History ShoutOut / SlamDunk

*** Even Kaede Rukawa himself is reminiscent of a young, brash, and ball-hogging [[TheAce Michael]] [[InsufferableGenius Jordan]] in terms of his [[JackOfAllTrades all-rounder]] [[SpotlightStealingSquad yet selfish]] play-style where he can [[RenaissanceMan literally do anything]] on the basketball court (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). Like Jordan, Rukawa's character development came about when he learned the value of [[TeamSpirit team play]] and [[BoringButPractical passing the ball]].

*** Hanamichi Sakuragi is definitely the equivalent of [[BoisterousBruiser Dennis Rodman]] from the [[RatedMForManly "Bad Boy"]] [[GangOfBullies Detroit Pistons]]. They share the same rough play-style, strength, [[EnduranceDuel stamina]], pure athleticism, [[InASingleBound jumping height]], and ability to get [[{{Determinator}} endless rebounds]]. However, unlike Sakuragi, Rodman is a defensive wizard who can lock down anyone, including Michael Jordan. 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]].

*** Even Kaede Rukawa himself is reminiscent of a young, brash, and ball-hogging [[TheAce Michael]] [[InsufferableGenius Jordan]] in terms of his [[JackOfAllTrades all-rounder]] [[SpotlightStealingSquad yet selfish]] [[RenaissanceMan play-style]] where he can literally do anything on the basketball court (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). Like Jordan, Rukawa's character development came about when he learned the value of [[TeamSpirit team play]] and [[BoringButPractical passing the ball]].

** As for Ryonan, they share jersey colors with the NBA's Orlando Magic (sans Shaquille O'Neal). In turn, Akira Sendo may likely be based on NBA legend [[AlwaysSomeoneBetter 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 [[CompositeCharacter Magic Johnson]] as well based on the points above and the fact that they both wear Converse Conquest Mid. Also, Penny didn't start playing in the NBA until 1993 even though Sendo appeared on the pages of ''Slam Dunk'' earlier than that.

*** Even Kaede Rukawa himself is reminiscent of a young, brash, and ball-hogging [[TheAce Michael]] [[InsufferableGenius Jordan]] in terms of his [[JackOfAllTrades all-around]] [[SpotlightStealingSquad selfish]] [[RenaissanceMan play-style]] where he can literally do anything on the basketball court (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). Like Jordan, Rukawa's character development came about when he learned the value of [[TeamSpirit team play]] and [[BoringButPractical passing the ball]].

*** Hanamichi Sakuragi is definitely the equivalent of [[BoisterousBruiser Dennis Rodman]] from the [[RatedMForManly "Bad Boy"]] [[GangOfBullies 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]]. However, unlike Sakuragi, Rodman is a defensive wizard who can lock down anyone, including Michael Jordan.

** The Shoyo playbook involving tall players in the paint stifling the other team's offense, getting all the rebounds, or scoring at will while supported by a point guard who could pass to any of them anytime or shoot from the outside with accurate threes is quite reminiscent of the play-style of the Boston Celtics (of whom they share jersey colors with). Meanwhile, their team captain and coach [[FragileSpeedster Kenji Fujima]] serves as their [[WeakButSkilled Larry Bird]].

* The real-life NBA equivalents of the teams and players of ''Slam Dunk'' is always a fun topic to explore. Creator/TakehikoInoue is quite the [[{{Understatement}} hardcore basketball fan]] indeed.

*** Hanamichi Sakuragi is definitely the equivalent of [[BoisterousBruiser Dennis Rodman]] from the [[RatedMForManly "Bad Boy"]] [[GangOfBullies 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]].

*** Ryota Miyagi is likely based on former NBA player [[WeakButSkilled Muggsy Bogues]] (particularly during his stint with the Charlotte Hornets) with Miyagi's shortness in height but ability to use his [[SuperSpeed quickness]] to get past 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.

** As for Ryonan, they share jersey colors with the NBA's Orlando Magic (sans Shaquille O'Neal). In turn, Akira Sendo may likely be based on NBA legend [[AlwaysSomeoneBetter 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 [[CompositeCharacter Magic Johnson]] as well based on the points above and the fact that he they both wear Converse Conquest Mid. Also, Penny didn't start playing in the NBA until 1993 even though Sendo appeared on the pages of ''Slam Dunk'' earlier than that.

** As for Ryonan, they share jersey colors with the NBA's Orlando Magic (sans Shaquille O'Neal). In turn, Akira Sendo may likely be based on NBA legend [[AlwaysSomeoneBetter 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 [[CompositeCharacter Magic Johnson]] as well based on the points above, and the fact that he they both wear Converse Conquest Mid.

