Aida, Hikoichi

相田彦一

Cheerful and energetic, Hikoichi aims to become a player like his Ryonan teammates. However, since he is not up to their level, he stays with the reserves—specifically with coach Moichi Taoka—and functions more as a team manager than a full player, taking detailed notes during matches. His catchphrase is "gotta check it," and he shouts "Unbelievable!!!" every time something exciting happens during a match. He also considers Hanamichi a great player, having been talked into this view when they first met. Hikoichi idolizes Ryota because he is a starter for Shohoku despite his short height (Ryota is only three centimeters, about one inch, taller than Hikoichi). He has an older sister, Yayoi Aida, who is a reporter for a basketball magazine (and from whom Hikoichi might have gotten his habit of taking notes).