5 Hirosaki High School!
AN__: Hello! This is today's chapter.
As usual, if you find any mistakes, please point them out. I want this story to be readable, at least.
Also, what do you think about the world-building?
It's an alternate universe, so I have to make up a lot of things. I hope none of the chapters seem like info-dumps. I'm trying to show more of this new world without overwhelming you guys.
Anyway, I hope you have a great time reading the chapter.
...
On a bright and sunny afternoon at the familiar basketball court, Takeshi and Kenji found themselves facing each other once again. Their previous one-on-one game had left an impression on both of them and now they stood together, ready to embark on a training session.
Takeshi, who had always been known for his stoic and determined demeanor, was the first to speak, acknowledging the intensity of their prior encounter.
"Kenji," Takeshi began, "I've been thinking about that game we had the other day. It was quite an experience." Although he was a former professional himself, it's always difficult to self-assess your skills with minimal error.
So, playing against Kenji, who had a pretty good level among professionals, in Takeshi's opinion, made him realize a lot of weaknesses he didn't notice before that game. However, he also discovered that he wasn't as bad as he thought. That's why he changed the assessment he gave himself a couple of days prior.
As of now, Takeshi believes that his defensive skills are at level 6, above his current group. Thanks to his natural fitness and the experience he gathered by playing at a high level, Takeshi believes that a high school player in Japan can beat him one-on-one. However, he will still watch films of pro players and try to improve. In this life, he would never allow himself to slack off.
On the other hand, he decreased the level of his ability to finish at the rim. Instead of level 3, Takeshi put it at level 2 now. However, that may change later as he doesn't know how it would fare against Japan's high school players. Everything else stayed the same, though. He doesn't have enough information on Japan's high school level to assess his skills and organize them into levels.
As Takeshi was thinking about gathering information, Kenji, the seasoned player with years of basketball wisdom, responded with a subtle smile.
"Yes, it was," Kenji replied, nodding in agreement. "You've got potential, Takeshi. It's clear you're serious about honing your skills." He appreciated Takeshi's straightforward approach and respected the young player's dedication to the game.
As they stood there discussing yesterday's match, Takeshi couldn't help but wonder what had brought Kenji back to the court today. He hadn't expected to see him again so soon after their intense one-on-one game. Takeshi's curiosity got the better of him, and he decided to voice his thoughts.
"Kenji, what brings you here today? Are you looking for another game?" Takeshi asked with a hint of surprise in his voice.
Kenji chuckled softly, revealing his intentions. "Not exactly, Takeshi. I was wondering if you'd be interested in training together. You've got potential, and I believe I can help you take your game to the next level." Responded Kenji, a soft smile on his face.
Takeshi's surprise was evident, but he quickly understood the value of such an opportunity. He was a former professional. However, he doesn't know or understand how to train efficiently. Although he had been training a lot these past few days, he felt like those sessions were less organized, methodical, and efficient than the sessions he did in his previous life.
What if Kenji's methods were better than his? He would have to drag the old man to the court every day. Nonetheless, it never hurts to try even if the result might disappoint you.
"Training together?" Takeshi repeated, his stoic demeanor masking his inner excitement. "I'm surprised, but I'm in. Let's do it." Answered Takeshi, his eyes glistening with excitement, to Kenji's delight. Although a lot of people love basketball in this world, it's rare for them to treat the sport as religiously as Takeshi does.
However, Kenji didn't point anything out and went straight to business.
Holding a basketball as they both stood on one side of the court, Kenji started speaking. "The game we played yesterday was very informative to your style of play." He started, looking at the stunned Takeshi with a smile. However, the middle-aged man continued talking, not giving the younger guy a chance to react.
"You're a very defensive-minded player. Although you rarely try to steal the ball or block your opponents, you're always trying to force them into making errors, trying to put them in the cage so they can't use their teammate's help to deal with you." Kenji paused for a quick second and gathered his thoughts before speaking again.
"You're a lockdown defender. I guess during your middle school days you were in charge of defending the opposite team's best players. Am I right?"
Takeshi nodded after hearing Kenji's question. From his middle school days to his little time in high school, college, and the professional league, he has always been tasked to defend the opposite teams' stronger players. Even when he became his team's star player, he was tasked with that.
"That's a good thing." Affirmed Kenji with a smile as he continued. "I don't know about the other countries. However, in Japan's high school basketball league, I haven't seen a player that could play you one-on-one and cleanly win." Finished Kenji, his tone of voice gradually becoming more serious.
Hearing the praise, Takeshi nodded his head while shrugging his shoulders as if he expected it, prompting the serious Kenji to smile once again.
"Good! I like confident players." He said while nodding his head before continuing. "However, don't grow conceited. You have a lot of work to do on offense."
"Tell me about it." Responded Takeshi, his demeanor becoming even more serious. He was about to judge whether Kenji was capable enough to train him.
As a trainer or coach, the first skill you must master is identifying the problems of your player, analyzing what he's doing wrong, how he did it wrong, and why he did it wrong. Only after understanding all those points can you effectively help the player develop. If, in Takeshi's mind, Kenji isn't able to somehow do that, he will search for a new basketball court and avoid coming to this one anymore.
"First of all, your ball handling is too shaky to be used in an official game. Defenders would relish playing against you since your teammates wouldn't trust you enough to hand you the ball unless it's to end a play. You have to work on improving your dribbling skills, especially while running at high speed." Spoke Kenji, laughing as Takeshi pursed his lips after he made the 'relish' comment. It was true, but nobody wanted to hear that.
