TV-Series
Description
Kotarou Hayama is a small forward for Rakuzan High School, standing at 180 centimeters and weighing 68 kilograms, wearing jersey number 7. He is one of the five Uncrowned Kings, a group of exceptionally talented players from the same generation as the Generation of Miracles. In junior high, his abilities were overshadowed by the Miracle players, but he earned the nickname Raijū for his signature Lightning Dribble. This technique allows him to control the speed of his dribble by the number of fingers he uses; the more fingers he employs, the faster the dribble becomes, making it extremely difficult for opponents to keep pace. Beyond his dribbling, Hayama possesses outstanding athleticism: he is agile, quick, and has excellent jumping power, often displaying cat-like movements and acrobatic flips both on and off the court.

In terms of personality, Hayama is energetic, childlike, and spirited. He relishes going up against strong opponents and becomes particularly excited when a one-on-one opportunity arises. He enjoys showing off his skills and draws attention with his flashy dribbling. Despite his playful and sometimes careless nature, he can be surprisingly thoughtful during critical game moments. He is also arrogant, taking pride in his status as an upperclassman and wanting to dominate his rivals. He tends to underestimate weaker opponents, but he respects those who can challenge him.

Hayama’s primary motivation is to win and to prove his own worth, seeking recognition that was previously denied by the presence of the Generation of Miracles. This drive pushes him to continuously display his abilities and assert himself on the court.

Within the story, Hayama serves as a key supporting character during the Winter Cup arc, acting as a formidable opponent for Seirin High. He first appears in a memorable moment when he nearly collides with Taiga Kagami but instead leaps over him, immediately showcasing his athletic flair. In games, his Lightning Dribble forces opponents to adapt quickly, and he plays a significant role in Rakuzan’s offensive and defensive schemes.

Hayama’s important relationships include his close bond with Rakuzan’s captain, Akashi Seijuro, with whom he works strategically. He develops a friendly rivalry with Tetsuya Kuroko, and the two come to respect each other’s skills. He is also teammates with fellow Uncrowned Kings Reo Mibuchi and Eikichi Nebuya at Rakuzan, and he has connections with the other Uncrowned Kings such as Teppei Kiyoshi and Makoto Hanamiya.

In terms of development, Hayama does not undergo a major personal arc, but his encounters with strong opponents like Kuroko and Kagami highlight his adaptability and his desire to compete at the highest level. His confidence is occasionally challenged when he faces superior tactics, but he remains a resilient and dynamic player.

Notable abilities include his Lightning Dribble, which uses finger variation to control dribble speed, combined with his quickness, agility, jumping ability, and finishing skills. He is recognized as one of the most athletic scorers in the narrative, capable of scoring on elite defenders through both speed and acrobatics.