A 2008 documentary that follows the lives of 8 of the best high school basketball prospects at the time leading up the 1st annual Boost Mobile Elite 24 Hoops Classic at Rucker Park. This film was originally created for IMAX. (Spoiler alert: Harris goes on to earn a graduate degree.). Also Read: Why OJ Simpson Will Be Granted Parole This Week. Jerryd Bayless4. Its a familiar story, and the young men who make up the Morningside 5 are practically a ready-made cast of archetypal figures, at once tragic, redemptive, and captivating. Coming off the network's first Oscar win for "OJ: Made . We were able to get clearance from his employers. I just wanted something a lot more stable. The fight proved what everyone but Ali already knew: The Greatest was past his prime. Sadly there was a lot of lost potential, especially with Ellison and Stais Boseman. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PJzUWoMu0W8. Also Read: Duke Basketball Legend Christian Laettner on Being So Hated That ESPN Made a 30 for 30 Film About It. I said I am only going to do this if I can get all five of them, and they kind of banded together. Yet, thats scarcely the most poignant aspect of this story. We are deeply involved in the feature film slat and are hoping our next project will be an adaptation of The Art of Fielding by Chad Harbach with IME. Morningside 5 premiers Tuesday at 9:30 ET on ESPN. We made an impassioned pitch and they had faith.. Also Read: HBO to Develop Alex Gibneys Death Row Drama Starring Laura Dern. People have to ask themselves questions if you are not Zion [Williamson] or LaMelo [Ball], Producer Mason Gordon tells SLAM. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wHkMycj-YSQ. "Playing for the Mob" Jim Sweeney was a Rhodes Scholar and a Naismith Award-winning superstar at Boston College. Also Read: Magic Johnson Pledges Support to Charlie Sheen in HIV Battle: I Hope He Joins Me in Educating the World. Published January 12, 2023 Inglewood Mayor James Butts cuts the ribbon to open the eSports lab at Morningside high school (Amanda Scurlock/L.A. Christian Laettner was one of the most dominant college hoops players of his time, and like the university he played for, everyone loved to hate him. Saffold said he enjoyed the film and realized it had to be a truthful account of the team. This documentary follows the incredible story of the American University of Iraq womens basketball team for a full year as we see what its like for them to become athletes, develop friendships, and get through adversity together. Tyreke Evans3. "We got invited to the Sundance film festival with Hardwood Dreams -- the same festival that Hoop Dreams was premiering at, which of course we knew nothing about," Tollin says. "Hillsborough""Hillsborough" covers the human crush at an FA Cup match between Liverpool andNottingham Forestin 1989 that killed 96 people. In 1992, the Morningside Monarchs became Inglewood's first and only state champs. Dwight was out of jail and looking at job opportunities, so we followed his job quest. Boseman, the Monarchs best player, is portrayed as an indolent student by teachers and teammates. There arent many teams that were ever feared as much as the Detroit Pistons. This isnt really a story of triumph or tragedy it is a film about real lives, filmmaker Mike Tollin tells TheWrap. Teachers, administrators and coaches are interviewed about the five players. "This is not a usual 30 for 30, because usually with 30 for 30, it's triumph or tragedy," director Mike Tollin says. Thats kind of what it was. I was kind of playing basketball more like as a job but at the same time as a hobby and a pastime. The five-part "O.J. Also Read: OJ Fact Check: Two White Broncos? "Straight Outta L.A." shows how L.A. and the Raiders were a perfect fit for each other, and how they inspired the imagery and philosophy of N.W.A. 13. When he recently stopped by The Frame, Tollin talked about how he approached working on this third film about the Inglewood high school basketball champions. With the help of some creative animated pieces, Michael Bonfiglio delves through fact and fiction to explore the incredible legend Bo built around himself -- and what he left behind. Follows the life of Sebastian Telfair during his senior year of high school basketball. It kind of just made me thankful., I was living my dream in terms of going overseas, Ellison said. The film does a fantastic job in showing that reality eventually sinks in. But I kind of wanted to test myself to see if I can really swim in the real world.. The Mustangs kept the Chargers' offense at bay, though cruising to a 76-69 . All five of the returning starters imagined they would be receiving full scholarships to Division 1 schools to play basketball that was their dream. Jordan Rides the Bus A look into Jordan's life when he decided to give up the game of basketball and pursue a career in baseball. Movies, music, TV, arts and entertainment, straight from Southern California in your email inbox weekly on Thursdays. Easy enough. The film then picks up ten years after the men graduated high school and finds them in the real world. During this time, many of the guys find themselves still chasing basketball dreams overseas while others are trying to fit into society. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ph2Y-epihlk, You said we could watch 18 of these online for free Where are they!?. 3. . It was also insanely profitable for figure skating. 