It’s March, and all you die hard basketball fans know what that means: March Madness. That’s right, the big collegiate basketball tournament kicks off on March 13 with Selection Sunday where the NCAA men’s and women’s teams will be chosen to compete on the road to the Final Four in Houston. Get ready to watch your favorite team through all the excitement and glory. To help put you in the basketball spirit, here’s a list of some movies to prepare you for March Madness.
Here are 7 basketball movies to kick start March Madness:
“Love & Basketball”
This movie follow the roller coaster story of Monica and Quincy who meet at the age of 11 when they become next door neighbors. They both have a goal of reaching the NBA, but it’s not without its ups and downs. Monica and Quincy have a love-hate relationship that takes them from neighbors, to friends and lovers. Both find themselves playing ball at USC where their relationship can’t beat the buzzer. Years later as their pro careers hit some rough spots, they meet again for a game of one-on-one where the stakes are high. Is all fair in love and basketball?
“Hoosiers”
This movie is based on the true story of the 1954 Indiana high school team that made the state finals. They are led by a coach with a marked past and the town drunk, who is also the father of one of the players. In a town where basketball means everything, will this team taste victory, or will they be stopped before they even touch the court?
“Coach Carter”
Ken Carter returns to his old high school, where he was once a champion athlete, to coach a team with a bad attitude and poor play. He sets out to change both with written contracts and a strict regime. However, change does not come easily. Carter’s overconfident player push back against his ways until the gym is locked and all activities cancelled. Even with a community outraged, Coach Carter doesn’t give in. Will this team turn around, or is it the end?
“He Got Game”
Written and produced by Spike Lee starring Denzel Washington and NBA star Ray Allen, this is the story of Jake and Jesus Shuttlesworth. Jake is in prison after he is convicted for killing his wife. His son, Jesus, is a top-ranked basketball star in the country. When Jake is paroled for a week by the state’s governor, his goal is to persuade his son to go to the governor’s alma mater in order to receive a reduced prison sentence. Will Jesus do as his father asks or will Jake go back to prison unsuccessful?
“The Mighty Macs”
Can’t forget about the ladies. Cathy Rush is a woman against the norms of the time. It’s 1971, and while others might think she should be a house wife, she is out doing everything she can for a small, Catholic, all girls college. She is brought in to coach a girls’ basketball team that has no gym, no equipment, no help, and barely enough players for a team. Everything seems to be against this team as it tries to compete alongside top schools. Will Cathy’s prayers be answered, or will there be an end to basketball at Immaculata?
“Space Jam”
Michael Jordan comes to the rescue for the Looney Tune characters in a basketball game vs. alien slavers when their freedom is at stake. Bugs Bunny and his friends think they have the upper hand against the underlings, but the stubby legged characters have a trick up their sleeve. They steal the talents of professional basketball stars to enhance their abilities on the courts. In comes Michael Jordan to whip the Looney Tune characters into shape. Do they have a chance, or will Bugs Bunny and friends lose their freedom?
“Glory Road”
Inspired by the true story of Texas Western’s Coach Don Haskins who coach a collegiate team with an all-black starting lineup. In the year 1966 where racism and discrimination take center stage, Coach Haskins aims to fight through the events that lead to the NCAA Men’s Division I Basketball Championship. Will he and his team make it through, or will prejudices get the best of them?
Take your pick, and get yourself ready for March Madness.
