Kotaro Hayama is a second-year student and the small forward for Rakuzan High School, where he wears the number 7 jersey. Standing at 180 centimeters and weighing 68 kilograms, he is one of the five Uncrowned Kings, a group of elite players who were overshadowed by the Generation of Miracles during junior high. His exceptional agility and reflexes earned him the nickname Raijū, or Thunder Beast, thanks to his signature Lightning Dribble, a technique in which he varies the number of fingers he uses on the ball to control his speed and power when penetrating defenses. With two or three fingers he can blow past most opponents, and with all five he can break through abilities such as Shun Izuki’s Eagle Eye and Eagle Spear, though the move leaves a brief opening that he must cover with his quick instincts. Hayama has a lively and spirited personality, approaching basketball with genuine excitement and enthusiasm, especially when he can test himself against strong rivals. This energy sometimes borders on childishness, and he can come across as arrogant, taking clear pleasure in overpowering opponents and maintaining his pride as an upperclassman. On the court, he is a key offensive piece for Rakuzan during the Winter Cup, frequently engaging in fast-paced, high-speed exchanges and tangling with stars such as Taiga Kagami and Daiki Aomine. He follows the commands of his captain, Seijuro Akashi, and works alongside his fellow Uncrowned Kings Reo Mibuchi and Eiki Nebuya. While his personal growth is not heavily emphasized, his relentless drive to face and defeat top-tier players reflects a competitive nature that pushes him to rely on his athleticism and raw talent in every matchup.