I will explaing to you why this is not a "stretch" using math, let's estimate the probability of oda choosing a random white pieces combination on the go board, first let's make reasonable assumptions:
1) the white pieces have to be surrounded by the black pieces because they are in numerical disadvantage
2) there is 7 total white pieces and 20 total black pieces
Now how many possible configuartions of 7 white pieces that are also surrounded by 20 black pieces are possible?
i dont have the time to draw on paint but try for yourself , you will get minimum 100 possible combinations, this means that the probability of oda choosing this EXACT disposition of white pieces is less then 1 percent.