Tetsurō Kuroo captains Nekoma High School's volleyball team as their middle blocker. His tall frame features broad shoulders, a muscular build, and narrow hazel eyes with distinctive feline pupils. Naturally messy black hair, often spiked upward due to chronic bedhead with a fringe partially covering his right eye, earned him the nickname "Rooster Head" from peers. He typically sports Nekoma's black-and-red volleyball uniform with the number 1 during high school. Post-graduation, his hair shortens slightly and he adopts formal attire reflecting his professional role. Born on November 17, Kuroo moved to a Tokyo neighborhood at age eight, residing near future teammate Kenma Kozume. Initially shy and withdrawn, he struggled socially but bonded with Kenma over video games. He introduced Kenma to volleyball, practicing together and gradually becoming more outgoing. This shared passion fostered friendships and participation in school activities, including soccer. Kuroo joined a local volleyball club, frequently watching professional matches with Kenma to analyze tactics and mimic techniques. He encouraged Kenma to become a setter, citing the position's strategic fit. During middle school, he successfully persuaded Kenma to join their school's team, solidifying their partnership. Kuroo's personality blends laid-back charm with strategic provocations, described as a "provocation expert" who unsettles opponents with snide remarks, like targeting Tsukishima's indifference during training camps. Despite this, he prioritizes sportsmanship and apologizes if lines are crossed. He deeply respects Nekoma's elderly coach, Yasufumi Nekomata, actively supporting Karasuno's development to fulfill Nekomata's dream of a "Battle of the Garbage Dump" rivalry at nationals. Kuroo exhibits sharp observational skills, adapting to others' emotional needs—demonstrating patience with Kenma's introversion and mentoring Tsukishima. He displays a playful, boisterous side with friends like Bokuto, often laughing loudly or commenting "Ah, youth" about younger players. His leadership focuses on morale-building and tactical adaptability during matches. As Nekoma's captain, Kuroo excels in read blocking, leveraging precise timing, posture, and vertical jumps to counter powerful spikers like Bokuto. His analytical approach allows him to track opponents' movements and disrupt momentum. Versatile in both offense and defense, he capably plays back-row when libero Yaku is unavailable. Kuroo employs the "Personal Time Difference Attack," a delayed spike developed with Kenma, to confuse blockers. He is Nekoma's sole starting member with a reliable jump serve, used strategically for aces or disrupting formations. His physical stats include a jumping reach of 330 cm and steady growth in height and weight post-high school. Kuroo interacts closely with teammates, particularly Kenma. Their friendship involves playful bickering and mutual support, with Kuroo convincing Kenma to stay in volleyball during high school tensions. He initially clashed with teammate Yaku due to competitive history but aligned with him and Kai on shared goals for nationals. Beyond Nekoma, he mentors Karasuno's Tsukishima, pushing him to refine blocking techniques and rediscover his passion for volleyball. His dynamic with Fukurōdani's Bokuto blends rivalry and camaraderie, often practicing together. After high school, Kuroo joins the Japan Volleyball Association's sports promotion division by November 2018, working to advance the sport nationally. His post-timeskip appearance reflects a professional demeanor, though he retains connections to volleyball through events like organizing All-Star matches.