The "Student Athlete"

Rating: 9/10 (6 January 2007)

Entertaining movie based on the real-life Ken Carter, a high school basketball coach who not only teaches a California high school basketball team how to win, but also about the concept of the student athlete.
Samuel L. Jackson portrays Mr. Carter, who pushes his new basketball team, called the "Richmond Oilers" (his alma mater), even further academically after they start winning games. Many others (including his co-workers, players on his team, etc.) find his methods extreme and ultimately don't support them.
At first, it looks as though the movie will be nothing but clichés, and following a by-the-numbers routine of other films with a similar storyline. It doesn't disappoint, thanks to the many great performances (especially by Jackson) and fast-pacing.
Co-scripted by Mark Schwahn (who created TV's "One Tree Hill") and directed by Thomas Carter ("Metro"). Bob Costas appears briefly as himself.