
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】
Private booths are coming to Japan’s Shinkansen bullet trains even sooner than we’d thought【Video】
Rakuten randomly offers 58 New Year’s osechi feasts in Japan, but did we get a star or a dud?
The Purple Lucky Bag from Village Vanguard is an extra-large waste of money
Japanese beef bowl chain Sukiya’s 2026 Smile Box lucky bag basically pays for itself
Four Shinto shrines to pray for love at in Japan to start the New Year
Kyoto samurai house wants to share its history of seppuku, torture and gold coins with visitors
This unstaffed Japanese train station is like a Ghibli anime come to life
Japanese osechi New Year’s meal lucky bag gives us way more than we bargained for
We found possibly the quietest Japanese-style hotel in Tokyo’s bustling Shinjuku district
Totoro gamaguchi pouches will hold whatever you want them to, but already captured our heart
Starbucks Japan ready to get Year of the Horse started with adorable drinkware and plushies【Pics】
Hayao Miyazaki says Happy New Year to Studio Ghibli fans with new art for Year of the Horse
Cup Noodle tries an authentic Jiro-style ramen, but something’s not quite right
The best Starbucks Japan Frappuccinos we want to drink again in 2026
We revisited Sweets Paradise after a decade to see if Japan’s dessert buffet still delivers
That time Seiji called JASRAC to ask why he didn’t get paid royalties for his song being on TV
Japan’s oldest largetooth sawfish in captivity back on display in Mie Prefecture
Pizza Hut Japan’s hot lucky bags are perfect for a New Year’s pizza party
7-Eleven Japan starts new temporary luggage storage service in over 300 branches
Disillusionment at Tsukiji’s tourist-target prices led us to a great ramen restaurant in Tokyo
Starbucks teams up with 166-year-old Kyoto doll maker for Year of the Horse decorations【Photos】
Tokyo considering law requiring more trash cans following litter increase in heavily touristed area
Tokyo’s Tsukiji sushi neighborhood asks tour groups to stay away for the rest of the month
Tokyo event lets you travel back in time, for free, to celebrate 100 years since Showa era start
Japan may add Japanese language proficiency, lifestyle classes to permanent foreign resident requirements
Sanrio theme park in Japan announces plans to expand into a Sanrio resort
Stamina-destroying “Paralysis Noodles” are Tokyo’s newest over-the-top ramen innovation
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
Japan’s deadliest food claims more victims, but why do people keep eating it for New Year’s?
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
Starbucks Japan reveals new sakura drinkware collection, inspired by evening cherry blossoms
Updated cherry blossom forecast shows extra-long sakura season for Japan this year
Leave a Reply