finish. The arena erupted in a roar of amazement, appreciating the sheer athleticism and skill on display.
Aomine's explosive dunk electrified the atmosphere in the stadium. The moment the ball thunderously slammed through the hoop, Aomine let out a triumphant and exhilarated yell, a vocal embodiment of his newfound energy and determination. His roar resonated throughout the arena, echoing his excitement at successfully overcoming a formidable defender and finding an effective scoring solution.
The crowd was fervently caught up in the intensity of the game and couldn't help but join in. A wave of euphoria surged through the spectators as they witnessed Aomine's display of skill and athleticism. In a spontaneous chorus of cheers, the fans yelled in unison, their voices reaching a crescendo that reverberated throughout the stadium.
The combination of Aomine's elation and the crowd's thunderous response created a palpable surge of energy in the arena as if the entire stadium had come alive. The excitement was contagious, infusing the game with an electric atmosphere that left everyone, both on and off the court, buzzing with anticipation for what would come next in this fiercely competitive matchup.
...
Observing the enthusiastic Aomine, Koganei couldn't help but shake his head.
'How has his overall skill level reached the high school tier already? Was I used as a stepping stone?'
These thoughts raced through his mind, leaving him surprised and in awe of Aomine and the other members of the Generation of Miracles.
During his training for the Winter Cup competition, Koganei diligently studied the abilities he had gained upon entering this new body. In addition to his heightened physical capabilities, he possessed a unique talent – the ability to assess and evaluate the skill levels of individuals after observing them in action.
Koganei had come to realize that there were eight distinct tiers of basketball skill. These tiers included the Youth League Tier, Junior High Tier, High School Tier, College Tier, Professional Tier, All-Star Tier, Superstar Tier, and Legendary Tier.
Furthermore, within each of these tiers, he had discerned five ranks: Newbie, Low, Mid, High, and Peak. These assessments covered all the fundamental basketball skills such as ball handling, passing, shooting, finishing, defending, and court awareness/basketball IQ, helping him to gauge and compare players' abilities effectively.
However, there were distinctions between skill tiers and overall tiers. An individual's overall tier represented their combined skill level across various basketball aspects, while skill tiers referred to the tier at which each specific skill resided.
To achieve a High School Tier overall classification, a player must have at least four of their six skills at the High School Tier or higher. The same criteria applied to all the other skill tiers.
Koganei himself was on the verge of breaking into the High School Tier classification. Currently, two of his skills—shooting and defending—had reached the Newbie-rank High School Tier. Furthermore, his basketball IQ had already reached the peak rank within the High School Tier. His previous life as a professional player undoubtedly influenced this exceptional progress.
This meant he was just one skill away from becoming an official High School Tier player. Yet, he was not alone in this situation, as many members of the Generation of Miracles and other gifted players were in a similar position, and they had several years left before reaching the High School Tier. Their incredible talent was nothing short of extraordinary, seemingly exceeding national standards.
What set the Generation of Miracles, along with players like Koganei, Mitsui, Maki, Mibushi, Kiyoshi, Hanamiya, and others, apart from the rest was that they had all reached the peak rank in at least one of their skills. Koganei had gleaned that an individual could potentially advance to the next tier after reaching the high rank within their current one. However, most players in Japan typically required their entire three years of high school to attain this status, leaving them no room to progress further within the same tier.
Hence, achieving the peak rank during one's second year was a testament to remarkable talent and dedication, often considered a pathway to reaching the NBA in the future. Among the Generation of Miracles, Kise was the sole exception to the peak rank in all six skills, since the rest of the members had already reached the High School Tier in several areas.
In Koganei's case, both his ball handling and finishing skills had already ascended to the peak rank within the Junior High School Tier. His passing skill, while not yet at that level, was steadily improving. This put him in a superior position compared to other acknowledged basketball prodigies.
For instance, consider Mitsui, who had recently played against Teiko during the national competition. In an intense game that ended in overtime, Mitsui's team narrowly lost. Reviewing the game footage, Koganei discerned that Mitsui's shooting and ball-handling skills had already reached the High School Tier even before he transitioned to high school. This implied that they must have attained the peak rank in the Junior High School Tier. However, Mitsui's other skills were far from reaching this level, barely making it to the High-rank.
This pattern of unbalanced skill development was a common theme among most recognized genius players. Only one or two of their skills would ascend to the peak rank, while the rest struggled to attain even the high rank. It was a challenge to balance skill progression in all areas.
However, the Generation of Miracles was unique in this regard. Every one of their skills was well on its way to reaching the Peak-rank, which set them apart from players like Koganei, Mitsui, and Kiyoshi, and was a testament to their extraordinary talent and dedication.