“Glory Road” is a sports drama film released in 2006, directed by James Gartner. The movie is based on the true story of the 1965-1966 Texas Western College basketball team, which became the first team in NCAA history to win a national championship with an all-African American starting lineup.
The story follows Don Haskins (played by Josh Lucas), a college basketball coach who is hired to lead the basketball team at Texas Western College, a small school in El Paso, Texas. Haskins faces numerous challenges as he tries to build a competitive team. Despite facing resistance and racial tensions, he recruits several talented African American players, including Bobby Joe Hill (played by Derek Luke), Willie Cager (played by Damaine Radcliff), and David Lattin (played by Schin A.S. Kerr).
As the team progresses through the 1965-1966 season, they face various hurdles, including racism, discrimination, and skepticism from other teams and fans. However, Haskins and the players remain resilient, determined to prove their worth and talent on the basketball court.
The film culminates in the NCAA Championship game, where Texas Western faces the heavily favored University of Kentucky team led by coach Adolph Rupp. In a groundbreaking move, Haskins decides to start an all-African American lineup for the championship game, challenging the racial norms of college basketball at that time.
Against all odds, Texas Western triumphs over Kentucky, making history and breaking down racial barriers in college basketball. The victory becomes a pivotal moment in the civil rights movement, inspiring future generations and proving the power of diversity and unity in sports.
“Glory Road” is a powerful and inspiring film that showcases the importance of diversity, equality, and the courage to challenge the status quo. It celebrates the achievements of a remarkable team that overcame adversity and made an indelible mark on the history of college basketball. The movie is a testament to the transformative power of sports and the impact it can have on society.
Additional Details
Cast
- Josh Lucas: Don Haskins
- Derek Luke: Bobby Joe Hill
- Austin Nichols: Jerry Armstrong
- Jon Voight: Adolph Rupp
- Evan Jones: Moe Iba
- Red West: Ross Moore
- Schin A.S. Kerr: David Lattin
- Alphonso McAuley: Orsten Artis
- Mehcad Brooks: Harry Flournoy
- Sam Jones III: Willie Worsley
- Damaine Radcliff: Willie Cager
- Emily Deschanel: Mary Haskins
- Al Shearer: Nevil Shed
- Tatyana M. Ali: Waltina “Tina” Malichi
- Wilbur Fitzgerald: Wade Richardson
- David Dino Wells Jr.: John Anderson
Crew
- Director: James Gartner
- Producer: Jerry Bruckheimer
- Music: Trevor Rabin
