Slam Dunk: Muguro

Chapter 131: Xikema Step
[Learnable skill detected - Xikema Step, learning progress 3%! ]

Oh shit, the money is out!

I never expected that Sugiyama Shota could also do the Xikema step.

The Sikma step is a turning technique used by inside players when attacking. It is widely used in basketball games. It can be used to turn from back-to-the-basket to facing-the-basket in order to obtain better offensive opportunities.

In actual combat, the Sikma step can effectively prevent defenders from defending closely and create enough offensive space and opportunities for offensive players.

This step is not only suitable for inside players, some outside players can also use this technique after receiving the ball with their backs to the basket at the waist position.

The best among them is Carmelo Anthony, who is also the best forward player who uses the Sikma step.

I have to say, Shota Sugiyama is really a treasure boy!

Mu Mu couldn't help but exclaimed: "Senior Sugiyama, you can actually do the Xikema step, it's amazing!"

In order to get Sugiyama Shota to teach him the Sikma step, he didn't mind praising him a little more. He wouldn't lose anything anyway.

"Hey, you also know the Sikma step."

Sugiyama Shota was a little surprised. In this era, Xikmabu was not very popular, at least in the island country.

Sikma step is Shota Sugiyama's trump card, and it was also the main offensive means that enabled him to lead the team to the top eight in the country last year.

This skill, combined with his accurate mid-range shooting ability, makes him very comfortable on the court.

"I know a thing or two about the Sikma Step. It comes from the excellent NBA center Jack Sikma, who once won the NBA championship with the Supersonics!"

Compared with the four major centers currently active in the NBA, Jack Sikma's influence is undoubtedly much less, and many fans don't even know that there is such a person.

This doesn’t mean he’s not good, especially since Jack Sikma will be inducted into the Hall of Fame in the future.

“It took me two and a half years to learn this technique!”

Sugiyama Shota seemed to recall those green years and the running in the sunset, which was his lost youth.

Mu Mu asked expectantly, "Senior Sugiyama, I'm very interested in the Xikema step. Can you teach me?"

"No, why would a perimeter player like you learn Sikma steps?"

Sugiyama Shota scratched his head, puzzled.

What he didn’t know was that many outside players would also master the Sikma Step in the future, which shows how practical this skill really is.

"It's always good to have many skills. Maybe next year I will grow up quickly and become an inside player."

Murasakibara explained with a smile that since his golden finger had liberated his physical potential, it meant that he could potentially grow 25 centimeters a year like Ohkawada.

"Okay, but I have to be frank with you. My time is limited, so I may not have much time to teach you."

Shota Sugiyama looked embarrassed as he had to report to Kazuo Karasawa in the evening.

As for why Kazuo Karasawa did not stay with him, it was because Kazuo Karasawa went to Aiwa Academy to recruit Hirogen Takeshita.

His cousin Sugiyama Shoyo is responsible for the introduction to Aiwa Academy, so the chances of success are not low.

Whether it is Watanabe Masao or Takeshita Hirogen, as long as one person agrees, the goal will be achieved.

"Senior, I will learn as long as you can teach me."

Naturally, Murasakibara is full of confidence in his learning ability.

"Then it's settled."

In the end, Shota Sugiyama agreed to Murasakibara's request.

The next moment, Sugiyama Shota began to teach Kogure the Sikama step.

Shota Sugiyama broke down the Sikma step into several movements and described the technical details and key points of the movements in detail.

When a player receives the ball in the low post with his back to the basket, he puts his center of gravity on his supporting foot and turns his non-supporting foot to the defender's weak side. At the same time, he rotates his body from his back to the basket to facing the basket. After completing the turn, he can choose to make a jump shot or a layup.

Under the guidance of Sugiyama Shota, Murasakibara absorbed the knowledge about Xikemabu at a rapid speed like a sponge.

All of a sudden, Xikmabu's learning progress began to increase at a speed visible to the naked eye.

After explaining the theoretical knowledge, Sugiyama Shota began to teach him step by step, pointing out Murasakibara's shortcomings from time to time.

What surprised Sugiyama Shota was that Murasakibara's learning speed far exceeded his imagination.

[Congratulations on acquiring a new skill - Xikema Bu! ]

In just over half an hour, Murasakibara had already mastered the Xikma step.

The reason why it is so fast is mainly because the Sikma step and the turnaround jump shot have a lot in common.

However, the Sikma step is a reverse turn, mainly used to create open shooting space.

Taking catching the ball on the right side as an example, the whole set of movements is divided into back to the basket, low post on the right side, asking for the ball with the right hand, and then using the right foot as the axis, withdraw the left foot and turn around to face the basket, and vice versa!

After learning the Xikma step, Mu Mu's heart was filled with indescribable joy.

However, this joy did not last long, and was followed by endless fatigue.

It feels like my body has been hollowed out!
Mu Mu supported himself on his knees, breathing heavily.

The reason why he was so weak was mainly related to the competition at Aiwa Academy.

In that game, he almost ran out of energy.

