Akira Sendou

Sendou is easygoing, friendly and remarkably difficult to unsettle. Coach Moichi Taoka can become frustrated with his casual attitude, particularly his poor punctuality, but Sendou rarely displays anxiety once competition begins.

Strong opponents excite rather than intimidate him. He enjoys one-on-one competition and responds to pressure by becoming more focused, making him especially dangerous late in close games. His calmness also affects his teammates; when Ryonan begins to lose control, Sendou often restores confidence simply by refusing to panic.

He is perceptive about other players and generous enough to acknowledge talent even in rivals. Rather than dismissing inexperienced opponents, he notices potential quickly. His interest in Sakuragi grows as the rookie demonstrates that his athleticism can become legitimate basketball skill.

Sendou is one of the series' most complete high-school players. He can score from the perimeter, attack off the dribble, finish around the basket, pass creatively and operate as Ryonan's primary playmaker. His 190 cm frame gives him excellent size for a ball handler.

Initially presented primarily as a forward and scorer, Sendou demonstrates that he can run an offense as a point guard. His court vision allows him to draw defenders before finding open teammates, and Taoka increasingly trusts him to make decisions with the ball.

His scoring versatility makes conventional defensive assignments difficult. Rukawa can challenge him athletically, but Sendou's broader understanding of team offense gives him another dimension. He is also capable of accelerating suddenly after spending stretches reading the game.

Sendou's greatest strength is his judgment under pressure. He understands when to attack personally and when creating an opportunity for a teammate offers the better chance of winning.

Sendou is introduced as the central obstacle in Shohoku's practice game against Ryonan. His talent immediately establishes the standard Rukawa and Sakuragi must eventually reach. Sakuragi becomes obsessed with defeating him, while Rukawa recognizes him as an opponent worthy of serious attention.

During the prefectural tournament, Sendou carries an even larger responsibility. Against Kainan, he is asked to compete with Shinichi Maki, one of Kanagawa's most accomplished players, while compensating for changes in Ryonan's lineup.

The decisive Shohoku-Ryonan game displays his complete skill set. Sendou scores, distributes and repeatedly keeps Ryonan within reach when Shohoku threatens to take control. Shohoku ultimately wins 70–66, leaving Ryonan outside the national tournament despite Sendou's efforts.

After the tournament, Sendou succeeds Jun Uozumi as Ryonan's captain. His later encounter with Rukawa also becomes important to Rukawa's development: Sendou makes him confront the limitations of treating every possession as an individual scoring contest.

Kaede Rukawa is Sendou's most prominent individual rival. Sendou respects his scoring talent while recognizing that Rukawa must expand his understanding of team play to become a more complete player.

Hanamichi Sakuragi declares Sendou a rival almost immediately. Sendou treats the inexperienced Sakuragi with good humor but recognizes his exceptional physical potential.

Jun Uozumi is Ryonan's captain and interior anchor. Sendou's calmness complements Uozumi's emotional intensity, and the two form the core of Ryonan's strongest lineup.

Moichi Taoka recruited and coaches Sendou, placing enormous trust in his ability despite frequently being exasperated by his relaxed behavior.

Kicchou Fukuda gives Sendou another dangerous scoring partner and hopes to stand beside him as one of Ryonan's leading offensive players.

Shinichi Maki is one of the few Kanagawa players established above Sendou in reputation and becomes his direct opponent when Ryonan challenges Kainan.

Hikoichi Aida idolizes Sendou and carefully records information about players in hopes of improving himself.

Yayoi Aida admires Sendou both as a basketball star and on a personal level.