History Awesome / SlamDunk

*** Even Kaede Rukawa himself is reminiscent of a young, brash, and ball-hogging UsefulNotes/MichaelJordan in terms of his [[JackOfAllTrades all-around]] [[RenaissanceMan play-style]] where he can literally do anything (attack from outside by shooting threes, steal balls, drive through a tight defense, do dunks from across the free throw line, or score in the paint).

*** Hisashi Mitsui is likely based on former NBA player [[ImprobableAimingSkills Craig Hodges]]. They both wore the No. 14 jersey and were [[CripplingOverspecialization three-point shooters]]. There's also [[BrokenAce Jeff Hornacek]] due to him also wearing No. 14 jersey and his [[DentedIron left knee]] [[GameBreakingInjury problems]]. Like Mitsui, Hornacek also wore a knee brace as his knees deteriorated from the strain of shooting practice. Hornacek is also a liability on defense due to lack of speed and agility, but his defense was still serviceable.

** The modus operandi of Shoyo High School is nothing short of brilliant. Team Captain and Shoyo Ace Kenji Fujima could pass to all four pillars of his team (Shoyo has the tallest lineups among other teams, having at least 4 players who are 190 centimeters/6'2" tall and above) and have them dunk or layup in the paint or he could shoot or score himself. It's quite reminiscent of the play style of the Boston Celtics (of whom they share jersey colors with), with [[FragileSpeedster Fujima]] serving as their [[WeakButSkilled Larry Bird]].

*** Takenori Akagi is probably based on Patrick Ewing from the New York Knicks because they have the same physical appearance and the same position in the court. However, the NBA player possesses better mid-range shooting, something that Akagi doesn't have. Akagi started off very raw and had a terrible free throw percentage until his second year in high school. In contrast, Ewing's free throw percentage is respectable amongst centers (74% all time).

*** Ryota Miyagi is likely based on former NBA player [[WeakButSkilled Muggsy Bogues]] with Miyagi's shortness in height but ability to use his [[SuperSpeed quickness]] to get by his defenders. Bogues is still the Charlotte Hornet's franchise leader in steals. Unlike Bogues, Ryota can steal the ball [[HeroicAmbidexterity left-handed]], and has a more accurate left-handed layup despite shooting right handed.

*** In turn, Sakuragi is definitely the equivalent of Dennis Rodman from the Detroit Pistons. They share the same rough play-style, strength, [[EnduranceDuel stamina]], pure athleticism, [[InASingleBound jumping height]], and ability to get [[{{Determinator}} endless rebounds]]. The fact that Rodman ended up in the Bulls (at the time when ''Slam Dunk'' first started, he was still with the Pistons) is probably a [[HilariousInHindsight happy]] [[AccidentallyCorrectWriting coincidence]].
** As for Ryonan, they share jersey colors with the NBA's Orlando Magic (sans Shaquille O'Neal). In turn, Sendo may likely be based on NBA legend Anfernee "Penny" Hardaway as they are both talented point guards [[StrongAndSkilled in spite of their height]]. They both share the same friendly attitude and a great ability as playmakers and leaders. He could also be Magic Johnson as well based on the points above, and the fact that he they both wear Converse Conquest Mid.

** The true Shaquille O'Neal equivalent of the ''Slam Dunk'' universe is instead [[UnskilledButStrong Hiroshi Morishige]] of Meihou High School (Aichi's Number One High School basketball-wise). He and Shaq both share the same body shape, style of play, and boundless power.

*** In turn, Sakuragi is definitely the equivalent of Dennis Rodman from the Detroit Pistons and his ability to get endless rebounds. The fact that Rodman ended up in the Bulls (at the time when ''Slam Dunk'' first started, he was still with the Pistons) is probably a [[HilariousInHindsight happy]] [[AccidentallyCorrectWriting coincidence]].

