Takeshi Kusao :: Character Guides

Full Name: Hanamichi Sakuragi
AKA: Tensai, Rebound King, Red-Hair Monkey
Hair Color: Red
Height: 6'2" (189 cm)
Weight: 183 lbs (83 kg)
Position: Power Forward
Number: 10
Team: Shohoku

Hanamichi Sakuragi has an undisciplined lifestyle. He and his gang are famous for being troublemakers ever since they were in junior high. He is a failure when it comes to love, after being rejected by more than 50 girls during his junior high. Just when he has given up on love, he met Haruko Akagi. He joined the Shohoku team even though he knew nothing about basketball because he wants to be closer to her.

He has a bad temper and gets angry very easily. However, he is a strong willed and determined person too. When he has decided to do something, he will never quit trying until he succeeds. He loves people giving him attention and praises. He enjoys calling himself the Basketball Genius.

Although sometimes he fails to do simple passes and throws, but there were times when he truly played like a genius and managed to perform impossible moves that were crucial for his team. It is because his erratic performances that makes him a threat to his opponents.

He and Ryota clashed with each other when they first met after a misunderstanding. Later, they became best friend when they realized how much alike they both are. He has a dislike for Rukawa the very first time he lays eyes on him. That dislike turns into something more when he found out that Haruko has a crush on him. He hated him more when he saw Rukawa’s abilities on the court compare to his own. He has great respect for Akagi, though he would never admit it. It was Akagi who taught and influenced him to become a more patient and disciplined person.