Hisashi mitsui biography of william hill

Toei Animation

The combination of anime and sports has often produced some of the more memorable and noteworthy projects. For instance, the volleyball-centered "Haikyuu!!" has won over many fans with a redemption-focused story on an underdog team.

New entries, like "Blue Lock," aim to change the game by deconstructing the concept of a star player in a dystopian setting that feels more like "The Hunger Games." But before 'Haikyuu!!" and "Blue Lock," one basketball-inspired manga arguably set the bar on sports anime. In , author Takehiko Inoue debuted his manga "Slam Dunk," a work that follows the grind of a Japanese high school basketball team.

An anime series soon followed, increasing the series' immense popularity and influence with fans.

Per CNN, "Slam Dunk" is credited as making the sport of basketball beloved by a generation of fans and having Inoue recognized by the Japanese Basketball Ass Slam Dunk: Best Basketball Players, Ranked - Game Rant, carousel CUPOB