Slam Dunk - Characters & Cast

Initially, his sole motivation is to win the affection of Haruko Akagi. This simple crush drives him to endure grueling practices and humiliation. As the series progresses, his motivation evolves into a fierce rivalry with Kaede Rukawa and a deep-seated desire to prove his 'genius' on the court. Ultimately, his love for the sport and his bond with his teammates become his primary drivers.

Sakuragi begins as an arrogant, girl-crazy delinquent who joins the basketball team for purely selfish reasons. His initial journey is defined by his ignorance of the sport, leading to comedic errors and being forced to master tedious basics. Over the series, his motivation shifts from impressing Haruko to a genuine love for the game. He evolves from a loudmouthed amateur into the team's 'rebound king' and a crucial defensive player. His arc is one of maturation, learning humility, the value of hard work, and finding a true passion that gives his life meaning.

His motivation is pure and simple: to be the best basketball player in Japan. This singular focus makes him incredibly disciplined but also isolates him from his teammates. His rivalry with players like Sendoh from Ryonan and Sawakita in the nationals pushes him to evolve beyond his individualistic style.

Rukawa starts as the undisputed, stoic ace of the team—a prodigy who is incredibly skilled but also selfish and aloof. His primary goal is to become the best player in Japan and eventually go to the USA. His arc is more subtle than Sakuragi's; it's about learning the limits of individual play. Through tough games and advice from Coach Anzai, he begins to understand the importance of teamwork and passing. His evolution is from a solitary star to a player who can elevate his entire team, culminating in the iconic high-five with Sakuragi in the manga's final game.

His initial motivation is destructive—to ruin the team that reminds him of his own failure. After rejoining, his motivation is to make up for lost time and prove he still has what it takes to be a top player. He is deeply loyal to Coach Anzai, who inspired him in junior high, and this bond fuels his determination to contribute to the team's success.

Mitsui's is a story of redemption. He is introduced as a gang leader seeking to destroy the basketball team out of bitterness. Flashbacks reveal he was a junior high MVP who quit after a severe knee injury. After a dramatic confrontation, he tearfully rejoins the team. His arc is about reclaiming his lost passion and identity. He struggles with his physical limitations, particularly a lack of stamina from his two-year hiatus, which serves as a constant reminder of his past mistakes. He transforms from a villain into the team's clutch three-point shooter, a man fighting against his own past on the court.

His primary motivation is his deep affection for the team manager, Ayako, wanting to impress her with his skills. He also carries a strong desire to be the best point guard in the prefecture. His bond with Sakuragi, built on their shared romantic frustrations, also provides a foundation of loyalty and friendship that drives him.

Miyagi is introduced as another 'problem child,' returning after being hospitalized from a fight with Mitsui's gang. He is cocky, and quick-tempered, and shares a similar history of being unlucky in love with Sakuragi, which forms the basis of their friendship. As the team's point guard, his arc is about channeling his speed and delinquent attitude into leadership on the court. He learns to control his temper and become the steady playmaker who directs the team's offense, proving that his small stature is no obstacle to being a top-tier player.

His singular motivation is to lead Shohoku to the National Championship. This has been his unwavering dream since his first year, and it fuels his intense, disciplined, and sometimes harsh leadership style. He is the foundation of the team's ambition.

Akagi is the captain and emotional pillar of the Shohoku team. For years, he was a talented player on a weak team, his dream of national conquest constantly thwarted by a lack of skilled teammates. His arc is one of fulfillment. With the arrival of Sakuragi, Rukawa, Mitsui, and Miyagi, he finally has a team capable of achieving his dream. He has to evolve from a lone warrior into a true leader, learning to trust his flawed but talented teammates. His journey is about seeing his long-held dream come to fruition and passing on his dedication and spirit to the next generation of players.