Ep 17. The Rebound King Sakuragi Hanamichi's Distress

The Rebound King Sakuragi Hanamichi's Distress is the 17th episode of the first season of the anime show Slam Dunk, which aired on January 31, 1994. The episode follows protagonist Hanamichi Sakuragi, a former delinquent turned basketball player, as he struggles with the challenge of improving his rebounding skills.

The episode begins with Sakuragi and his team, Shohoku High, practicing rebounding drills. Despite his enthusiasm, Sakuragi continues to struggle with grabbing rebounds, a vital part of the game of basketball. His teammates continue to criticize him for his lack of ability in this area, causing Sakuragi to become frustrated and self-conscious.

Sakuragi's lack of rebounding skills is highlighted during a scrimmage against their rival team, Ryonan High. Sakuragi is continuously outplayed by Ryonan's powerful center, Akira Sendoh, who is known as the "rebound king." Despite Sakuragi's efforts, Sendoh continues to grab rebounds left and right, leaving Sakuragi feeling defeated.

As the game progresses, Sakuragi's teammates become visibly frustrated with his lack of contribution to the team. This leads to a heated argument between Sakuragi and his teammate Rukawa, who accuses Sakuragi of being a liability to the team. This argument escalates into a physical brawl between the two, causing a rift between them.

Following the fight, Sakuragi is left alone to reflect on his own abilities and the importance of rebounding in basketball. He realizes that it is not enough to simply want to improve his skills; he must put in the effort to practice and change his mindset. With this realization, Sakuragi becomes determined to become the best rebounder on the team.

The episode ends with Sakuragi practicing rebounding drills by himself, with a newfound determination to improve. His teammates, who had previously been frustrated with him, begin to notice his hard work and dedication. The episode ends on a positive note, with Sakuragi and his teammates united in their goal of winning the basketball championship.

Overall, The Rebound King Sakuragi Hanamichi's Distress is an emotional and inspiring episode that highlights the importance of perseverance and hard work in achieving one's goals. Through Sakuragi's struggles, viewers are reminded that the road to success is not always easy, but it is worth it in the end.