How they first met one historic day on the roof of the Shohoku High school building, where a misunderstanding causes it to break out into a fight. At this point of time, they have no idea who the other is, but in their self-centred sense of self-preservation, they don't care. (Marking the first of many underlying similarities between these two characters.)

This is beginning of what would become the second of two central relationships in Slam Dunk. The other is, of course, the Sakuragi-Haruko relationship which triggers Sakuragi's passion for basketball. This secondary relationship, that of Sakuragi-Rukawa, triggers the same thing, but from a different point of view.

Rukawa generally doesn't bother with names. It's in his nature, he says so himself. But even then, he manages to remember Sakuragi's name even after being told it only once. What an accomplishment, Sakuragi's gotten Rukawa's attention after their first meeting, and he's not even a basketball player (yet).

Rukawa going to see the Sakuragi vs Akagi match was probably more due to Rukawa's passion for basketball than because he wanted to see the red-headed idiot (though undeniably Rukawa's interest had been specifically piqued when he heard that it was Sakuragi playing). What's really interesting is Rukawa's reaction to the game. More to the point, Rukawa's reaction to Sakuragi. Dare I say it, Sakuragi's surprising strength and determination had actually gotten some of Rukawa's respect? At this point their relationship is still fledgling, and one can't help but wonder if a genuine friendship could have been forged here, had Haruko not been in the picture.

Once again, a hint of a could-have-been. Rukawa acknowledges Sakuragi (in his own way) and Sakuragi responds in the like, glaring up Rukawa's nose with his complete disregard for personal space. But then Haruko pops up again with perfect timing to spoil the moment.