Each student went through the various fundamental skill checks as the tryout continued. Layup shots, normal shots, three-pointers, dribbling, and defense were all assessed to gauge their abilities.
Evidently, some participants struggled with their fundamentals and were promptly placed in the third string. Although it was disheartening for them, their skills simply did not meet the desired level.
On the other hand, those who displayed extraordinary fundamentals were given the opportunity to engage in 1v1 matches against the senior overseeing their group. This group included the soon-to-be Generation Miracles.
Winning these matches was not a requirement, as the coach did not expect freshmen to prevail in such challenging matchups.
However, there were a few exceptions. Aomine's agility allowed him to bypass his opponent, showcasing his skills effortlessly. Midorima's exceptional shooting prowess impressed the onlookers. Akashi's remarkable dribbling abilities and tactical acumen were on full display. And Murasakibara's towering height and strength proved to be advantageous.
As the tryout drew to a close, all eyes were on Tsuna. A sense of anticipation filled the air, particularly from Aomine, eager to witness the skills Tsuna had honed during his time in the United States.
Knowing that Tsuna's opponent was none other than Nijimura, considered to be Teiko's best player, added to the anticipation of the match.
The two players faced off on the three-point line, ready for action.
"Freshman, you take offense, and I'll defend," Nijimura stated as he skillfully dribbled the ball from side to side.
"Alright," Tsuna responded with a calm demeanor, sizing up his opponent.
Without hesitation, Nijimura passed the ball to Tsuna, adjusted his stance, and prepared to defend.
As Tsuna caught the ball, a transformation seemed to occur. Even Nijimura, standing before him, felt the shift in energy and narrowed his eyes.
Aomine and the others also sensed the sudden change in the atmosphere, causing Aomine to wear a wide grin, excited at the prospect of facing off against Tsuna in the future.
Nijimura had already noticed Tsuna's exceptional skills during the earlier stages of the tryout. His solid fundamentals were a rarity among freshmen. However, he underestimated Tsuna's abilities.
Observing Tsuna standing before him, Nijimura silently acknowledged his mistake. "It seems I shouldn't have underestimated this freshman."
Tsuna began to dribble the ball, his movements were fluid and quick. As he advanced, Nijimura attempted to impede his progress.
Tsuna gazed at Nijimura, who was defending him, and a slight smile graced his face. Suddenly, his dribbling speed escalated from ordinary to astonishingly fast.
Tsuna's lightning-quick dribbling left Nijimura astonished. His eyes struggled to keep up with the ball. "What on earth!?"
Akashi, observing from the sidelines, showed a hint of surprise. Midorima adjusted his glasses, focusing intently on the 1v1 match. Even Murasakibara, who typically lacked interest, watched attentively as he munched on a snack given to him by his homeroom teacher.
Seizing the opportunity presented by Nijimura's astonishment, Tsuna swiftly maneuvered past Nijimura's left side.
However, Nijimura, as the captain of the first string, was not to be underestimated. Witnessing Tsuna's move, Nijimura reacted quickly, attempting to impede Tsuna's progress.
But just as Nijimura believed he had followed Tsuna successfully, Tsuna swiftly changed direction, crossing over to the right side in an instant. This caught Nijimura off guard, leaving him unable to respond.
It wasn't a matter of being unprepared. Nijimura couldn't even react to Tsuna's lightning speed.
"Too fast! It's beyond the capabilities of a middle school student!" Nijimura thought, his eyes widening in disbelief.
With Nijimura bypassed, Tsuna flawlessly executed a layup shot, securing his victory in the first game.
Tsuna, with a sense of confidence, believed that his impressive performance would secure his place in the first string. He gazed at the bewildered Nijimura, contemplating the outcome.
Nijimura, still in a state of surprise, acknowledged Tsuna's skill and found himself intrigued by the freshman's abilities. He turned to face Tsunayoshi, who remained composed while holding the ball.
Witnessing Tsuna's nonchalant expression, Nijimura felt a surge of excitement, considering it a challenge to play against such a talented player. However, their interaction was interrupted as the door swung open, and Assistant Coach Sanada entered the room.
Nijimura muttered in surprise, recognizing the presence of Assistant Coach Sanada during their tryout. Sanada approached them, questioning Nijimura about the progress of the tryout.
"Nijimura, have you completed the tryout? We're running out of time," Sanada inquired, closing the distance between them.
Nijimura paused for a moment, contemplating the situation. While he wished to continue playing against Tsuna, the time constraints demanded immediate resolution.
"Yes, we're done," Nijimura responded, a tinge of disappointment in his voice. Although he regretted the limited opportunity to engage further with a skilled player like Tsuna, they needed to conclude the tryout promptly.
"Here's the report for today's tryout," Nijimura gestured to a senior member of the first string, who handed the report to Assistant Coach Sanada.
Examining the report in his hand, Sanada adjusted his glasses, his eyebrows raising in surprise. The report exceeded his expectations, revealing a number of talented players among the freshmen.
"Alright, as we have been instructed to conclude club activities soon, I will now announce the new additions to our team," Sanada addressed the freshmen, his voice carrying authority.
"Those of you who participated in the 1v1 matches will be placed in the second string. However, there are exceptions this time, as a select few will be placed in the first string," Sanada continued, opening the report file in his hand and preparing to call out the names.
"What? Does that even possible?"
"...This should be the first time ever, no?"
As Sanada mentioned it, the room buzzed with murmurs of surprise and disbelief. The idea of freshmen being placed directly into the first string was unheard of at Teiko Basketball Club.
The room fell into silence as Sanada announced the names, "Daiki Aomine, Seijuro Akashi, Shintaro Midorima, Atsushi Murasakibara, and... Minayoshi Kazama."
Gasps echoed through the room as everyone turned their attention to those that were called. The disbelief in their eyes matched the surprise in their murmurs. It was a rare occurrence for a freshman to join the first string immediately. Teiko's basketball history had never seen such an exception before.
"..."
Tsuna's expression turned somber upon hearing his name. His initial excitement about joining the club now seemed overshadowed by a lingering problem.
Deep in thought, Tsuna contemplated the need to speak with the coach later. His gaze shifted towards Momoi, who struggled to contain her amusement, covering her mouth to stifle her laughter.
"..."
Tsuna acknowledged his calm demeanor, considering his own capabilities and standings. However, this new development tested his mental resilience, stirring a hint of frustration within him.
Yet, after a moment of reflection, Tsuna let out an exhausted sigh, realizing that becoming upset would not resolve the situation.
"We warmly welcome you to the club. Remember to work hard and be every-victorious," Sanada concluded his speech, emphasizing the club's motto and core beliefs.
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