Kaede Rukawa is a talented and highly skilled basketball player in the anime series 'Slam Dunk'. Known for his cool demeanor and exceptional athleticism, Rukawa plays as a small forward for the Shohoku High School basketball team. He has a natural gift for scoring and is often seen as the main rival of Hanamichi Sakuragi, the series' protagonist. Despite his aloof personality and often solitary nature, Rukawa's ambition is to become the best high school basketball player in Japan and eventually play in the NBA. His contribution to the team is crucial as they strive to reach the national championship.