I love basketball, and the fact that everyone is so passionate about this game in the series is just great. The character background and how they all come from different places and situations to finally play on the same team and beat everyone on the court with incredible plays and moves and UNDERSTANDING each other (except for hanamichi and rukawa) is, in one word (or two?), heart-lifting, and their personality and skill development throughout the entire series kept me watching every chapter solemnly.