25 years in the lives of the 1992 Morningside High School (Los Angeles) basketball team. Morningside 5is a unique story that chronicles the lives of five men through a 25-year window. Inside 30 for 30: Al Davis vs. That is a real, bona fide leading man role. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1hRTlHmxums. The players -- Stais Boseman, Dwight Curry, Donminic Ellison, Sean Harris and Corey Saffold -- have been part of Tollin's life since 1992 when he was just breaking into the filmmaking business. Weve had a couple of screenings people really dug in and got on for the ride. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uiXvNhXWHOc. The Monarchs had an unapologetic streetball flair to their game, and in many ways acted as avatars for the civic rebelliousness permeating Los Angeles at the time. "Muhammad and Larry" In 1980, Muhammad Ali wanted one more title match against Larry Holmes. Not everybody carried a high-def camera in their pockets.". Notable Alumni. Using archival footage of the fight he shot himself, director Albert Maysles shows the humanity of both fighters, including the dark side of Ali that fueled his competitiveness, and the reluctance of Holmes to put down his friend and idol for good. Credits to the documentary team:Justin: jchandra. More than a game documents the story of LeBron James and his high school teammates (Sian Cotton, Dru Joyce III, Willie McGee, and Romeo Travis) in Akron, Ohio, and their journey to dominating high school basketball. He was eight when the Mustangs faced the unthinkable: the NCAA was shutting down their program for two years, bringing an end to their dominance. Its a scene that turns out to be darkly prophetic, yet Phelps doesnt endeavor simply to impart a fatalistic outlook. The NFL. It updates the original documentary on the Morningside HS basketball team of '92 to 25 years later. Cinema Specialist . The first production under the ESPN Films banner was Black Magic, a four-hour documentary that premiered on ESPN without commercial interruption over two consecutive nights starting on March 16, 2008. Ive compiled a playlist of all the listed documentaries that can be found on YouTube at the time of creating this post. The documentary aired on ESPN August 8, 2017. Regarded as the best basketball prospect at the time, he was shot dead during an altercation at school. Also Read: Stephanie McMahon, Mark Giordano Among Winners at ESPN Sports Humanitarian Awards. This documentary goes in-depth into Magic Johnsons life the days leading up to the announcement, and the years after it. "It was a simpler time. Los Angeles, Review: Operation Fortune: Ruse de guerre is classic Guy Ritchie and not in a good way, Review: The teen drama Palm Trees and Power Lines tells a searing story of abuse, Review: The documentary Ithaka attempts a difficult defense of Julian Assange, Jonathan Majors dubs Michael B. Jordan Michael B. Handsome at Walk of Fame ceremony, Review: Natural beauty and a touching ecological tale center the female-forward Blueback. They are now the Oklahoma City Thunder. They have the same hopes and dreams. Morningside High had an esteemed reputation for basketball excellence and had just won the state basketball title, plus their five pre-eminent players were all returning for their senior years, Tollin told TheWrap. It was the manner in which they did it. "Pony Excess" is Matula's retelling of that scandal, digging into the football team's dealings with oil tycoons and corrupt politicians in a city and decade that was consumed by greed. One of them was the best athlete in the state. But things didnt quite end how they all envisioned it. "The Price of Gold" The Tonya Harding/Nancy Kerrigan scandal was one of the most disgraceful in women's sports. But the Morningside story is extra meaningful to him because of the special connection he made with the players and the way that the original helped his company springboard to other opportunities. From The U to The Two Escobars, we count down the 30 greatest documentaries that ESPNs critically-acclaimed series has gifted us. COUNTERPUNCH ET on ESPN. Each of them returned for their senior season to make a run at a second consecutive state title, but for various reasons, they fell short of that goal. "They had a 20th reunion in 2013, which was our first shoot," Tollin says. Michael Beasley2. WOUNDED KNEE, S.D. 7. 29. I feel like I am in it for life. Get our L.A. But I thought it was important for the community to see another side of Morningside High. The rest have settled into adulthood and continue to pursue their careers away from the hardwood, and its a transition that has been smoother for some than for others. I believe were all gonna make it., It is at this point in the film that legendary Notre Dame coach Digger Phelps meets with the team and does his best to strip them of this illusion. Then they had to find a school willing to allow them access to classes, practices, games, players, coaches and administrators. Morningside 5 will air again Saturday August 12 at 3:30 p.m. At one point in his life, Lenny Cookes potential was rated among LeBron and Carmelos. Please make sure your phone number is correct as we will contact you to ensure validity of submission. Franklin, who wore a microphone during games, said the film crew, usually three or four people, never became a distraction. Brandon Jennings5. Let us know in the comments below which one is your all-time favorite! ESPN Films will feature two high school basketball stories in new documentaries premiering back-to-back Tuesday, August 8, on ESPN. Before the aforementioned two became household names in this digital eraand even before