I love ESPN for countless reasons, but the main one is because of their special "30 for 30" documentaries. I recently watched one titled "This Magic Moment" that was about Shaquille O'Neal and Penny Hardaway as they took the Orlando Magic from the bottom of the Eastern Conference to its peak. With over 100 episodes since 2009, sports fans have the unmatched opportunity to learn something new about their favorite teams, players and events. Although I have not seen all 133 episodes, I have seen enough to compile a list of favorites. In no particular order, here is my list of favorites.
"Benji" (2012), directed by Coodie and Chike
I mention this one first because it is the first one I ever saw. It shows the rise and fall of Chicago basketball star Ben Wilson, who played at the highly-praised Simeon Career Academy. In an era when Michael Jordan was the biggest name in the NBA, Benji held the same title in high school. He was ranked the best high school basketball player in America and quickly caught the attention of hundreds of Division I basketball programs. Then, before his senior season began, he was shot and killed after a scuffle with two boys from another high school. With commentary from Chicago natives like rapper Common, singer R. Kelly, Benji's brother Curtis and Simeon teammate Nick Anderson, this film is bound to bring tears to even the manliest of men.
"The U" (2009), directed by Billy Corben
University of Miami football dominated in the 1980s. With future Hall-of-Famer Michael Irvin leading the pack, the team won National Championships in 1983, 1987 and 1989 with three different coaches. With all those wins came controversy, given the "bad boy" image the team brought with them. The U and the city of Miami would never be the same. There is a "The U: Part 2" that was made afterwards to show another lineup of bad boys.
"The Gospel According to Mac" (2015), directed by Jim Podhoretz
Bill McCartney was a religious leader when he became the head coach of the University of Colorado football team. Over the span of his coaching career in Colorado, he dealt with the death of his star quarterback Sal Aunese, disciplinary actions against his players and his daughter becoming the single mother of a young boy. Despite it all, Coach McCarthy and his players would have it no other way. All of these events are carefully examined in a lengthier-than-normal "30 for 30" that is worth every minute.
"The Fab Five" (2011), directed by Jason Hehir
The Fab Five were a group of freshmen at the University of Michigan that forever changed college basketball. They changed the game with baggy shorts and a starting lineup full of freshmen. However, the team failed to win a National Championship in their two seasons that they were all together. Chris Webber left after his sophomore year and a trail of allegations began, leading to their banners being taken down in Crisler Arena. Watch this to see the entire journey and the aftermath.
"Fantastic Lies" (2016), directed by Marina Zenovich
This was a tumultuous tale of the city of Durham versus the Duke lacrosse team. In 2006, the lacrosse program was under serious heat after a rape accusation surfaced with their team at the forefront. However, the case takes an unexpected turn when everyone realizes the boys were, in fact, innocent. This case shows any law professional exactly what not to do.
Which one is your favorite episode? It's hard to choose just one.
