Mikio Kawata

Mikio is timid, polite and lacking in confidence compared with Sannoh's veteran stars. He frequently worries about making mistakes and is especially sensitive to his older brother's criticism.

He is not arrogant about his immense physical advantage. In fact, his uncertainty makes him easier to unsettle than Sannoh's experienced players, and Sakuragi quickly recognizes that psychological pressure can be useful against him.

Mikio nevertheless wants to improve. He listens to instruction and continues attempting his assignment even when the matchup becomes uncomfortable.

At 210 cm, Mikio possesses exceptional size even by national high-school standards. His mass allows him to establish deep position near the basket, where a simple turn toward the rim becomes difficult for smaller defenders to stop.

Sannoh uses this advantage by having him post up against Sakuragi. When Mikio receives the ball close enough to the basket, his size can compensate for his limited technique.

His weaknesses are experience, speed, balance and variety. He lacks Masashi's sophisticated footwork and all-around skill, making his intentions easier to read. Sakuragi discovers that preventing him from reaching his preferred position dramatically reduces his effectiveness.

Mikio enters the Shohoku game as one of coach Goro Domoto's tactical options. His size creates an apparently favorable matchup against the much shorter Sakuragi.

Initially, the plan works because Mikio can use his body near the basket. Sakuragi responds by studying how the first-year scores rather than trying to win a straightforward strength contest.

Sakuragi eventually turns the matchup around by denying Mikio ideal position and exploiting his limited mobility. The episode highlights Sakuragi's growing ability to think about basketball rather than relying solely on instinct.

Masashi Kawata is Mikio's older brother and demanding mentor. Mikio looks up to him but is also intimidated by his criticism.

Hanamichi Sakuragi becomes Mikio's direct opponent when Sannoh attempts to exploit Mikio's size advantage.

Goro Domoto uses Mikio as a situational weapon against Shohoku.

Eiji Sawakita, Kazunari Fukatsu and Masahiro Nobe are among the experienced Sannoh players surrounding Mikio during his first year.