The training camp continues! Kuroko no Basuke is traditionally nonsensical and over-the-top, but there was actually some solid reasoning behind the training. The beach training not only improved everyone’s fundamentals, but made Kagami’s fearsome jump even higher. However, generic training isn’t very exciting to watch after a while, so that’s where learning special techniques comes in. Kagami didn’t suddenly realize in a flash of pure brilliance what he had to do, but slowly worked it out through the hints of mentors and trying out different things. Okay, it was still a little convenient that Riko AND Midorima happened to be there to provide pivotal advice for his growth as a baller, but at least he still came to the conclusion on his own. For the life of me, I couldn’t figure out what it was they were trying to get Kagami to notice until he actually said “huh, guess I need to improve my aerial manoeuvrability.” Jumping high is one thing…but we all know his end goal is the hoop, so his path there is pretty predictable if he’s dunking every single time. Now Kagami won’t just fight with brute force, but he’ll show us some ball-handling skills in the air as well. That is to say…SICK DUNKS YO! Kuroko comes to a conclusion too, but it’s not really the focus of the episode, and it’s a little more subdued. I’m still not exactly sure what to expect from him compared to Kagami who basically makes a list of “left hand, jump height, and aerial agility.”

Seeing Seirin work so hard to improve has got me really excited to see them continue training and play again. I’m sure the other MiraGen guys have been at it as well, so even rematches against teams they’ve won against will be intense. Speaking of MiraGen members making glorious comebacks, I was pleased that Midorima was the one to join everyone at the training camp. His borderline OCD-like behaviour is wonderful, and his appearance means Takao follows him about. And man, do I ever ship those twoooOOOOPS getting off-track! The main comeback I wanted to talk about was Kise and Aomine getting some time in the spotlight again! For the first time ever, we get to see two teams that AREN’T Seirin really go at it. Kise is relatively weak, so I doubt he’ll beat Aomine, but going against someone that strong means that Kise will get an immense skill boost. That is, if he can copy those crazy, formless moves of Aomine. Ah, what a match-up! Kuroko no Basuke never disappoints in terms of hot guys and heated games.