Everything in this world has a starting point. So does Sendoh's story.
Obligatory data
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Unlike many other Slam Dunk characters, Sendoh was not a born Kanagawa player. Without the insightful scouting of Moichi Taoka, Sendoh might not have entered Ryonan High School in the first place and thus wouldn't have become a key person in our story.
A native tokyoite with the personality of a country boy, Sendoh is most well-known as Team Ryonan's ace player as well as the one true genius in the series. Being a talented allround actor on any basketball court - whether it be offence, defence or game making - Sendoh has been an irreplaceable mental support to his entire team thus far. Presumably, the man is now the most trusted among his teammates, including his upperclassmen and instructor.
Sendoh's reputation outside of his own group is just as mesmerizing. Having had more spotlights in the series than any of his rivals, it is obvious that the man is fairly loved by his own creator just as he is adored by his fans. As a result, voices about Sendoh being the No. 1 player in Slam Dunk are quite high among fans of SD, especially in Japan.
A name that tells all?
Anyone with a reasonable level of Japanese knowledge would quickly realize that Sendoh's name is a visual representation of his overall characteristics. While the first name Akira is often given to a baby with the hope of a future "star" figure, the last name Sendoh ellaborates the title further by hinting at "the path of Gods." Really, it'd be a wonder if any fictional character with the name Akira Sendoh is simply a minor outcast...