The Story

    It all started with Sakuragi Hanamichi being rejected by the 50th girl. All throughout the 3 years in Junior High (Wakou Junior High), he has never succeeded in asking any girl out. He thought that his luck would change once he got into high school. Unfortunately, it did not. He was again rejected by a girl (the 50th girl) who claimed that she was interested in a basketball player named Oda, instead.

    Feeling frustrated, Sakuragi would just hit anyone who utters the word 'Basketball.' He told himself that he hated basketball, and that basketball is just plain stupid! This went on until he heard a voice asking him 'Do you like Basketball?' while he was walking down along the hallway. Upon hearing that, he turned furiously towards the voice, wanting to hit (head-butt) whoever who asked him that question. It caught him by surprised when he saw that the person who asked him the question wasn't just any ordinary human being - it was a beautiful girl, the girl of his dreams. Sakuragi instantly fell head-over-heels in love with her. The girl introduced herself as Akagi Haruko. Of course Sakuragi told her that he is a sportsman and that he loves playing basketball - when in actual fact, he has never played basketball in his entire life!

    Sakuragi decided to join the Shohoku Basketball Team to impress Haruko. However, he was devastated when he found out that Haruko, like many others girls in Shohoku High, has a major crush on Rukawa Kaede. This made Sakuragi determined to find out who that Rukawa guy is. When he finally did, it was hate at first sight. What made him even angrier was the disinterest shown by Rukawa towards Haruko.

   Unfortunately for Sakuragi, Rukawa also joined the Shohoku Basketball Team and being such a talented and terrific player, he is one of the best member in the team. This made Sakuragi view Rukawa as a major competitor - both in basketball and love. Sakuragi tries really hard to be better than Rukawa and also to prove to Haruko that he is anytime better than that foxy-faced Rukawa.

   To make things worst, Sakuragi found out that the basketball team captain, Akagi Takenori is Haruko's elder brother. Sakuragi tries hard to impress Akagi and also to gain his trust and acceptance. However though, Sakuragi always ends up getting punch on the head by Akagi for his nonsense and I-know-all attitude!

   Even though Sakuragi started as a clumsy amateur, he is a quick-learner and picks up important basketball skills in just a short period of time. He was soon one of Shohoku's best player and contributed to many of Shohoku's success!

Note : Well, enough of me babbling. For more information, watch the whole series, and believe me, you won't regret it! Slam Dunk is the best anime ever!