Summary
Mitsuyoshi Anzai serves as the head coach of the Shohoku High basketball team and is widely regarded as one of the finest coaches in Japan, earning the respectful title of "Anzai-sensei" from peers across the country. His current demeanor is defined by a calm and collected nature, a stark contrast to his past as a demanding college coach known as the "White-Haired Devil." This transformation stems from a tragic incident involving his former protégé, Ryuji Yazawa. Yazawa, a talented player whom Anzai held in high regard, grew dissatisfied with the rigorous basic training and left Japan for the United States against Anzai’s wishes, believing it would offer better opportunities. For five years, Anzai received no communication other than an unaddressed video tape showing Yazawa playing for a team that lacked teamwork. The situation ended in tragedy when news broke that Yazawa had died in a high-speed head-on collision, reportedly under the influence of drugs. Upon visiting Yazawa’s grave, Anzai received a letter from Yazawa’s mother containing a message Yazawa had written four years earlier but never sent. In it, Yazawa expressed deep regret over his rebellious departure and the depression he suffered during his unsupportive American college basketball career. Grieving this loss, Anzai resigned from college coaching, shifting from a strict disciplinarian to a mild-tempered mentor now known as the "White-Haired Buddha." Despite his gentle reputation, Anzai is a brilliant strategist capable of turning the tide of any match. He possesses a charismatic presence that inspires his players, notably helping to alleviate the insecurities of Miyagi, Mitsui, and Sakuragi before the crucial match against Sannoh. His leadership is so influential that both Mitsui and Ryota, who were directly recruited by Coach Moichi Taoka of Ryonan, declined those offers to stay at Shohoku due to Anzai’s presence. Mitsui holds Anzai in the highest esteem, even placing a picture of him on the bench and praying to it during the inter-high Shohoku-Ryonan match when Anzai was unable to attend due to a heart attack. Anzai also recognized the potential of Hanamichi Sakuragi early on, promoting him to starter despite his lack of refined skills. Understanding that shooting was Sakuragi’s weakness, Anzai tasked him with making 20,000 baskets in a week to prepare for the national tournament. While Anzai tolerates Sakuragi’s habit of calling him "Oyaji" and jigging his fat when hyped—a behavior that often irritates others, especially Mitsui—he maintains discipline when necessary. For instance, he initially benched Sakuragi, Mitsui, Miyagi, and Rukawa for their involvement in a fight against Mitsui’s gang, preventing them from playing in the first interhigh tournament match against Miuradai High School.
