Starter Team Results - Friendlys Incoming

The gym was filled with the sound of squeaking shoes and the heavy breathing of players winding down from the intense training match. Akira wiped sweat from his forehead with his sleeve, trying to catch his breath. As the players began to disperse, Coach Yamamoto called everyone to gather in the center of the court.

"Alright, guys! I've finalized the starting team and the reserve team for the upcoming friendlies," Coach Yamamoto announced, pacing slowly in front of them. His expression was serious, and the tension was palpable. "I need to make it clear that this lineup is not set in stone. It could change for the tournament depending on your performance."

The players exchanged nervous glances, each wondering where they stood. Akira kept his cool, but he couldn't help feeling a small thrill of anticipation.

"Starting as Center, Mitobe."

Mitobe exhaled quietly, visibly relieved. Akira glanced at him and nodded approvingly. Mitobe is solid, no doubt about that… But can he handle bigger opponents with his height? he wondered to himself. Still, there was no denying Mitobe's skill in the paint.

"As Power Forward, Daichi."

"What?!" Kenta's voice echoed across the gym, drawing everyone's attention. His face was a mix of shock and frustration. "Sorry, coach! I was just… a little outraged that this braggart beat me!" He shot a glare at Daichi, though there was a hint of respect in his eyes.

Coach Yamamoto smirked. "Keep improving, you'll have time, Kenta."

Akira stifled a laugh.

Kenta was a beast in terms of strength, but Daichi had more experience and finesse. For now, Daichi's the right choice, Kenta's fadeaway earlier was insane, but it was a lucky shot. He's got potential, but he's not quite there yet.

"As Small Forward, Renji."

There were murmurs from the veterans, clearly surprised by the decision. Renji, on the other hand, celebrated silently, clenching his fist with satisfaction. His determination had paid off.

"Renji, huh…" Akira muttered under his breath. "Not bad. He's earned it."

Hiroshi, the veteran Shooting Guard, watched Renji with a thoughtful expression. "Renji… So he's already snagged a starting spot. He really is an excellent player," Hiroshi mused, rubbing his chin.

Takeo, clicked his tongue in frustration. "I don't even care," he muttered, crossing his arms, "but he already took my spot."

Kenta turned toward Renji and gave him a thumbs-up, acknowledging his success. Renji responded with a nod, the mutual respect between them clear.

"As Point Guard, Hiroshi," Coach Yamamoto continued. "He will also be the team captain."

Akira saw Hiroshi straighten his posture, though the veteran remained calm, as if expecting the title.

"And lastly, as Shooting Guard… Akira."

No surprises there. Akira simply smiled, satisfied with his expected place in the starting lineup.

"The reserve team will be announced tomorrow," Coach Yamamoto said, putting his pen away. "I still have to finalize a few details. But that's it for today! Have a good night, gentlemen!"

As the coach left the gym, the players began to gather their things. Akira stretched, preparing to head home, he met up with Kazuya, and went home to rest.

This time, Akira woke up late, and didn't meet Kazuya on the way to school. When he was about to pass through the school gate, he heard a familiar energetic female voice.

"Hey, Kingsley!" A female voice, loud and energetic, stopped him in his tracks.

Turning around, Akira saw the club assistant who had helped him sign up for the team. She approached him with a bright grin. "So, Mr. Shooting Guard, it looks like you've made the starting lineup. Not bad for a rookie."

Keep cool… keep cool.

Akira chuckled. "I will do my best. You're, uh…" He squinted, trying to remember her name.

"Nanami, thanks for forgetting," she teased, rolling her eyes. "I'm the one who made sure all your paperwork was in order. You owe me big time."

"Right, Nanami! My bad." Akira grinned. "Thanks for that. I'll buy you orange juice or something."

Orange Juice?! Am I for real?

Nanami folded her arms. "Juice? Seriously? I was thinking more along the lines of an ice cream."

"Ice cream? Right! I can do that!"

She laughed, giving him a playful punch on the arm. "I'm just kidding, don't worry, but seriously, you've been killing it out there."

Akira blushed, patting himself behind the head.

"I… Thanks!"

The alarm sounded for the start of class, Nanami waved at him entering the school.

"See you later! Congratulations again!"

The classes are done, and after the final bell rang, the classroom began to buzz with activity as students packed up their things, eager to head home. Akira stretched his arms behind his head and glanced over at Kazuya, who was already half out of his seat, looking like he could run to the gym at any moment.

"Ready to go?" Kazuya asked, his voice brimming with excitement.

Akira grinned and grabbed his bag. "Yeah, let's see what Coach Yamamoto has planned for us."

The two made their way to the gym, weaving through the crowds of students still hanging around the school grounds. As they approached the gym doors, the familiar sound of sneakers squeaking on the polished wood and the echo of bouncing basketballs greeted them. The smell of sweat and adrenaline hit them as they entered, but it was oddly comforting. The gym was home.

Inside, most of the team was already there, stretching or casually shooting around. Coach Yamamoto stood near the center of the court, clipboard in hand, waiting for everyone to gather. Once all the players were present, the coach raised his voice.

"Alright, listen up, everyone!" Coach Yamamoto called, his voice cutting through the chatter. "I've finalized the reserve team, and I'll announce it now. Just like with the starting lineup, this isn't set in stone. These next few friendlies will determine if these positions hold, so don't get comfortable yet."

The room went quiet, tension thick in the air as everyone waited to hear the verdict. Akira folded his arms, watching intently.

"First up on the reserve team, Shinji Koganei," Coach said. "Then, Takeo Nakazu, Kenta Yamazaki, Noriaki Hensuke, and Kaigo Suzuki."

Akira glanced over at Kenta, who seemed to take the news in stride, his jaw clenched but no outburst this time. He's still got a lot to learn.

"And finally," Coach continued, "Kazuya Watanabe."

Kazuya's eyes widened in surprise before a huge grin spread across his face. He turned to Akira, barely able to contain his excitement. 

"I made it! I'm on the reserve team!" he practically shouted, his voice cracking with enthusiasm.

Akira smirked and gave him a playful nudge. "Of course you did. You've been working your tail off."

Kazuya laughed, bouncing on his toes like he couldn't stand still. "Yeah, but I didn't think it'd actually happen this soon. Thanks, Akira. You really helped me out. Those extra training sessions made all the difference."

"Don't mention it," Akira replied, shrugging it off like it was no big deal. "But you're not done yet. We've still got work to do."

"I'm counting on it!" Kazuya said, his eyes gleaming with determination.

Coach Yamamoto cleared his throat, drawing everyone's attention back. "Now, as for the schedule, we've got two friendly matches lined up. One next week and the other in three weeks. After that, we'll finalize the lineup for the tournament. So these games are your chance to prove yourselves. Understood?"

The team nodded in unison, the weight of the words sinking in. This was it—the final stretch before the tournament. Everyone knew these matches would make or break their chances.

Akira stood with his hands on his hips, a confident smile forming on his lips.

Friendlies, huh? He thought, his heartbeat already quickening with anticipation. Finally, I'll get to play without holding back.