Norio Hotta

Hotta initially presents himself as an intimidating senior delinquent. He is proud of his standing at Shohoku and reacts aggressively when Sakuragi and other powerful first-years disrupt the school's existing hierarchy.

Beneath that posturing, Hotta is loyal to Mitsui. He understands more about Mitsui's emotional state than the basketball players initially realize and eventually recognizes that his friend's hostility toward the team is tied to his unresolved attachment to basketball.

Hotta can also swallow his pride when something more important is at stake. His willingness to accept consequences for the gymnasium incident demonstrates a more responsible side than his first appearances suggest.

Hotta is accustomed to fighting and commands a group of delinquent students, but he is not among the story's strongest street fighters. Rukawa and Sakuragi demonstrate that Shohoku's elite athletes are physically beyond what Hotta and his ordinary followers can handle.

His more enduring talent is social leadership. He can rally his fellow delinquents, and that same enthusiasm later turns them into an unusually loud cheering group for Mitsui and the basketball team.

Hotta first becomes involved with Sakuragi through school delinquent conflicts. His more important role begins with Mitsui's attempt to destroy the basketball club by provoking its members into a fight.

As Kiminobu Kogure reveals Mitsui's history, Hotta realizes that his friend's behavior is rooted in frustration over abandoning basketball.

After Mitsui asks to return to the team, Hotta and Sakuragi's friends claim responsibility for the gymnasium violence, helping prevent the basketball club from being punished for the incident.

Hotta subsequently appears as a supporter rather than an antagonist, leading his companions in conspicuous cheering for Mitsui during matches.

Hisashi Mitsui is Hotta's friend. Hotta supports him during his delinquent period and later becomes an enthusiastic supporter of his return to basketball.

Hanamichi Sakuragi initially clashes with Hotta, but the two ultimately share an interest in protecting Shohoku's basketball team from disciplinary consequences.

Kaede Rukawa defeats Hotta and his companions during an early confrontation at school.

Kiminobu Kogure's explanation of Hisashi Mitsui's past helps Hotta understand the real reason behind his friend's hostility toward the basketball club.