To promote Jump&Block Miyagi!

Yes, you see it right! This is to promote Jump & Block (J&B) build Miyagi! Please bear in mind that this is not a traditional build, but is an alternative yet totally usable build.

(1) Miyagi's build-in blocking capability

Even without any blocking talent, Miyagi's original blocking ability is already quite good. One of my Taiwan's favorite YTBs had done a detailed study on it.

Referencing YT video (Miyagi's part starts at 3:48): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-umDYp8RLvY

To summarize:

1. (3:48 ~ 5.35) With full J&B build (+40 Block and +40 Jump, Lv5 Block Shot and Swingman), Miyagi's block range is approx 2 shoes away from the edge of the defend cone. The block stat can also extend the blocking window.
2. (5:37 ~ 6:25) With half J&B build (+40 Jump, Lv5 Block Shot and Swingman), Miyagi's block range is approx 1.8 shoes away from the edge of the defend cone.
3. If you use direction pad (walking toward the shooter) can further increase the range a little. For example, 1.8 shoes in condition (2) can be extended to 2 shoes.

(2) Why Miyagi is good at blocking shooters?

Almost all shooters rely on creating space so that they can shoot with less worry. Most common ways include the character's drive/crossover talents and Pick & Roll. With these, usually we miss the block because we can't get to the right position fast enough. But Miyagi doesn't have this problem (ok, perhaps "100% won't" is an overstatement. Correction: He has less chance to face this problem).

As we all know, Miyagi runs pretty fast. Most importantly, he doesn't have the "lag" when switching direction (if you play Rukawa, you will know what I mean). Combine his speed with his block range, Miyagi can pretty much be able to get into the right position fast enough.

Other than shots, Miyagi can effectively block most 2nd points (like Rukawa's dunk and Sendoh's jelly) as well because he can run to the paint fast enough. But 1st point dunk is hard for him (except Akagi's alley oop dunk), so don't bother to try.

(3) Abilities and Traits

For this, it is pretty much fixed:

• Yellow: Inside Barrier (Mid + Block + Open mid %)
• Blue: Super Bounce (Jump + Mid)
• Green: Super Block (Block + Jump + Jam %; S3)
• Traits: Swingman (S3), Block Shot, More Cheers (to boost energy accumulation for Ulti)
• Traits (Notable mention): Air Contest (extend range for blocking 2nd point layups and dunks), Watch Your Back/Interceptor (boost interception)

(4) How about his steal?

Well, playing this build doesn't mean you abandon Miyagi's steal totally. In fact, his steal will require more "observation and anticipation" now.

1. Observe: Observe their passing pattern and wander around the passing path, the interception rate is still considerably okay. 1-2 (3-4 if lucky) intercepts per game, if the opponents are doing mid to long passes, are possible. If the opponents only do close passes, you won't be able to intercept easily even with +40 steal & ctrl. So don't mind~~
2. Anticipate: You need to be familiar with all driving/crossover paths of all characters. Anticipate and stand on the path to bump the dribbler. Once you have succeeded to stop their dribble, STEAL! The steal rate at that moment is HIGH even without ability boost. For Miyagi with high steal base stat, it is even easier. If you guess the path wrongly, accelerate and press steal. His dash steal will bring you back near to the ball holder and immediate you are in-position to at least interfere.

Of course you can't expect J&B Miyagi will have brainlessly many steals like the traditional build, but 2~4 steals are possible. With More Cheers to boost energy gather, you can further boost the steal rate during Ulti mode. So keep blocking and assisting to gather energy.

(5) J&B Miyagi's gameplays

I have found some gameplays for you guys. Enjoy~

• This was during a friendly match between TW and CN tourney players. The Miyagi user here is from CN and is famous with his defensive plays.
  • https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ujisJGCTKbY
• The following videos are from a TW YTB. His build is 75% J&B and 25% Steal build.
  • His abilities: Mid +40 | Ctrl +5 | Block +25 | Jump +35 | Steal +15;
  • Traits: Lv5 Block Shot, Lv5 Watch Your Back, Lv5 More Cheers
  • https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3maaBmLh_sE
  • https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3BIcSORkAHM

(6) Closing words

I personally prefer J&B build more than steal build (I'm almost biased, hahaha). I used this analogy to describe Jump&block build and Steal build in other post before: Both build are like a boost to a jackpot machine. Steal build increases the chance to get "777", but J&B build is like locking the 1st two "7"s, so you only need to time the last "7". What I mean here is even with steal&ctrl boost, stealing and intercepting are still random (no matter how high the chance is, it is still CHANCE). However, J&B is really depending on your personal mastery. J&B build extends the blocking range (locking the first "7") and widen the block window (locking the second "7"). As long as you get the timing right, you can block it (this is the last "7").

Jump & block build is, IMO, one of the most widely used build in the game and is the best friend for F2P players. So if you own this build and a Miyagi, you can try him with this build.

HOWEVER, if you don't have this build, don't purposely build one for Miyagi. I really think this is a very good build (I'm using it even now), but I wish you guys don't start investing before understanding the build and considering the suitability of this build with your play style.

Lastly, thank you and do leave your opinion in the comment~~