"SLAM DUNK" is a monumental basketball manga, and many attractive and powerful characters appear. Each character has different skills and personalities, and they demonstrate their strengths in the intense matches. Here, we will introduce the strongest characters that are particularly noteworthy in a ranking format and compare their abilities and playing styles.
1. Akira Sendo (Ryonan High School)
Akira Sendo is an all-round player who is described as a "genius" in the work. He is one of the best players in Kanagawa, and is a versatile player who can do everything from game making to scoring, rebounding, and defense. In particular, his showdown with Kaede Rukawa is one of the highlights of the match between Shohoku and Ryonan. Sendo is portrayed as a calm and reliable presence who leads the team even in pinch situations, and is respected by his rivals.
2. Eiji Sawakita (Sanno Industrial)
Eiji Sawakita is the ace of Sanno Industrial, and boasts overwhelming physical ability and technique. His one-on-one strength is the best in the series, and he showed his true strength especially in his showdown with Rukawa. Sawakita has speed, power, and technique, and is always calm and has no gaps. He played against Sendo in his junior high school days, and the backstory of them growing together through friendly competition makes him even more attractive.
3. Masashi Kawata (Sannoh Industrial)
Masashi Kawata is the center for Sannoh Industrial, and despite his large build of over 190cm, he also has speed and technique. He has strong rebounding and shooting power, and makes his presence felt in any situation. His calm judgment and leadership that brings his teammates together are also great weapons. Along with Sawakita, he stands in the way of Shohoku as a pillar of Sannoh Industrial.
4. Shinichi Maki (Kainan University Affiliated High School)
Shinichi Maki is a point guard for Kainan University Affiliated High School, known as the "No. 1 player in Kanagawa." His strong physique and endless stamina set him apart from other players, and he boasts the ability to break through the opponent's defense without being affected. In particular, his "three-point play" in which he draws a foul with one attack and scores three points, including a free throw, is a symbol of his strength, as seen many times in the story. Maki also has excellent insight into the entire game and game-making skills.
5. Rukawa Kaede (Shohoku High School)
Rukawa Kaede is a genius small forward who serves as the ace of Shohoku High School. His scoring ability and cool personality attract many fans, and he continues to grow through his confrontations with Sendo and Sawakita. Rukawa's greatest characteristic is his natural driving ability and jump shot, which have the power to completely change the game with individual play. In the second half of the game, he also became aware of the importance of team play, and showed further growth.
6. Mitsui Hisashi (Shohoku High School)
Mitsui Hisashi is a shooting guard at Shohoku High School and is an overwhelming master of three-point shots. Although he was once an ace, he once gave up and left the team. However, he regained his passion for basketball and returned to Shohoku, where he once again shined in the game. Mitsui's shooting ability is characterized by the fact that it becomes more accurate when he reaches his physical limit, which shows his mental strength.
7. Akagi Takenori (Shohoku High School)
Akagi Takenori is the captain of the Shohoku basketball club and supports the team as a strong center. He is affectionately known as "Gori" and his leadership is the pillar of the team. Akagi's rebounding ability and strength under the basket are overwhelming, and he is especially recognized for his defensive skills. Akagi continues to dream of a national tournament, and his leadership of the team left a strong impression on readers.
8. Miyagi Ryota (Shohoku High School)
Miyagi Ryota is Shohoku's point guard and a player with excellent speed and dribbling skills. Although he is small at 168cm, he is able to break through the opponent's defense with his quick movements and create the flow of the game. In addition, his excellent jumping ability allows him to compete with taller opponents, and he demonstrated this ability in the match against Sannoh.
9. Jun Uozumi (Ryonan High School)
Jun Uozumi is the center for Ryonan High School and is depicted as Akagi's rival. His playing style, which makes use of his overwhelming power and physique, dominates Ryonan's basket. Although he can get emotional during games, his attitude of struggling for the team is a sign of his sense of responsibility as captain.
Summary
The characters that appear in "SLAM DUNK" are not just good at basketball, but each has a different background and personality. From genius players like Sendo and Sawakita to hard-working players like Akagi and Uozumi, the drama woven by the diverse characters has an appeal that goes beyond the framework of basketball. Comparing their strengths and reliving their personalities and growth is an essential point in talking about "SLAM DUNK".
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