Second Year Middle School Prologue

After the Nationals the team went back on training the whole year to build up their ongoing synergy, and Hideki has to adjust without his running mate Benjie on the team. Just like the last time, the members were given training freedom to choose the path they want to take, what skills they want to achieve by the end of the year.

For Hideki, initially he wanted to learn about leadership as he will be the Captain this year with Morioka as the vice-captain. You may think why Hideki is made captain, and why is everybody okay with it? Well it was an almost unanimous decision, Hideki was the one who didn't want to be captain, but everybody forced it on him. Well, he has no choice now, so Tanaka will show him the ropes on how to lead the team.

On to the skills training, Hideki now wants to train on his offensive skills stopping Teiko's offense was one thing but producing more quality shots was difficult, and his style of attack won't work in the long run especially if he's tired, he won't be able to jump high and he can't accelerate anymore if he's tired right? So he will work on his jump shots.

Hideki asked Coach Suzuki for jump shot advice, and they trained for the whole year on his jump shots, Coach Suzuki taught him the fundamentals and mechanics of jump shooting and of course the fabled "follow through". 

By the end of the year, he now has a below-average reliable jumper.

To compare his tryouts with the team, ouf of 50 shots (25 perimeter and 25 three point) he can only sink 8 perimeter and 5 three point shots. But now he can sink 10 perimeter and 8 three pointers.

But at the end of the year also, Coach Suzuki told him, "Hideki-kun I apologize but I don't anymore to teach you, I would only advise you to incorporate shooting in your warmups to increase your shot's accuracy." But Coach Suzuki raised a finger and told Hideki "But I think your grandfather knows somebody who can teach you about shooting? I think it would be better to ask him than me, I am just a coach who's great at thinking strategies and plays, and fundamentals are not my forte. Again I apologize"

Hideki told his coach that he's still thankful for the teachings and he will get advise from his grandfather for a shooting coach.

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Hideki called his grandfather and told him that he needs advise on shooting, his grandfather told him the same thing and told him defense is his fundamental bread and butter but he told him that Hideki know's a person who can coach him in shooting.

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A week passed by and that person was Kagetora Aida, his godfather in all but paper signing. He remembered that Kagetora was a former Japanese National Player. Firstly he dialled up Riko's number and called her to ask her father, he knew Kagetora was a very doting father and won't say no to her.

The conversation went like this.

Hideki: Hey Riko-chan, can you tell your dad I want him to coach me on my shooting? I felt that I need to shoot more in my 2nd and 3rd year of Middle School.

Riko: Hey Hideki-kun, sure, I'll tell dad to help you. Also since it's the summer vacation, can I also help?

H: Sure, the more the merrier. Thanks Riko! I owe you one.

R: Welcome Hideki-kun! I'm glad to help you!

Kagetora sneaks in behind Riko and said

Kagetora: Was that Hideki?

Riko screamed and punched her dad square in the face.

R: Oh my God dad, why are sneaking up on me!

K: I though you were talking to a boy, my daddy senses were tingling.

Riko cringed and said "Well, yeah that was Hideki. And he's asking for a favour"

Kagetora was shocked and Riko told him "He wants you to coach him about shooting"

Kagetora thought about it and said "Hmm, I don't think I want to coach him." 

Riko furrowed her brows and said "Dad remember your promise to him when we were 4 years old. And if you'll not help him then I will help Hideki-kun." Riko then posed cutely and added a wink and "tee hee" at the end. This made Kagetora's blood boil, thinking Hideki corrupted his beloved daughter.

Riko quickly texted Hideki, "Sorry if you felt cold and a little threatened, dad initially didn't want to help you but I threw myself in the fire so he'll help you"

Hideki texted back and said "Thanks, I felt that from here, and don't worry I can handle all the things your old man can throw at me. Just not guns"

Both Hideki and Riko laughed at that text.

But the first hald of summer, Hideki didn't laugh anymore, Kagetora threw balls at Hideki like he wants to murder him, well, the balls are the only throwable objects that Hideki wants, the others he dodged, even a toy gun, which freaked out Hideki and Riko who pucnhed her dad with a left jab right uppercut combo. 

This was how Hideki spent his long vacation, training his jump shots, hoping he will use them against Teiko in the next tournament.