*** Ryota Miyagi is likely based on former NBA player [[WeakButSkilled Muggsy Bogues]] with Miyagi's shortness in height but ability to use his quickness to get by his defenders. Bogues is still the Charlotte Hornet's franchise leader in steals. Unlike Bogues, Ryota can steal the ball left-handed, and has a more accurate left-handed layup despite shooting right handed.
*** Hisashi Mitsui is likely based on former NBA player Craig Hodges. They both wore the No. 14 jersey and were three-point shooters. There's also [[BrokenAce Jeff Hornacek]] due to him also wearing No. 14 jersey and his [[DentedIron left knee]] [[GameBreakingInjury problems]]. Like Mitsui, Hornacek also wore a knee brace as his knees deteriorated from the strain of shooting practice. Hornacek is also a liability on defense due to lack of speed and agility, but his defense was still serviceable.

** The Shaquille O'Neal equivalent of the ''Slam Dunk'' universe is instead [[UnskilledButStrong Hiroshi Morishige]] of Meihou High School (Aichi's Number One High School basketball-wise). He and Shaq both share the same body shape, style of play, and boundless power.

** Kainan University Affiliated High School, meanwhile, has an unusually bulky, tall, and [[StrongAndSkilled strong point guard]] in [[LightningBruiser Shinichi Maki]], making him their Magic Johnson and making Kainan Magic's Los Angeles Lakers. Again, Kainan shares the gold and purple colors of the L.A. Lakers. This further parallels the rivalry between Maki and Fujima to Magic Johnson's [[TechnicianVersusPerformer rivalry]] with Larry Bird during their primes.

*** Hisashi Mitsui is likely based on former NBA player Craig Hodges. They both wore the No. 14 jersey and were three-point shooters. There's also Jeff Hornacek due to him also wearing No. 14 jersey and his [[BrokenAce left]] [[DentedIron knee]] problems. Like Mitsui, Hornacek also wore a knee brace as his knees deteriorated from the strain of shooting pratice. Hornacek is also a liability on defense due to lack of speed and agility, but his defense was still serviceable.

*** Akagi is probably based on Patrick Ewing from the New York Knicks because they have the same physical appearance and the same position in the court. However, the NBA player possesses better mid-range shooting, something that Akagi doesn't have. Akagi started off very raw and had a terrible free throw percentage until his second year in high school. In contrast, Ewing's free throw percentage is respectable amongst centers (74% all time).

*** Even Kaede Rukawa himself is reminiscent of a young, brash, and ball-hogging UsefulNotes/MichaelJordan in terms of his [[JackOfAllTrades all-around]] [[RenaissanceMan play-style]] where he can literally do anything (attack from outside by shooting threes, steal balls, drive through a tight defense, do dunks, or score in the paint).

** As for Ryonan, they share jersey colors with the NBA's Orlando Magic (sans Shaquille O'Neal). In turn, Sendo may likely be based on NBA legend Anfernee "Penny" Hardaway as they are both talented point guards in spite of their height. They both share the same friendly attitude and a great ability as playmakers and leaders. He could also be Magic Johnson as well based on the points above, and the fact that he they both wear Converse Conquest Mid.
** The Shaquille O'Neal equivalent of the ''Slam Dunk'' universe is instead Hiroshi Morishige of Meihou High School (Aichi's Number One High School basketball-wise). He and Shaq both share the same body shape, style of play, and boundless power.

** Kainan University Affiliated High School, meanwhile, has an unusually bulky, tall, and [[StrongAndSkilled strong]] point guard in [[LightningBruiser Shinichi Maki]], making him their Magic Johnson and making Kainan Magic's Los Angeles Lakers. Again, Kainan shares the gold and purple colors of the L.A. Lakers. This further parallels the rivalry between Maki and Fujima to Magic Johnson's [[TechnicianVersusPerformer rivalry]] with Larry Bird during their primes.

