The Uncrowned Kings (無冠の五将, Mukan no Goshō), also known as the Crownless Generals or Uncrowned Five, are five talented players with strength described as rivaling the Generation of Miracles. If these players had been born in a different time, they may have held the title of Miracles instead, but their individual abilities were overshadowed by the collective might of the Teikō Junior High basketball team.[1]
Unlike the Generation of Miracles, the Uncrowned Kings did not play on the same team and were instead rivals at different schools. After graduating middle school, however, three of the five Kings chose to attend Rakuzan High and currently play together. The sheer level of improvement undergone by these three players during their time at Rakuzan puts into question whether or not they can still be called "Uncrowned".[2] The only players known to mirror this level of growth are Junpei Hyūga and Shun Izuki.[3]
Each of the Uncrowned Kings have a plant related kanji in their surname.
Teppei Kiyoshi (木) meaning "Tree" or "Wood".
Makoto Hanamiya (花) meaning "Flower".
Reo Mibuchi (実) meaning "Fruit" or "Seed".
Kotarō Hayama (葉) meaning "Leaf"
Eikichi Nebuya (根) meaning "Root"
Each of the Uncrowned Kings have been given a nickname based on their traits and abilities.
Teppei Kiyoshi as the "Iron Heart" (鉄心, Tesshin)
Makoto Hanamiya as the "Bad Boy" (悪童, Akudō)
Reo Mibuchi as the "Night Demon" (夜叉, Yasha)
Kotarō Hayama as the "Thunder Beast" (雷獣, Raijū)
Eikichi Nebuya as the "Herculean Strength" (剛力, Gōriki)
Interestingly enough, none of the Uncrowned Kings currently occupy the Power Forward position, though Eikichi Nebuya used to play as a Power Forward. It is unknown why he switched to Center (most likely to face off against Kiyoshi).
