This is definitely a good manga at first, even if you're not a sports fan (I dislike televised sports; too boring). There are some very annoying parts, like how so many of these abnormally giant kids (especially for Japan) do things only adults can do, the cliche next rival is always stronger than the last, and how Kuroko finishes Kagami's sentences. I'd beat that little twerp bloody if he kept doing that. Also, this whole misdirection and lack of presence just doesn't work out. In order to misdirect someone, you must first make your presence known. Glancing around doesn't misdirect somebody's attention that well and it only works for a split second if it does. Now, if Kuroko is pointing at something while gawking, that may cause them to look in the general direction he's pointing for a bit, but not if they're seriously playing basketball. Sure, make the argument that this is a manga, but by using a little common sense you can tell many mangakas strive for realistic situations. This manga fits the bill of a mangaka striving for realism.
Granted they add impossible moves like Kuroko's unstoppable drive (well, everything about Kuroko's "skills"), Midorima's 100% accuracy and making a full-court shot, and every shot Aomine makes, but the rest is fairly realistic (it's more like college level--maybe even pro level at times--basketball played by a bunch of 14-year-olds, pssshhht!).
Anyways, this manga is pretty good, but the exciting feeling you get at the first few matches fades over time and it becomes somewhat repetitive. Team faces seemingly insurmountable circumstances, team falls behind in points, team/player(s) overcomes some ineptitude, team beats opposition by >10 points, rinse and repeat with a stronger rival each time until team gets beaten, train, train, train, and repeat until team beats biggest rival/wins toughest tournament. They usually always win the second time around. It's a generic way to keep the audience spellbound. That type usually doesn't appeal to me, but since I've read so far, I may as well see it to the end. Slam Dunk is much better in almost every way. It's "not too little and not too much" style is much more appealing, such as Sakuragi's slam dunks not happening often so you really feel the excitement when he manages one. The competitiveness within and outside the main team was also a great aspect that could have made this manga better. Then again, it'd be one step closer to being a knock-off. Just too much of the same thing over and over. The manga's entertainment value begins to plummet between chapter 50 and chapter 60.
In the end, the concepts are interesting and new (as far as I know). They did use Slam Dunk's main character's jumping ability. Interesting how both main protagonists from both series share the same talent. It does go a bit overboard with Midorima's and Aomine's ability. Well, maybe more like it goes a lot overboard. Still, it's well worth trying out despite my harsh criticisms. Basketball fans may get offended by the unrealistic talents, though.