*** In turn, Sakuragi is definitely the equivalent of Dennis Rodman from the Detroit Pistons and his ability to get rebounds. The fact that Rodman ended up in the Bulls (at the time when ''Slam Dunk'' first started, he was still with the Pistons) is probably a happy coincidence.

* The real-life equivalents of the teams and players of ''Slam Dunk'' is always a fun topic to explore.

* The real-life equivalents of the teams and players of ''Slam Dunk'' is always a fun topic to explore.
** The modus operandi of Shoyo High School is nothing short of brilliant. Team Captain and Shoyo Ace Kenji Fujima could pass to all four pillars of his team (Shoyo has the tallest lineups among other teams, having at least 4 players who are 190 centimeters/6'2" tall and above) and have them dunk or layup in the paint or he could shoot or score himself. It's quite reminiscent of the play style of the Boston Celtics (of whom they share jersey colors with), with [[FragileSpeedster Fujima]] serving as their [[WeakButSkilled Larry Bird]].
** Kainan University Affiliated High School, meanwhile, has an unusually bulky, tall, and [[StrongAndSkilled strong]] point guard in [[LightningBruiser Shinichi Maki]], making him their Magic Johnson and making Kainan Magic's Los Angeles Lakers. Again, Kainan shares the gold and purple colors of the L.A. Lakers. This further parallels the rivalry between Maki and Fujima to Magic Johnson's [[TechnicianVersusPerformer rivalry]] with Larry Bird during their primes.
** If Kainan is the Lakers and Shoyo is the Celtics, then naturally the [[DarkHorseVictory Dark Horse]] of Kanagawa, Shohoku, is the ''Slam Dunk'' counterpart to the Chicago Bulls.
*** Even Kaede Rukawa himself is reminiscent of a young, brash, and ball-hogging UsefulNotes/MichaelJordan in terms of his [[JackOfAllTrades all-around]] [[RenaissanceMan play-style]] where he can literally do anything (attack from outside by shooting threes, steal balls, drive through a tight defense, do dunks, or score in the paint).
*** In turn, Sakuragi is definitely the equivalent of Dennis Rodman from the Detroit Pistons and his ability to get rebounds. The fact that Rodman ended up in the Bulls (at the time when ''Slam Dunk'' first started, he was still with the Pistons) is probably a happy coincidence.

* The final seconds of the death match between Shohoku and [[AlwaysSomeoneBetter Sannoh]]. With [[DarkestHour 8 seconds left]] and Shohoku down by [[NearVillainVictory a single point]], an injured Sakuragi (who at that point was running on pure adrenalin) sprinted to the best possible shooting position, which spurred Shohoku to do a fast break. Sannoh desperately tried to stop them, only for Rukawa to breach through their defenses and [[CharacterDevelopment unexpectedly]] pass the ball to Hanamichi, who in turn did a last-second buzzer beater that won the game.

*** Even Kaede Rukawa himself is reminiscent of a young, brash, and ball-hogging UsefulNotes/MichaelJordan in terms of his [[JackOfAllTrades all-around]] [[RenaissanceMan play-style]] where he can literally do anything (attack from the paint, steal balls, do dunks or score near the basket, or shoot threes).

** The modus operandi of Shoyo High School is nothing short of brilliant. Team Captain and Shoyo Ace Kenji Fujima could pass to all four pillars of his team (Shoyo has the tallest lineups among other teams, having at least 4 players who are 190 centimeters/6'2" tall and above) and have them dunk or layup in the paint or he could shoot or scare himself. It's quite reminiscent of the play style of the Boston Celtics (of whom they share jersey colors with), with Fujima serving as their Larry Bird.
** Kainan University Affiliated High School, meanwhile, has an unusually bulky, tall, and strong point guard in Shinichi Maki, making him their Magic Johnson and making Kainan Magic's Los Angeles Lakers. Again, Kainan shares the gold and purple colors of the L.A. Lakers. This further parallels the rivalry between Maki and Fujima to Magic Johnson's rivalry with Larry Bird during their primes.