LeBron James did for that matterhigh school hoops were an integral part of any local community. Also Read: ESPN's Latest '30 for 30' Film Spotlights Brilliant But Troubled Soccer Star George Best. From my perspective, the most important part of this whole film is getting to know yourself, Ellison said. TheWrap: How did you first get involved with the kids at Morningside High? Theres so much to learn and players always enjoy watching them. It wasnt as annoying as people might think, he said. They had gone on such different paths, but basketball continued to play some part in all of their lives. Led by their stars Sarunas Marciulionis and Arvydas Sabonis, Lithuania received a bronze medal at the Barcelona Olympics. You can find the playlist here:Best Basketball Documentaries: Basketball For Coaches. The story of a 17-year-old Chicago-born player by the name of Ben Wilson who was shockingly murdered the day before his senior year. I saw Pat Tillman overwhelm opponents on the football field from multiple positions offensively and defensively. SIOUX CITY, IOWA - Morningside may have been the favorite coming into today's men's basketball game with Briar Cliff, but the Chargers, who have put up two 100-point totals in the last couple weeks, are hardly a team to take lightly, especially in a rivalry game. I really wasnt (uncomfortable). Morningside 5 is the third installment of a trilogy that debuted as Hardwood Dreams in 1993 and the 2004 follow-up Hardwood Dreams: Ten Years Later. But the week of the state championship game in Oakland he was among three juveniles arrested by police on suspicion of carrying a loaded firearm and a concealed firearm in a car. After being drafted 2nd overall in the 1986 NBA draft by the reigning champion Boston Celtics, Len Bias was found dead due to a cocaine overdose. Amid their title defense in 1993, Dwight Curry gave voice to the lofty collective dream of promising young athletes everywhere: I feel like weve all got the talent to do it. On Tuesday night, ESPN will air a documentary that chronicles the Morningsides starting five. These roles include: Communications/PR, Athletic Director, Sports Information Director, Booster Club President, School Administrator, etc. "Slaying the Badger" The 1986 Tour de France is widely considered to be the greatest story in cycling history. The filmtakes a look at the scandals that surrounded Ohio State football coach Jim Tressel and fallen star Maurice Clarrett, the latter of whom ended up in prison. Andres Escobar was a hero to the people of Colombia, yet the national team he played for was bankrolled with by the infamous drug kingpin Pablo Escobar. All but one of them has moved away from basketball and theyre alljust finding their way in the world, Tollin told TheWrap. It was a gamble, Daniels said. Enrolled at L.A. Trade Tech. "Broke" A sobering documentary that proves the adage "mo' money, mo' problems" is more true than you might believe. But the kicker, is the players are accompanied by donkeys on the court! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LNz4_cxyvBw. Template:Other uses2 Template:Use mdy dates Script error: No such module "Type in location". The film then follows each player as they transition to college and semi-pro basketball along with all of the personal and political travails that accompanied it and the heartbreaking realization that an NBA career just wasnt in the cards. 10. I think its time for me to kind of pursue a regular lifestyle, Ellison said. Fresh off a California state championship, the Monarchs were the biggest show in town after the Inglewood-based Lakers. : Made In America" marks a watershed moment for "30 for 30," the ESPN documentary series that has proven to be one of the best conceptsthe network has ever come up with. CONGRATS TO SVP!!! Documents the arrival and adaption that Yao Ming had to go through in coming to America from China, including his first season in the NBA. Morningside 5 spends twenty-five years in the lives of the starting five from the 1992 Morningside High School (CA) basketball team. The story of one of the hardest times in Magic Johnsons life, when he announced to the world that he is HIV positive. It not only depicts the passion they had for the game but also documents how they coped with being. His primary message is one that coaches everywhere try to drill into fledgling athletes: have something to fall back on, or as Boseman adds later in the film, you need a backup plan to the backup plan.. I was lucky enough to be a part of the founding production team for 30 for 30 about 10 years ago. "I Hate Christian Laettner" This is one of the funniest "30 for 30" to date. The headmaster (Guert Affenlight) is kind of the lead character, we havent gone out to anyone yet. (Morningside lost to Palo Alto in the final by 20 points.). Expected to play for Trade Tech this season. Interestingly, few basketball scenes are shown; the films focus is on the lives of the players away from the gym. 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In Morengo, Illinois, Moregno High School hosts basketball games. "You Don't Know Bo" Bo Jackson never won a championship, but he did something even better: he became a mythical figure. More: . "Fantastic Lies"Marina Zenovich, director of "Roman Polanski: Wanted and Desired," createdthis scathing piece on the 2006 Duke Lacrosse case, exposing how the public's outrage at injustice can sometimes become overzealous and catch innocent people in the crossfire. Through some connections, Tollin and Robbins got Wesley Snipes to narrate.