It's the way so many writers and studios pair the sweetness, bitterness and naivete of youth and friendship with well-paced action, fleshed-out and believable characters inside and outside of the sport and their growth through losses and triumphs. I've been hooked ever since Hajime No Ippo in my teens and fell in love with a handful of series' despite not being a fan of boxing or whatever sport they played. All battles have a good dramaturgy and powers aren't exaggerated.There's no real emotions, because you always know how it's gonna end, but trust me: you can be excited :) We have very nice animations, pretty good music and sound effects. But if you don't watch too many episodes at once, it can be really fun. Sounds stupid and boring? Well, partly it is. They just play match after match with one scheme: at the beginning Seirin are losing, but at the end they wins, because they found the way to deactivate opponents powers or/and they activate own powers on new level. Main characters don't have life outside of the game, we don't know their motivations (only 'I want to be the best!'), fears or problems. Everyone have some super powers and they activate them one by one.Unfortunately there's no real plot - it's all about action on court. There's no tactics, no one know anything about this sport, basketball rules exist only in part etc.Generally it's like Dragon Ball in school gym. They have the same ball, they play on basketball court and that's it.

Kuroko's Basketball isn't about basketball. then go for Slam Dunk (or eventually Dear Boys). Do you love basketball? You want to watch great anime about your favorite sport?! Well.

Kuroko no basuke episode 7