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Although he's barely 5'9" (175 cm), Kazuhiko Aikawa, the hero of
Hoop Days (broadcast 2003), can slam dunk like an NBA pro. After leading the Tendoji High team to the tournament championship, he switches to Mizuho High, where he hopes to get more enjoyment out of the game. But boys' basketball was discontinued the previous year at Mizuho, after star point guard Fujiwara punched out Coach Shimojo. Kazuhiko's garrulous good nature initially irritates the students at his new school--especially Fujiwara. But in the best
shounen (boy's) anime tradition, his relentless dedication wins over the former players. The reconstituted Mizuho High team begins the season with a practice game against Narita Central, coached by the tyrannical Shimojo--a match the filmmakers stretch over three episodes.
Hoop Days is yet another come-from-behind sports adventure, but Kazuhiko is far more likable than Hanamichi in
Slam Dunk. (Rated 13 and older: violence)
--Charles Solomon