I've tried about two times to post a successful Slam Dunk Fanfic on this site, but failed (due to extreme writer's block and unsure of where to go next). However this time, I've really thought about the direction that I want to take.

I'm glad to say that this FF can be for everyone. It will contain a mix of character development, conversations, events, but also descriptions of basketball games. I plan to really go in-depth with the basketball if possible, but we'll have to see for now.

I've decided to keep the chapters at a shortish length, as it'll be much easier for me to update (I'm notorious for being a slow updater).

This is also set in a slightly AU universe, and I've tried to make it as realistic as possible.

As for the pairing, well you'll have to wait and see who visited him during rehab.

Tried to keep the first chapter short, and touch on how Sakuragi improved after his injury.

The setting is after the final pre-season game.

o.0.o.0.o.0.o.0.o

"You are cleared to play in a full basketball match now Sakuragi-kun. Your back is fully healed" said the nurse.

Sakuragi grinned happily at her. Although he was able to train, he could finally play. After months of rehab, in which he was only able to start basketball two months in which was an amazing recovery rate, slowly he had been able to build up his strength again. During the time he was in rehab, he had been unable to do much jumping or strenuous work. However, this would work as a boon towards Sakuragi.

In rehab he kept up with his schoolwork via postage from the school. But it was through rehab, counselling and a certain person that he matured. He viewed hard work now to be applied in all facets of life, not just on the basketball court. And months later, he was finally cleared and able to play a full basketball match with contact. His injury however, would benefit Sakuragi more than he would know. And it was finally then, that he would be able to go back to school.

The wise old man, Coach Anzai had told him that a back injury wasn't the end of the world. Just because he wasn't able to jump and dunk, didn't mean he wasn't able to practise. And so slowly, over a period of months when he was finally able to start light physical work, he slowly worked on his game. Constant dribbling, led to him being able to handle the ball much more effectively. As his entire game revolved around defense and rebounding, Coach had given him wise words that would change his entire basketball career.

"Sakuragi, do you know why Akagi was so good and became a star center?" asked Coach Anzai one day, as they sat in the bleachers, looking at the basketball court.

Sakuragi who was sitting in a seat, by the basketball court in the rehab center, and thought about it for a moment.

"Hard work?" asked Sakuragi.

Coach Anzai smiled.

"Go on Sakuragi-kun" motioned Anzai.

"His physical strength and height?" asked Sakuragi.

"Think deeper"

"His gorilla strength! And his gorilla face!" exclaimed Sakuragi.

"Ho ho ho, all of those answers are correct, but along with one other thing. Post moves. He was able to use his bulk and frame effectively and score through great technical footwork. I see quite a lot of him in you Sakuragi. Great athletic qualities, strong, and a hard worker" said Coach.

Sakuragi's eyes widened.

"Please do not tell me I look like GORI!" shouted Sakuragi.

Coach chuckled, his chin fats wobbling.

"No Sakuragi, you don't" said Anzai with a kind smile.

Sakuragi scratched his head, thinking of Gori and remembering his large repertoire of post moves.

"Post moves huh?" asked Sakuragi.

Anzai nodded slowly, before slowly standing up.

"Come with me Sakuragi-kun, and let's watch a tape" said Anzai.

o.0.o.0.o.0.o.0.o

Sakuragi watched the tape of Shohoku verse Sannoh.

"Keep your eye on Kawata Masashi Sakuragi-kun" said Anzai.

Sakuragi watched as Masashi powered his way past opponents, using a large repertoire of post moves and having a jumper as well to score, even with Gori's tough defense.

"Sakuragi, I believe in less than two years you can surpass that player, simply due to the sheer talent God has blessed you with. Your injury has given you a blessing, since you are unable to jump and dunk or layup as you like to do, you can only train your dribbling, movement and basketball IQ. During this time, I will continue to send you tapes of games I want you to watch, highlighting individual players. To further increase your basketball IQ, I want you to also read several basketball books that I recommend, as well as watch lots of basketball games. I also want you to follow a training regime, where you might not like it, but will help you in years to come" explained Anzai.

Sakuragi nodded, his head starting to become sore from constantly nodding.

"Sakuragi-kun, you are a developing player. You seem to absorb things twice, if not thrice as fast as others, and this will give you an advantage if you use it. Use it now, as you're in rehab. Resist the urge to muck around and instead train hard. As you've had three months off, you must work even harder to surpass Rukawa who is also improving" said Anzai.

Sakuragi nodded once again.

"Excellent, let's get started then. I won't be able to come very often, but I'll be coming when I can to look at my star power forward" said Anzai.

"This Tensai will not let you down" said Sakuragi with a promise.

o.0.o.0.o.0.o.0.o

And through the months, as Sakuragi was slowly able to do more and more, working on what Anzai taught him, supplementing it with books on basketball, and watching lots of basketball games. And finally came the day when he was able to go back to school, and to play the game that he had come to love so dearly. Anzai also taught him the important of a jump shot a month into his training.

"Sakuragi, why did I teach you about the jump shot previously?" asked Anzai.

"To help add to my game? To ensure that this tensai can score even more?" asked Sakuragi.

