The hit anime series Haikyuu combines excellent character arcs and non-stop volleyball action in what is undoubtedly a modern sports classic. While the exploration of sports and even volleyball is nothing revolutionary in the realm of anime and manga, the Karasuno volleyball team is a different beast entirely. Karasuno possessed a solid core of experienced sophom*ores and seniors at series' start, and the addition of an extraordinarily talented freshmen crop propels the team to a national level.
Number 1: Daichi Sawamura, 3rd Year Wing Spiker
Daichi is Karasuno's captain and a wing spiker. Daichi is a great leader who isn't afraid to put his team in line when necessary. He is also a great role model for his peers, showing restraint and humility both in wins and losses. As a player, Daichi is an all-arounder that covers numerous holes on the team, utilizinghis great anticipation and receiving abilities to stifle elite spikers and servers, while simultaneously keeping rallies alive.
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Number 3: Asahi Azumane, 3rd Year Wing Spiker
Asahi is Karasuno's ace, and for good reason. While not the most technically gifted, Asahi is a powerhouse that can blow through middle blockers and deliver devastating serves. Despite his anxiety, Asahi carries the weight of being ace with pride.
Number 2: Kōshi Sugawara, 3rd Year Setter
Dubbed "Mr. Refreshing", Sugawara serves as an emotional pillar of sorts for Karasuno due to his infectious positivity; when it seems like the sky is falling, Sugawara is there to lift it back up. After being benched in favor of Oikawa, Sugawara not only remained positive and optimistic, but remained ready in case his number was called. Sugawara is a great setter, who can shift the momentum and tone of a game not just through his mental fortitude, but by delivering clean and accurate tosses that are a product of his deep understanding of Karasuno's wing spikers and their play styles.
Number 4: Yū Nishnoya, 2nd Year Libero
Too short todo battle in the sky, Nishinoya is Karasuno's libero and "guardian deity." Using his elite game sense in partnership with great speed and reflexes, Nishinoya receives spikes and serves that would be impossible to cover for literally anyone else. These plays not only highlight Nishinoya's abilities, but in crucial moments serve as immense morale boosters for his teammates. TheRolling Thundertechnique sees Nishinoyamake an unfathomable diving receive. Nishinoya has even demonstrated the ability to toss to Karasuno's wing spikers, and once received a spike with his foot.
Number 5:Ryūnosuke Tanaka, 2nd Year Wing Spiker
Tanaka is a ball of fire, but beneath his wild exterior is a deep and contemplative individual that understands his strengths and weaknesses. Said to possess the qualities of an ace by Coach Ukai, Tanaka never shrinks when the spotlights are on. Even when cornered or targeted by opposing teams Tanaka still maintainsfocus. Due to his immense reserves of stamina, Tanaka often ends up in the right place at the right time to make a clutch play both on offense and defense just by nature ofremaining active.
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Number 3: Kei Tsukishima, 1st Year Middle Blocker
Standing at 6'2" and with a jumping height of almost 11' is Kei Tsukishima, Karasuno's primary middle blocker. Rather than instinct, Tsukishima mainlyacts based on the information that's in front of him.This reactionary style is made possible by Tsukishima's height which allows him toscorea one-touch on spikes even after jumping late. These one-touches while not point-getters are enough to keep the ball in play,and give his team an opportunity to rally. Through his calculated approach and trust in his teammates Tsukishimaconditions opponents into a false sense of security, eventually luring them into vicious read blocks or intentional openings that will be received by an expectant Daichi or Nishinoya.
Number 9: Tobio Kageyama, 1st Year Setter
Karasuno's genius setter isKageyama Tobio, the "King of the Court". Kageyama's talent is undeniable, and he is one of, if not the best setter in all of Japanese high school volleyball. He can toss the ball with pin-point accuracy from any angle and position on the court. His tosses are so accurate that Hinata can hit them with his eyes closed, an ability that is the cornerstone ofthe Lightning Quick combination, an attack so fast that it cannot be defended unless anticipated in advance.
Whilea setting deity, Kageyama'svolleyball skills are top-notch in every category. Kageyama understands the amount of defensive attention that he commands on the court, and hisSetter Dumpscores points bycapitalizing on opponents focused too heavily on his tossing ability. His serve is delivered with enough power and technique tothreaten any defense, and he has enough height and athletic ability to serve as a competent blocker. Kageyama's potential is limitless, and after learning to better communicatewith teammatesupon joining Karasuno, is sure to reach the top of the volleyball world some day.
Number 10:ShōyōHinata, 1st YearMiddle Blocker
Hinata is Karasuno's "strongest decoy" and aspiring ace. Hinata is 5'4", but what he lacks in height is made up for by his unmatched athleticism and spirit. Playing middle blocker allows him to maximize his jumping potential, as while green in terms of receiving, he can stillpester opposing spikers byjumping. This position alsoplaces him very close to the net at all times, allowing him and Kageyama to execute theirLightning Quick technique with ease. Hinata is subbed out when rotated to the back line, but while in the game Hinata is a huge threat offensively.
What'smost deadly about the Lightning Quick is the threat it poses. Karasuno often leverages opponents tendency to overcommit to defending the quick by having Hinata act as a decoy. The Lightning Quickdoesn't allow defenses a moment to hesitate, soHinata even looking at the net during a rallyis enough to command the defense's attention, further opening the flood gates for theother spikers.
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