Still, Kenji continued. "I noticed that you don't stick to the ball too much. You always try to end your attacks within five dribbles. You're very creative with your moves. That's a good habit to have, especially if you plan on taking it to the next level. In a high-level game, unless you're a star player, you will not have as many opportunities to dribble the ball as you'd like." Kenji praised while looking at Takeshi. However, as Takeshi thought, there was a but coming.
"-But, your ball-handling skills don't allow you to use that creativity. Another reason to focus on that. Aside from your dribbling, there is your shooting, but that will improve over time. There is no need to focus on that too much. Instead, we should improve your ability to finish at the rim. It's good, but it's not good enough for a slasher like you."
Hearing what Kenji said, Takeshi was a little surprised. In his prime as a professional player, he was indeed a slasher. He liked driving to the basket and performing wonderful dunks to excite the crowd. However, as he grew older, he started shooting more since he wasn't explosive enough to get past younger players.
"How did you know I was a slasher?" Asked Takeshi, still surprised by Kenji's comment.
"I mean, I played against you." Matter of factly spoke Kenji while shrugging his shoulders and looking at Takeshi as if asking 'What is this guy talking about?'
"I had to deal with your speed and ability to suddenly accelerate past your defender, arriving at the basket in only two steps. Plus, you're very good at taking contact from defenders while in the air. I didn't point it out, but I had to foul you multiple times to stop you from scoring. In an official game, with a referee, I wouldn't have won that game so easily." He explained.
"So I would've won the game."
"No, I didn't say that."
"But that's what heard come out your mouth."
"You heard wrong. Anyway, I will try to enhance your ability to finish. Do you want to start right now?" Kenji ended the little banter they had before asking a question.
"Let's get it then." Answered Takeshi, picking up the ball and handing it to Kenji, waiting for the latter to make arrangements for their first training session.
...
In Japan, high school typically covers three years and is an essential part of a student's education.
High school enrollment usually starts in April, following the completion of junior high school. Students must take an entrance examination or entrance interview to secure a spot at their chosen high school. Some high schools are highly competitive and require rigorous exams, while others may have more lenient admission policies.
Japan's high school admission system is known for its complexity and competitiveness. It plays a crucial role in determining a student's educational path and future opportunities.
High school admission in Japan primarily relies on entrance exams, which are typically taken in the third year of junior high school. These exams assess students' academic abilities and serve as the main criteria for admission to most high schools.
There are several types of high schools, each with its own admission requirements and curriculum. These include:
National High Schools: Operated by the Japanese government and typically prestigious.
Public High Schools: Managed by local municipalities and varying in quality.
Private High Schools: Funded privately, often associated with religious institutions, and can vary widely in terms of prestige and fees.
The schools are different in structure, strictness, and ownership. However, there is one thing they have in common: they pay close attention to their basketball team's performance.
Hirosaki High School is a Private High School owned by a certain retired basketball player. So, they pay even more attention to their basketball team's performance. Although they're academically good, their entrance examination isn't as strict for athletes. On the other hand, non-athletes must be pretty strong academically to be accepted in Hirosaki.
Takeshi, as an athlete, didn't have much trouble to be accepted. However, it doesn't mean he's not a good student. Although he's not an A+ student, he is usually part of the top 10 in every class he was part of. That wouldn't change in Hirosaki since the High School he chose in his previous life was more academically prestigious than Hirosaki.
Talking about that school, Imabari High, Takeshi has some somber memories about that high school.
Imabari High is one of the few National High Schools in Tokyo. They are also one of the few schools fighting for the national high school basketball championship every year.
They are one of the walls stopping Hirosaki from reaching the national tournament. Although Takeshi wouldn't admit it, he liked beating the shit out of Hirosaki High in his previous life. Unfortunately, he didn't play them at their peak since their head coach was sacked before he could play against them.
Takeshi's freshman year at Imabari High was a time of hope and excitement. He was a promising talent, and his skills on the court quickly garnered attention from both teammates and coaches. Takeshi's exceptional defense, athletic ability, and versatility had earned him a starting position as the small forward.
However, as the competition for starting positions grew fiercer in his sophomore year, a dark cloud began to loom over Takeshi's basketball journey. A fellow teammate, driven by jealousy and a desire for the starting small forward position, resorted to unsportsmanlike tactics. In a practice game, Takeshi was deliberately injured, shattering his dreams and hopes of playing at his best. Due to that injury, he couldn't play for two years.
The physical pain Takeshi endured from the injury was excruciating, but the emotional turmoil cut even deeper. He felt betrayed by a teammate he had once considered a friend, and the bitterness of the situation lingered in his heart.
The pain and disappointment were so overwhelming that Takeshi contemplated quitting basketball altogether. The sport that had once been his passion had become a source of trauma and despair. The dream of representing Imabari High on the national stage had been stolen from him, leaving him with a bitter taste.
Due to that incident, Takeshi developed a kind of emotional armor, shielding himself from potential pain by keeping his emotions in check. He learned to hide his feelings and vulnerabilities behind a stoic facade.
Thankfully, certain people like his father helped him throughout his journey to recovery. However, Takeshi learned to trust selectively, choosing to confide in only a few individuals he deemed truly trustworthy. He built walls around his emotions, revealing his true self to very few.
Those few people were his father, Gilles Lejeune, Takeshi's coach at the French university he decided to go to, and Shigeatsu Yasuda, the future captain and starting point guard of the Japanese national team.
Yasuda is also the reason Takeshi chose Hirosaki High, as he would join the school this year as a freshman.
