Ep 25. The Past Of An MVP
- May 7, 1994
Hanamichi Sakuragi is a first-year high school student who joins the basketball team to impress a girl he likes. However, he quickly realizes that he has no talent for the sport, and his teammates are annoyed with his lack of skills. Despite this, Hanamichi's passion for the game grows, and he starts to improve with each game.
In episode 25 of Slam Dunk, titled "The Past Of An MVP", the spotlight shifts to one of Hanamichi's teammates, Rukawa. The episode begins with Rukawa sleeping in his classroom, as his classmates and teacher discuss his poor academic performance. However, when Rukawa wakes up, he reveals that he is not worried about his grades, as all he cares about is basketball.
Later that day, the basketball team has a practice game against a powerhouse team from another school. Rukawa impresses everyone with his skills and scoring ability, leading to the coach praising him as a potential MVP (Most Valuable Player). However, Rukawa seems indifferent to the praise, and after the game, he leaves without talking to anyone.
The next day, Hanamichi and his friend, Haruko, are walking to school when they run into Rukawa. Hanamichi tries to talk to Rukawa, but he brushes him off, stating that he is only interested in basketball and doesn't have time for anything else. Haruko, who has a crush on Rukawa, is disappointed by his cold demeanor.
During basketball practice, the coach informs the team that they will be playing against Ryonan High School, a team that has a history of producing talented players, including Uozumi, a former All-Japan player who is known for his physical strength. Hanamichi gets excited at the prospect of facing off against Uozumi, but Rukawa remains uninterested.
Later, during a break in practice, Hanamichi talks to Rukawa again, asking him why he plays basketball if he doesn't care about winning or being recognized as the best. Rukawa responds by revealing his backstory. As a child, Rukawa's father was a famous basketball player who was known for his impressive scoring ability. However, his father died when Rukawa was young, leaving him with a void that he has been trying to fill through basketball.
Rukawa's desire to be the best scorer is a way for him to honor his father's legacy and prove to himself that he is worthy of the name. Hanamichi is moved by Rukawa's story, realizing that he had misjudged him as someone who only cares about himself and basketball.
The episode ends with the team preparing for their upcoming game against Ryonan High School, with Rukawa seemingly more motivated than ever to prove himself on the court.
In conclusion, episode 25 of Slam Dunk focuses on Rukawa's past and motivation for playing basketball. The episode provides insight into his character and shows a more vulnerable side to him than we have seen before. It also sets up the stage for the team's upcoming game against Ryonan, adding excitement and anticipation for the next episode.
