Pete Bell, a college basketball coach is under a lot of pressure. His team isn't winning and he cannot attract new players. The stars of the future are secretly being paid by boosters. This practice is forbidden in the college game, but Pete is desperate and has pressures from all around.
Acting
Nick Nolte's vein-popping, furniture-throwing spiral.
Practical Effects
Real college arenas, real 1993 NBA prospects cast.
Writing
Ron Shelton's authentic gym-rat dialogue crackles.
Director
William Friedkin
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Shaquille O'Neal filmed this during his 1992-93 NBA rookie season; he shot scenes on off-days between Magic games.
The film predicted the 1990s pay-for-play scandals that would destroy programs like SMU and nearly topple the NCAA's amateurism model.
US