Since Sugiyama Shota had limited time, in order to master the Xikema step faster, Murasaki had to study hard, and the result is predictable.

After discovering that Murasakibara had indeed mastered the Xikema step, Sugiyama Shota was hit hard. His mind went blank and he didn't know what to say.

It took him two and a half years to learn the Sikma step, but Murasakibara was able to do it in just over half an hour.

This was too depressing! For a moment, Sugiyama Shota felt like a fool.

He even thought to himself with some self-mockery: "Am I too stupid, or is this guy too smart?"

Although Murasakibara really wanted to continue to take advantage of Shota Sugiyama, such as hook shots and footwork in the paint.

Unfortunately, my physical strength does not allow it!
He subconsciously glanced at the physical progress bar and found that it was close to its limit.

Based on past experience, it is estimated that it will take another half an hour of training to achieve a breakthrough.

Just as Muguro was about to take a break, two tall players walked towards the dormitory building together.

"Watanabe-senpai!"

Murasakibara hurriedly greeted them, yes, they were the Watanabe brothers.

"Kumure, you're still training so late!"

As soon as they saw Murasakibara, the Watanabe brothers greeted him with a smile.

When greeting each other, the Watanabe brothers' eyes subconsciously fell on Sugiyama Shota.

There's no way, Sugiyama Sho is too tall, more than a head taller than Murasakibara.

"Senior Sugiyama!"

The Watanabe brothers recognized Sugiyama Shota at a glance. Of course, they knew Sugiyama Shota, and they had even faced off against him in last year's Autumn National Games.

Watanabe Masao asked curiously, "Senior Sugiyama, why are you here?"

"Brother Watanabe, long time no see. This time I came all the way to see you. On behalf of Fukazawa Sports University, I extend an invitation to you and hope you will join Fukazawa Sports University!"

Sugiyama Shota did not hide anything and directly stated the purpose of his trip.

The Watanabe brothers looked at each other, and finally Watanabe Masao said, "Senior Sugiyama, we are not ready yet. Can you give us some time to think about it?"

As a famous basketball school, Fukazawa Sports University is particularly good at cultivating inside players. If the Watanabe brothers said they didn't aspire to do so, they would be lying.

However, several universities have recently contacted them and promised a number of conditions, such as guaranteed playing time, scholarships, degrees, etc.

Among them, one school even promised to make them the starting players of the team in order to recruit them.

Although they really wanted to become a member of Fukazawa Sports University, they couldn't resist the offer from the other side.

Masao Watanabe glanced at Shota Sugiyama. If he joined Fukazawa Sports University, he would definitely not be able to compete with Shota Sugiyama, and he might not even be able to guarantee playing time. He might still be the third or fourth center.

This is Fukazawa Sports University, which has no shortage of quality inside players.

"Okay, if you have thought it over, remember to call the number above."

Shota Sugiyama handed a business card to Masao Watanabe.

Mu Mu took a look and found that it was Kazuo Karasawa's business card.

"Brother Watanabe, Mu Mu, I have something else to do, so I'll go back first!"

Sugiyama Shota did not stay any longer. After saying goodbye to the three people, he turned and left.

After Sugiyama Shota disappeared, Watanabe Masao asked Mugure: "Mugure, do you think we should agree?"

Mu Mu didn't answer but asked: "How does your strength compare to Shanshan Shouta?"

"Last year, I played against him in the Autumn National Games. He blew me away on both offense and defense!"

"I heard that Shanshan Shouta is very likely to be selected for the national team, especially since he is only one year older than you!"

Although Shota Sugiyama taught Kogure the Sikma step, the Watanabe brothers also taught him post-up play, so it is difficult to take sides.

So, Murasaki chose to tell the truth.

As for the favor I owe Sugiyama Shota, I will recommend Akagi or Uozumi to him when I find a suitable opportunity in the future.

"Kumure, thank you very much for your analysis!"

Masao Watanabe had the answer in his heart.

Although he really wanted to go to Fukazawa Sports University, he didn't want to be a substitute.

Shota Sugiyama is only one year older than him. If he wants to become a starting player, he has to wait until his senior year at least.

During this time, make sure there are no other players who pose a threat.

In short, even if he reaches his senior year, he may not be able to become the starting center at Fukazawa Sports University.

For the sake of his future, he naturally prefers other universities.

Among these universities, there are some that are good at training inside players, but they are not as famous as Fukazawa Sports University.

With their strength, as long as they are not from a top university, they still have hope of competing for the starting spot, especially since they are twin brothers, which is a plus.

"Mumu, let's go back first!"

Soon, the Watanabe brothers said goodbye to Murasakibara and returned to the dormitory.

Murasaki did not leave. After resting for a while, he continued to train the Xikma step.

He plans to break through his physical attributes tonight to avoid being out of shape for tomorrow's game.

At the same time, he also planned to upgrade the Xikma Step to LV2, but he didn't know what attributes it could increase.

If it could add special attributes like fingertip dribbling, that would be a huge win.

(End of this chapter)