** 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 the Los Angeles Lakers under Magic's leadership. 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.

** The Shoyo playbook involving tall players in the paint stifling the other team's offense, getting rebounds, or scoring at will while supported by a point guard who could pass to any of them or shoot from the outside with accurate threes is quite reminiscent of the play-style of the Boston Celtics (of whom they share jersey colors with). Their team captain and coach [[FragileSpeedster Kenji Fujima]] serving as their [[WeakButSkilled Larry Bird]].

** The Shoyo playbook involving tall players in the paint supported a point guard who could pass to any of them or shoot from the outside with accurate threes is 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]].

** The Shoyo playbook involving tall players and a point guard who could pass to any of the or shoot from the outside with accurate threes is 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]].

*** Even Kaede Rukawa himself is reminiscent of a young, brash, and [[InsufferableGenius ball-hogging]] [[TheAce Michael]] [[GodModeSue Jordan]] in terms of his [[JackOfAllTrades all-around]] [[SpotlightStealingSquad selfish]] [[RenaissanceMan play-style]] where he can literally do anything on the basketball court (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). Like Jordan, Rukawa's character development came about when he learned the value of [[TeamSpirit team play]] and [[BoringButPractical passing the ball]].

** As for Ryonan, they share jersey colors with the NBA's Orlando Magic (sans Shaquille O'Neal). In turn, Akira 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.

** If Kainan is the Lakers and Shoyo is the Celtics, then naturally the [[DarkHorseVictory Dark Horse]] of Kanagawa, Shohoku, is the ''Slam Dunk'' equivalent of 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]] [[SpotlightStealingSquad selfish]] [[RenaissanceMan play-style]] where he can literally do anything on the basketball court (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). Like Jordan, Rukawa's character development came about when he learned the value of [[TeamSpirit team play]] and [[BoringButPractical passing the ball]].

*** Hisashi Mitsui is likely based on former NBA player [[ImprobableAimingSkills Craig Hodges]] during his run with the Bulls. They both wore the No. 14 jersey and were [[CripplingOverspecialization three-point shooters]]. There's also [[BrokenAce Jeff Hornacek]] of the Phoenix Suns/Philadelphia 76ers due to him also wearing the No. 14 jersey and having [[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.

*** 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 past 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.
*** 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 the 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.

** 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.

The real-life NBA equivalents of the teams and players of ''Slam Dunk'' is always a fun topic to explore. Creator/TakehikoInoue is quite the [[{{Understatement}} hardcore basketball fan]] indeed.
* The Shoyo playbook involving tall players and a point guard who could pass to any of the or shoot from the outside with accurate threes is 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 the Los Angeles Lakers under Magic's leadership. 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]] [[SpotlightStealingSquad selfish]] [[RenaissanceMan play-style]] where he can literally do anything on the basketball court (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). Like Jordan, Rukawa's character development came about when he learned the value of [[TeamSpirit team play]] and [[BoringButPractical passing the ball]].
** Takenori Akagi is probably based on [[LargeAndInCharge Patrick Ewing]] from the New York Knicks because they have the same [[{{Expy}} physical]] [[CaptainErsatz appearance]] and the [[GeniusBruiser same position]] in the court. However, Ewing 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 past 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.
** 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 the 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.
** In turn, Hanamichi Sakuragi is definitely the equivalent of [[BoisterousBruiser Dennis Rodman]] from the [[RatedMForManly "Bad Boy"]] [[GangOfBullies 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, Akira 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 [[TheBigGuy body shape]], [[SuperStrength style of play]], and [[DoesNotKnowHisOwnStrength boundless power]].

** 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 on the basketball court (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).

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

** Takenori Akagi is probably based on [[LargeAndInCharge Patrick Ewing]] from the New York Knicks because they have the same [[{{Expy}} physical appearance]] and the [[GeniusBruiser same position]] in the court. However, Ewing 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).

** In turn, Hanamichi 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]].

* The modus operandi of Shoyo High School is nothing short of brilliant. Team Captain and Shoyo Ace Kenji Fujima could pass to all [[SatelliteCharacter 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]].

* The real-life NBA 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 [[SatelliteCharacter 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 the Los Angeles Lakers under Magic's leadership. 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 on the basketball court (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).
*** Takenori Akagi is probably based on [[LargeAndInCharge Patrick Ewing]] from the New York Knicks because they have the same [[{{Expy}} physical appearance]] and the [[GeniusBruiser same position]] in the court. However, Ewing 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 past 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.
*** 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 the 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.
*** In turn, Hanamichi 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, Akira 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 [[TheBigGuy body shape]], [[SuperStrength style of play]], and [[DoesNotKnowHisOwnStrength boundless power]].