
Playing sports brings out a different side of us. This is especially so in sports that require cooperation within a team in order to go up against an opposing rival. It’s easy to put on a front at normal times when you’re composed and in your comfort zone, but it’s a battlefield out on the courts. That’s probably why some people say that you can tell a person’s personality by the way he/she plays on a team.
Here’s a personality analysis derived from the play styles of the characters from a certain popular basketball manga and anime series. Which type of athlete are you? Read on to find out!
Hong Kong-based illustrator and basketball fan Eiji created this personality analysis chart based on his observations of the characters from the all-time basketball themed hit series, Slam Dunk. In other words, this is based on a work of fiction and has no concrete scientific basis, but if you’re on a team or if you’re a fan of Slam Dunk, there’s no harm having a little fun making some references!
1. Reformer
Perfectionist, reformist
“Our goal is not to just be among the top 8 teams, we will reign the Nationals!”
Being the perfectionist, he has high standards for himself as well as others, and he praises sparingly.
Representatives: Akagi, Jin, Nobe
2. Helper
Fraternity type, helper
“One-on-one is just one of the ways of attacking.”
He’s always there to help, and is usually generous. He’s sensitive towards the needs of others and is not very conscious of himself.
Representatives: Sendoh, Miyagi, Hanagata
3. Achiever
Doer, achiever
“You’re never going to beat me in a one-on-one.”
He has an insatiable desire for victory, loves challenges, and dedicates his heart and soul to achieve his goal.
Representatives: Sawakita, Rukawa
4. Individualist
Self-centric, romanticist
“Coach Anzai, I want to play basketball~!”
Led by his emotions, he is sentimental and doesn’t think much of responsibility, but has incredible intuition and creativity in an optimal state.
Representatives: Mitsui, Fukuda, Minami
5. Investigator
Thinker, observer
“Don’t you even think of taking the top seat in my absence!”
He is exceptionally calm and tends to distance himself from others, observing on the sidelines before stepping into the scene.
Representatives: Fujima, Fukatsu, Hikoichi Aida
6. Loyalist
Loyalist, cautious type
“It doesn’t matter if I’m not the star of the team.”
He is hardworking and conscientious, responsible and serious, but tends to falter from anxiety and fear in times of crisis, becoming hesitant.
Representatives: Uozumi, Hasegawa, Matsumoto
7. Enthusiast
Hedonic, dynamic
“Because I’m a genius!”
He is positive and optimistic, brimming with energy, has many talents, and is often in a state of excitement. He detests being bound and controlled.
Representatives: Sakuragi, Kiyota, Kishimoto
8. Challenger
Authoritative, challenger
“There are no weaklings in team Kainan!”
As a natural leader, he is decisive and isn’t bothered by trivial matters. He craves for victory and dominance, and enjoys taking the lead.
Representatives: Maki, Masashi Kawata, Koshino
9. Peacemaker
Harmonious, peacemaker
“Do you need my help?”
Understanding and peace-loving, he dislikes conflicts within the team and is always trying to build harmonious, solid relationships.
Representatives: Kogure, Mikio Kawata, Uekusa
Team sports are fun because players of different personalities spark endless possibilities when their varying play styles come together as one. Which type of player are you?
Source/Image: 籃圖 Basketball Illustration on Facebook

Legendary basketball anime Slam Dunk is getting a brand-new movie
Slam Dunk fans rejoice after spotting a real-life Anzai-sensei on American TV
Taiwanese sports channel airs anime Slam Dunk in place of cancelled NBA games
An anime pilgrimage even non-anime fans will love: Visiting the Slam Dunk movie shrine【Photos】
Is Japan’s Crab-shaped Cup Ramen Timer worth the hype?
Is this Tokyo government office still one of the best places in the city for a curry rice lunch?
Silicone testicle covers banned from Japanese sauna following cups being left behind and on shelves
Starbucks Japan releases a new Cream Puff Frappuccino for a limited time
Starbucks Japan offers special sakura picnics at Reserve Roastery Tokyo beside Meguro River
Tokyo bus line praised for handling of driver’s mental health
Spring pollen may be damaging your skin, so what’s Japan’s best moisturizing anti-hay fever spray?
What’s the deal with akebi, the perfectly purple, alien-like fruit that’s in season now in Japan?
10 great autumn Japan travel spots for fall colors and retro atmosphere【Survey】
Japanese cafe’s gorgeous hydrangea sweets celebrate most beautiful flower of Japan’s rainy season
Starbucks Japan unveils new sakura cherry blossom collection for hanami season 2026
Japan’s cherry blossom season predicted to start earlier than we’d thought, especially in Tokyo
Japanese government planning higher ticket prices for foreign tourists at Tokyo National Museum
Is Tokyo Station’s startlingly expensive wagyu bento boxed lunch worth its high price?[Taste test]
One Piece creator has hidden secret of anime treasure’s identity in chest at bottom of real-world ocean
Studio Ghibli now sells Ursula’s backpack from Kiki’s Delivery Service at its anime shop in Japan
Live-action One Piece’s Luffy teaches Sesame Street’s Elmo a Japanese word for friendship[Video]
Mister Donut unveils new sakura doughnuts for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Foreigners accounting for over 80 percent of off-course skiers needing rescue in Japan’s Hokkaido
Super-salty pizza sends six kids to the hospital in Japan, linguistics blamed
Starbucks Japan unveils new sakura Frappuccino for cherry blossom season 2026
Foreign tourists in Japan will get free Shinkansen tickets to promote regional tourism
The 10 most annoying things foreign tourists do on Japanese trains, according to locals
Take a trip to Japan’s Dododo Land, the most irritating place on Earth
Naruto and Converse team up for new line of shinobi sneakers[Photos]
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says