** If Kainan is the Lakers and Shoyo is the Celtics, then naturally the DarkHorse of Kanagawa, Shohoku, is the ''Slam Dunk'' counterpart to the Chicago Bulls. Even Kaede Rukawa himself is reminiscent of a young, brash, and ball-hogging UsefulNotes/MichaelJordan in terms of his [[JackOfAllTrades all-around]] [[RenaissanceMan play-style]] where he can literally do anything (attack from the paint, steal balls, do dunks or score near the basket, or shoot threes). In turn, Sakuragi is definitely the equivalent of Dennis Rodman from the Detroit Pistons and his ability to get rebounds. The fact that Rodman ended up in the Bulls (at the time when ''Slam Dunk'' first started, he was still with the Pistons) is probably a happy coincidence.

* The modus operandi of Shoyo High School is nothing short of brilliant. Team Captain and Shoyo Ace Kenji Fujima could pass to all four pillars of his team (Shoyo has the tallest lineups among other teams, having at least 4 players who are 190 centimeters/6'2" tall and above) and have them dunk or layup in the paint or he could shoot or scare himself. It's quite reminiscent of the play style of the Boston Celtics (of whom they share jersey colors with), with Fujima serving as their Larry Bird.
* Kainan University Affiliated High School, meanwhile, has an unusually bulky, tall, and strong point guard in Shinichi Maki, making him their Magic Johnson and making Kainan Magic's L.A. Lakers. Again, Kainan shares the gold and purple colors of the Lakers. This further parallels the rivalry between Maki and Fujima to Magic Johnson's rivalry with Larry Bird during their primes.

* In the final few minutes of Shohoku's match against [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dWAB7hOcaXk Kainan]], Hanamichi Sakuragi was able to take the rebound against Kazuma Takasago then do a pump fake on him, leading Kazuma to jump too early. Hanamichi then jumped to do a slam dunk against a defending Shinichiro Maki, the captain of Kainan. Not only did the dunk count, he also drew a foul against TheAce of Kainan High.

** This led to a tie and a [[LastStand War of Attrition]] during overtime that had Kainan emerge [[VictoryByEndurance
victorious]] in the end. Maki afterwards acknowledged Sendo as a WorthyOpponent, admitting he would've done the same thing were he in Sendo's shoes.

* The Ace vs. Ace battle between Ryonan's Sendo and Kainan's Maki. Sendo did his signature last-minute three-point play (shoot the ball and draw a foul to get the free throw) that would've sealed the deal for Ryonan had the more experienced Maki not realize it at the last second, leading him to hold back and not fall for Sendo's trap. This led to a tie and a [[VictoryByEndurance protracted battle]] during overtime that had Kainan emerge victorious in the end. Maki did acknowledge Sendo as a WorthyOpponent soon after because he would've done the same thing were he in Sendo's shoes.

* The Ace vs. Ace battle between Ryonan's Sendo and Kainan's Maki. Sendo did another last-minute three-point play (shoot the ball and draw a foul) that would've sealed the deal for Ryonan had the more experienced Maki not realize it at the last second, leading him to hold back and not fall for Sendo's trap. This led to a tie and a [[VictoryByEndurance protracted battle]] during overtime that had Kainan emerge victorious in the end. Maki did acknowledge Sendo as a WorthyOpponent soon after because he would've done the same thing were he in Sendo's shoes.

* The final seconds of the death match between Shohoku and [[AlwaysSomeoneBetter Sannoh]]. [[NearVillainVictory With 8 seconds left and Shohoku down by 1 point]], an injured Sakuragi (who at that point was running on pure adrenalin) sprinted to the best possible shooting position, which spurred Shohoku to do a fast break. Sannoh desperately tried to stop them, only for Rukawa to breach through their defenses and [[CharacterDevelopment unexpectedly]] pass the ball to Hanamichi, who in turn did a last-second buzzer beater that won the game.