Name of Series: Slam Dunk
Alternate Names: (None, that I know of)
Episodes: 101 ( +3 or so back story episodes)
Volumes: 31 (Chapters 278 I think)
Author: Inoue Takehiko
Genre: anime, comedy, drama, school life, shounen, sports, romance(a little)
Plot Summary: Hanamichi Sakuragi is a delinquent who has never had any luck with girls. However, when he meets Haruko Akagi, he is sure that she's the one for him. Haruko is a big basketball fan and notices his potential as a basketball player (due to his immense height). Hoping to win her heart, Hanamichi earnestly tries out for the basketball team. Does this complete newbie have what it takes to even join the team?
My Summary: Firstly, I have to say the summary doesn't do justice to the actual anime/manga; it's way more interesting and awesome than it sounds. That's why I thought I would give a short summary of my own as well.
Hanamichi Sakuragi has never had luck with girls, on his 1st day of high school; gets dumped for the 50th time by a girl(who dumps him for a guy in the basketball team and that's where it gets interesting *evil laugh*). Depressed and feeling it's winter in/for his heart, while it's spring in the world, he is fueled with hatred not only towards basketball the game but the very term as well(You will get what I mean lol). When he meets Haruko, who catches his heart at first sight,he is overjoyed! She compliments his height and all and tells him he should join the basketball team--that he would be a great player! Now he declares he is a great/genius sportsman and will try out/join the basketball team for her. But! a mysterious super rookie in basketball has also joined this very same high school and has caught Haruko's attention! Now, not only does he have to win over Haruko's heart, he also has to out perform this super rookie! For someone who hated basketball a few moments ago and who has no experience in it at all , how will this all end? Will he get in or not? Will he make a fool of himself or turn out to be the world's greatest basketball genius? Read and find out!
Personal Opinion: I will be straight forward with you guys. This is the finest anime/manga I have ever watched and read. I absolutely loved it, I have watched/read about 80+ animes/mangas and I have yet to change my mind and I think I never will. It is simply superb; one minute you are as serious as hell and stuck to the screen in suspense and the next they do something so hilarious that it makes you fall off your chair and laugh so hard you can't breathe. Not to mention making you cry your eyes out(be you a girl or boy lol). No matter how much I like a new anime or manga, when I think back of Slam Dunk I think "No, nothing can beat that, I have to read/watch it again!". Many people watch the first few episodes and go: "this isn't for me", "it's boring" but please don't stop after the first two epsiodes, go further. I guarantee you will get addicted to it. You have my word that you will not regret watching/reading this.
Oh just wanted to mention, like me, if any of you go for the manga because the anime doesn't follow it exactly or isn't as good, don't worry one bit. Slam Dunk's anime is amazing and follows the manga to a T but please do watch it in subbed; the dubbed version is terrible, I have tried it. By the way, the chapter where the anime leaves off in the manga, I can't recall right now, just comment and ask me when you get there, and I will check and let you know right away.
Rating: 10/10 (No kidding)
I simply love its opening song as well, hope you enjoy it!
Link to download/watch the episodes(both links are present and don't read the description given there, it has spoilers): HERE
Link to manga volumes download: HERE
Link to read the manga online: HERE OR HERE
The place where I originally downloaded the anime from, seems to have been shutdown. I found this other website linked above which seems reliable to me. I will download a few episodes to make sure, it's subbed and of good quality. If I find a better website, I will be sure to link that as well. If anyone needs another website link to watch or read it online, just let me know and I will give it to you. Hope you enjoy it as much as I did.