Created by Takehiko Inoue

The series that became a bestseller by Eisner nominee Takehiko Inoue, one of the greatest manga creators in Japan.

Winning isn't everything in basketball, but who wants to come in second? It takes dedication and discipline to be the best, and the Shohoku High School basketball team is determined to make it happen. They have one last year to make their captain's dream of reaching the finals a reality—will they succeed?

Shohoku advances to the final four of their region, but the team they will face next, Sōgyō, features one of the tallest teams. Hoping to take advantage of his unique rebounding skills, Coach Anzai places Sakuragi in the starting lineup, but the boys of Shohoku struggle against the height disadvantage of their opponents. Miyagi's speed and Rukawa's skill help their team cut down Sōgyō's lead, but with Akagi having difficulties at center, Shohoku's victory seems less and less likely.