Don't miss the evolution of Sakuragi Hanamichi in "SLAM DUNK"! Ranking of memorable scenes that highlight his growth

Hanamichi Sakuragi, the protagonist of SLAM DUNK, is a character who grows greatly throughout the story. Although he is a beginner at basketball, he gradually develops his talent through passion and hard work, and grows into an indispensable member of the Shohoku basketball team. Here, we will introduce some of the best scenes that show his growth in a ranked format.

1. "Just hold your left hand" - the game-winning shot against Sannoh Industrial

The final moment of the game against Sannoh Industrial is the most famous scene that symbolizes Hanamichi Sakuragi's growth. The moment he remembers the advice he received from Coach Anzai, "Just hold your left hand," and makes an accurate shot is proof that Sakuragi has evolved from a beginner to a true basketball player. This scene condenses his growth into a moment of technique and is depicted as the climax of the entire story.

2. "I want to play basketball!" - the words that encouraged Mitsui to return

Hanamichi Sakuragi not only grows himself, but also grows into a person who supports his teammates. In particular, when Mitsui Hisashi wanted to return to the basketball club, Sakuragi's encouragement and advice played an important role. Touched by Mitsui's passion in his words, "I want to play basketball," Sakuragi was inspired to further strengthen his passion for basketball.

3. Determination to fight for Akagi - Struggle in the Shohoku vs Kainan match

In the Kainan match, Sakuragi plays his best for captain Akagi Takenori. His efforts to rebound and support Akagi are proof of his growth and contribution to the team. This scene emphasizes Sakuragi's evolution from a mere individual player to a team player, and is a moment that clearly depicts his "growth."

4. "I'm a genius!" - First successful rebound

At the beginning of the story, Sakuragi continues to call himself a "genius" despite being a beginner. However, that confidence turns into conviction in the scene where he successfully rebounds for the first time. At this moment, he realizes the charm of basketball and his own potential, and becomes absorbed in the game. From here, Sakuragi understands the importance of rebounding and finds his own role in the game.

5. Sakuragi and Rukawa's first high-five - The bond at the Sannoh Industrial match

The moment Sakuragi and Rukawa, who had been rivals until then, cooperated for the first time at the end of the match against Sannoh Industrial is one of the scenes that symbolizes his growth. The high-five after Sakuragi passed the ball to Rukawa and Rukawa scored a point was the moment Sakuragi learned the importance of team play from individual battles and grew. The sight of him respecting his rival and playing for the team deeply moved readers.

6. "I'm a basketball man!" - Refusing to join the judo club

In the episode where Sakuragi is forcibly recruited to the judo club, his strong feelings for basketball are highlighted. Even after his talent for judo was discovered, he insisted, "I'm a basketball man!" and showed his passion for basketball. This scene was the moment Sakuragi made up his mind to take basketball seriously, and it is a scene where you can feel his inner growth.

7. Struggling at the study camp - Bond with Akagi

Sakuragi's growth is not only in basketball, but also in his daily life. In the scene where he goes to study camp with Akagi, Rukawa, Mitsui, and others, Sakuragi is shown studying hard for Akagi. Sakuragi usually has a bad attitude in class and keeps getting failing grades, but his efforts to be recognized by Akagi show his growth as a person.

8. 20,000 shot practice - Accumulation of practice

Sakuragi, who was not good at shooting, finally achieves 20,000 shot practice after repeated efforts. This scene emphasizes his sincere attitude towards basketball and his willingness to spare no effort, and is supported by many fans as an episode that symbolizes his growth. Through this practice, Sakuragi was able to gain the ability to actually make decisive shots in games.

9. Brawl to protect Rukawa - Friendship in the game against Toyotama

Sakuragi and Rukawa have always been rivals, but in the game against Toyotama, when Rukawa is struggling with rough play, Sakuragi immediately jumps in and starts a brawl to protect Rukawa. This scene in which he reflexively helps Rukawa is the moment when a strong bond as teammates emerges despite being rivals, and Sakuragi's sense of camaraderie deepens.

10. "Because I'm a genius!" - A line that symbolizes confidence and growth

One of the famous lines that symbolizes Sakuragi's growth is "Because I'm a genius!". This line, which shows his confidence in his own talent and his attitude of taking basketball seriously, is used repeatedly throughout the story, but at the end, we can see the ability and effort behind the words. This line is an iconic phrase that symbolizes his growth.

Summary

Sakuragi Hanamichi's growth story is a moving story that shows how effort and passion can change a person. His journey from being a beginner to winning games as a member of a team through his own efforts has inspired and inspired many readers. His growth is not just as a basketball player, but as a person, and the book is still beloved today.