"More than that" Anzai said, trying to prompt Sakuragi to use his brain more.

"A jump shot allows you to shoot from a distance?" asked Sakuragi.

"Excellent. And why is this good?" asked Anzai.

Sakuragi frowned and thought for a moment, thinking of the hours he had already poured in to increase his basketball knowledge.

"My position on the court would mean...I would be further away from the basket. This will open up the key more as my opponent must...mark me closely because of my shooting. This leaves the key open more for Miyagi and the rest of the team" said Sakuragi.

"Excellent Sakuragi-kun. Not only that, but sometimes you may not be able to rely on your post moves, layups or dunks. Sometimes a player may simply be too big to back down, or far too tall. A consistent jumper is what can separate the good PFs to the star PFs" explained Anzai.

Sakuragi nodded, remembering how many of the good Power Forwards and Centers in the NBA had a jump shot that was consistent from mid-range.

"Jumper huh?"

o.0.o.0.o.0.o.0.o

In the Shohoku gym, the sounds of basketballs bouncing and squeaking shoes echoed through the halls.

"Run Miyagi!" yelled Ayako.

She watched as Miyagi crossed over to the left, before crossing over to the right and speeding past Yasuda. She watched as he drove hard, before jumping with a pump fake and flicking the ball to the left. Kutawa held the ball, eyeing the basket from the three point line. He jumped, shooting and watched as it went in.

"Yes!" he said, pumping his fist as he ran back to defend.

Ayako and Haruko watched as the team fought, starters and bench players being split. They watched as Rukawa drove the lane, before laying it in.

"Nice Rukawa!" shouted the crowd.

Mitsui the three point specialist had decided to stay on another year, to resurrect his basketball career, hoping to get a scholarship. He had again injured his knee during the winter tournament due to overworking it, and thus decided to rest up, and prepare for the next season. With an improved Mitsui, as well as the returning core of Rukawa and Miyagi kept Shohoku still a powerhouse. Rukawa had also improved, as had Miyagi who was determined to prove he was the officially recognised number one point guard in Kanagawa Prefecture. However, even with the much improvement off the bench, Shohoku was sorely lacking in the front court (SF, PF, C) missing the Rebound King Hanamichi Sakuragi and Takenori 'Gori' Akagi. With both starters gone, a large hole had been left in Shohoku's front court(1). had struggled during the regular season against the size of rivals. Listed as A- by the official high school basketball Japanese magazine called Dunk, they had relied heavily on their core three to get them over the line during their pre-season games, however they lost two of their three pre-season games due to the lack of rebounding chances available.

o.0.o.0.o.0.o.0.o

Sakuragi looked at the gym, taking a breath. He was finally able to go back to school. He slung his bag around his shoulder and slowly opened the door to the gym. He was stunned to see many people watching the practise, cheering for the players.

'Victory over Sannoh must of brought our popularity up' thought Sakuragi.

A short glasses wearing freshman turned as the door opened, to see Sakuragi stride in.

"Rebound King!" he yelled.

Other onlookers turned, and also shouted "Rebound King!"

Sakuragi gave them all a winning smile. He was home.

o.0.o.0.o.0.o.0.o

List of Shohoku Basketball Team:

Starters:

Ryota Miyagi: 170 cm/60 kg (3rd Year), Position: PG (Point Guard)

Hisashi Mitsui, 184 cm/68 kg (3rd Year), Position: SG (Shooting Guard)

Kaede Rukawa, 187 cm/75 kg (2nd Year), Position: SF (Small Forward)

Hanamichi Sakuragi, 194 cm/86 kg (2nd Year), Position: PF (Power Forward):

Satoru Kakuta 190 cm/79 kg (3rd Year), Position: C (Center)

Notes on starters:

Sakuragi has grown another 3 centimetres since Rehab. He was 191 at the end of the manga, and is now 194.

Satoru Kakuta was subbed in briefly when Sakuragi fouls out during a game. He is listed as 180 centimetres and plays center. As he is undersized, I have added another 10 centimetres to his height to allow me to use a canon character in the team (so please bear with it). Although thin in the manga, he's bulked up slightly to be able to deal with the starting centers.

Bench:

Yasuhara Yasuda, 166 cm/57 kg (3rd Year), Position: PG

Tetsushi Shiozaki, 175 cm/62 kg (3rd Year), Position: SG

Satoru Sasaoka, 176 cm/65 kg (2nd Year), Position: SF/SG

Tekinori Takeshi, 188 cm/72 kg (1st Year), Position: PF/C

Takatta Iowata, 191 cm/82 kg (1st Year), Position: C

Ryuujiro Sonny, 184 cm/76 kg (1st Year), Position: SF/PF

Notes on Bench:

Takeshi, Iowata and Sonny are made up characters that have been made to give depth to the Shohoku basketball team.

I may go more in depth into the players later, and talk about their skillset and so on.

Definitions:

(1): That half of the court that is the closest from the offensive basket. It is the position played by the forwards (SF, PF, C)

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I think that covers it all for now. Hope you enjoyed the chapter, and your feedback would be much appreciated.