Review of 2.43: Seiin High School Boys Volleyball Team

When I first saw the preview for the anime, I obviously couldn't help but get excited over another possible banging series. As I tuned into the first episode; I already started losing hope but not necessarily interest just yet as the art really captivated me not because it was "out of this world" or "amazing" but because of how "down to earth" it felt. The first episode really did hit hard though especially with the feels expressed through the opening and ending. "2.43" (as the name suggests) is an anime about volleyball but unlike another popular series; it's not really about "volleyball" but what happens aroundit and the behind the scenes: a more psychological approach and thus a need to look further beyond to understand. The whole series shows a more relatable and realistic (for the most part) vibe which wasn't as off putting and kept me going despite the kind of rough and edgy start.
To put into perspective what I mean with this analogy; why "2.43" and not "2.40"?
I'll leave this to be interpreted in any way it can be.

Anyways without getting too philosophical about this as the anime was indeed lacking:
Story was "boring" because it didn't adhere to the more direct approach of the sports genre. Development was definitely slow and often times rushed with some unnecessary scenes. I never got to the point where I wanted to get involved and try to understand with any of the characters until the point where the "antagonist" (who seems just too perfect to be true) was introduced.
The drama happening between the team explored felt underwhelming to some extent with little to no development.
The series also gave minor BL vibes which wasn't bad but definitely different (not to the point of another series).
Personally, there was a lack of comedy or some possible romance (shown but not explored between Itoko and Yuni for instance) which gave too much of a serious mood along the story.

All in all, yes this is a sports anime but no you shouldn't expect anything like Haykyuu if put into comparison. The differences are as clear as night and day but as a volleyball player, I reckon you'd feel and understand both sides and still be able to enjoy this despite how dark it may seem.
I'd recommend it even though I wouldn't rate it too high myself just because it's something that did give feelings.
7/10