The Uncrowned Kings (無冠の五将, Mukan no Goshō) is a term used to describe five players that are almost as strong as the Generation of Miracles. If these players had been born in a different time, they would have held that title of Miracles, however their individual skills were overshadowed by the collective abilities of the Teikō team.[1] They are also known as the Crownless Generals or Uncrowned Five.
Unlike the Generation of Miracles, the Uncrowned Kings didn't play on the same team, but were rivals. For a long time, only two of five Kings were shown, but it was recently revealed that the other three are playing for Rakuzan High.
Lately, the term "Uncrowned" has lost its meaning, since at least three of the five players have undergone a tremendous transformation playing with Rakuzan and have achieved a rate of improvement that is similar to the Generation of Miracles in high school.[2] So far, Shun Izuki has been able to mirror the Uncrowned Kings' growth during his match against them.[3]
The Uncrowned Kings all have last names where the first kanji is related to a plant.
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"
All the five members 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 "Yaksha" (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 occupy the Power Forward position. Although in middle school, Eikichi Nebuya used to play as power forward. It is unknown why he switched (most likely to face off against Kiyoshi).
