"Winning isn't everything in the game of basketball, but who wants to come in second? It takes dedication and discipline to be the best, and the Shohoku High hoops team wants to be just that. They have one last year to make their captain's dream of reaching the finals come true--will they do it? With Sannoh pulling away with a big lead on the scoreboard in the second half, Shohoku is looking clearly outmatched. With the team foundering, Sakuragi decides he's got to get everyone fired up and boldly declares that he's going to take Sannoh down. Shohoku still has a long way to go, and Akagi himself needs to find a way to overcome Kawata's strong defense. But if Shohoku can find their rhythm, they just might get back in the game.

Translation of: Suramu danku. "Originally published in Japan in 1995 by Shueisha Inc., Tokyo."--T.p. verso. Reads manga-style, right to left and back to front.