Tom Sheppard – Above The Rim
Tom Sheppard is on his way to an promising basketball career after high school, when a freak-accident sends his best friend “Nutso” plummeting to his death after a rooftop game of basketball goes wrong. The event is so traumatizing to Sheppard that he gives up his hoop dreams for decades, until helping his girlfriend's son (Kyle Watson) and showing up his demented brother (Birdie) lead him to the championship game of the Shoot Out Tournament.
Pro Comparison: Klay Thompson
Sheppard is a quiet assassin, a shooter with a pretty form and unlimited range, that lets his game do the talking. Like Thompson, Sheppard can light up the scoreboard in an instant, racking up most of his points off-screens and George Gervin-esque layups. He is also an excellent defender, making this comparison to one of the NBA’s premiere 2-way players more realistic.
Spaceman – Sunset Park
Spaceman is a literal head case, electing to spend his time enjoying his own company when he isn’t on the basketball court. He nearly jeopardizes his season as well as his freedom, when he nearly kills his teacher Mr. Bernstein for laughing at his hair-do. Spaceman’s unpredictable personality translates well to the court, helping to lead his school to a championship appearance.
Pro Comparison: Tristan Thompson
On the court Spaceman is a fiery defender and ferocious rebounder, attacking the boards with a passion. Like Thompson, Spaceman is a glue guy, a player that knows his role and plays it well. Both are also horrid at the free throw line according to statistics, but can knock down a pair from the charity stripe when necessary.
Kyle Watson – Above The Rim
Watson is the next best thing out of New York, and unfortunately he knows it. As the case with many, great players must be humbled, and Watson tumultuous relationship with Tom Sheppard and his mother help shape him into a better basketball player.
Pro Comparison: Kyrie Irving
Like Irving, Watson is a exceptional finisher inside the paint for his size, and he shows off his flashy handles by dribbling the air out of the ball. These handles also make him one of the hardest players to guard, and his improved jumpshot make him even more dangerous. Just as Irving secured the 2016 NBA Championship for the team, Watson shows he has ice in his veins when he leads his Georgetown Hoyas to victory in the clutch.
Ty Crane – Coach Carter
One of the most outspoken players in all of basketball movie history, Ty Crane refuses to simply let his game speak for him. The best player in the country, Crane dispels comparisons to Lebron James.
“Lebron James? I’m the only Ty Crane.”
Hate or love him, he knows how to win, proving so by upsetting the protagonist Richmond Oilers in dramatic fashion.
Pro Comparison: Chris Bosh
Even though Bosh isn’t regarded as a trash talker, he is a dynamic lefty that can shoot and bang under the boards. Crane can score at will, but his court awareness and selflessness are reminiscent of Bosh during the Miami Heat’s championship runs n 2012 and 2013.
Billy Hoyle – White Men Can’t Jump
Hoyle is the epitome of perseverance, as he becomes a better person, teammate, gambler and leaper throughout the course of the film. Hoyle’s confidence in his game often lands him in trouble, from his lady to his debts.
Pro Comparison: J.J. Reddick
No, they don’t compare simply because their both white- they are a perfect match because they defy the odds. Both possess a sweet jumpshot and are rather unathletic. While Reddick proved that he could last in the league, Hoyle proves he can survive in the streets of Los Angeles on the court with anyone.
