Mitsui : Before I won the MVP award, during the finals in Junior High, my team was down. I believed that with me around, my team would never loose. But there came a time when I really felt like giving up. But I remember what Anzai Sensei, a spectator there said to me. "Never Give Up Until A Game Is Over. If You Give Up, Then The Game Is Really Over." With this piece of encouragement, I fought on and won the game. Thats why I chose Shohoku, to play for Anzai Sensei.

You could have recovered but you chose to leave. Surely the injury cannot be the only reason for you to leave the team.

I could not have recovered in time to play in the district meet. And I saw Akagi making an impression. I felt sad. I was the most fancied newcomer but I could not play. The feeling was horrible. That was why I chose to give it up. And to vent my frustrations, I beat Miyagi up too. This was because he too was a fancied newcomer. Just like whta I should have been.

Then why did you come back?

I miss playing basketball too much. I have wasted almost 3 years of my life. I must get back what I have lost. And make sure Shohoku becomes NUMBER 1.

In my opinion, you are better than the rest. This includes Rukawa and Sendoh. What do you think?

I have never said I could not beat them. What I did say was that I do have have absolute confidence in playing against Rukawa. They only match we had was during training at his request. HAHA, I won. 3-2. But right now, my fitness is a real problem. 3 years have been wasted. I have lost alot. If I do not know how to shoot 3 pointers, I would not be able to help the team much. But we are Shohoku. We are a team. We play as one. I trust my team mates to be there for me.

Which was your best game in a Shohoku Jersey ? Which one is the most memorable?

Both would have to be the game against San Oh. They were the reigning champions and the team people deemed as invincible. I scored 25 points in that game. My highest this season. Even though I could not defend because I was tired, I tried my very best...for Shohoku, for Anzai Sensei. We won the game. Something which no other team could have done.

Who are your best mates in your team ?

They would have to be Kogure and Akagi. I entered the team in the same year as them. When I was injured, Kogure often visited me. I didn't think too much of Akagi at first but he is a good guy. Like what Kogure once said, on the court, when we combine our abilities, we are a major force.

What is your opinion of Hanamichi Sakuragi ?

That guy is an idiot. (laughs) Always saying he is a genius....but he is one actually. Only 3 months of action and he is up there competing with the best players. His rebounding abilities are quite unmatchable. During the game against San Oh, I knew he would be there if I missed my shots.

Akagi and Kogure are going to sit for the University Entrance Exams. Why don't you join them ?

I'm hopeless in studies. Even if I took the exam, I would fail. I'd rather stay and play basketball in Shohoku.

So we will be seeing you soon in the Winter Challenge ?

Only if Takehiko Inoue or his friend draws SLAM DUNK 2.

What are your immediate plans ?

To work on my fitness and to help Shohoku Basketball Team become the undisputed NUMBER 1. GAMBATTE!!!!

We Will Win......Because We Are Shohoku, The Strongest BasketBall Team !!

Slam Dunk Links

Slam Dunk By Kolk - A nice Slam Dunk Site which with some nice pictures annd quite a bit of info.

Slam Dunk Homepage - This is the best site I have come across on the net. A ver impressive site. However, you need to have ShockWave to view it. You can download it there.

Slam Dunk Fan Club - This one is maintained by a person called Mrs Sendoh. (What A Name!) She is the founder of the Geocities Homepage Ring. Great site.

Handi's Slam Dunk - This side is maintained by my friend. A nice page with an impressive Java start.

Lets Go Slam Dunk - Has lots and lots of Slam Dunk links. You can get all the Slam Dunk you want here !!