Ao Ashi frames itself as kind of a rags to riches story. Ashito Aoi is clearly talented; he and everyone around him know that much. However, he has to climb more obstacles than most due to his familial situation, competing against people who stand in the way of his road to success. Many sports anime dramatise the sport itself while simplifying everything else around the players and teams, while Ao Ashi was totally relatable and realistic.
Coming to the technical aspects, the OST was sane and the animation by Production I.G (the studio behind other sports anime like Haikyuu, Run With The Wind, Kuroko No Basket) was clean and was consistent. Compared to other works by the same studio, Ao Ashi felt bit behind in terms of excitement or relativity, however it was effective enough to deliver it's story against the backdrop of a protagonist who is trying to make his mark (I relate it to Diamond No Ace, which I also rated the same). It might be the top sports anime, but I will hold my horses for Blue Lock, since it involves the same sport.
My Rating : 7.5/10
