Good Morning, Illini Nation: Night at the movies
The News-Gazette · SCOTT RICHEY srichey-gazette com · 2026-08-17T02:09:41+00:00 · nguồn gốc
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Welcome to “Good Morning, Illini Nation,” your daily dose of college basketball news from Illini beat writer and AP Top 25 voter Scott Richey. He’ll offer up insights every morning on Brad Underwood’s team and college basketball at large:
The combination of "Air Bud" playing as the first movie on the giant new videoboard at Gies Memorial Stadium and a ranking of baseball movies by The Sporting News I found deeply flawed got me thinking about my favorite basketball movies.
Unlike Illinois sophomore forward David Mirkovic, I'm not sure "Air Bud" is going to make my list. The fact I thought Sporting News' baseball ranking had "Moneyball" crazily too high and seriously undervalued "Rookie of the Year" and "Little Big League" probably tells you all you need to know about my taste in movies.
I'm not tracking Oscar favorites every year. In fact, my Sunday plans probably include a trip to Savoy 16 to see "Super Troopers 3" instead of, say, "The Odyssey" even if I will eventually see Christopher Nolan's latest. I just prioritize the guys from Broken Lizard. Always.
My favorite basketball movies, therefore, probably won't surprise you. In no certain order, I'll always stop to watch these:
"Eddie"
If I say the phrase, "Ivan make basket," and you don't react, I don't want to be friends. A fan takes over the Knicks and hijinks and hoops ensues? Sign me up.
"The 6th Man"
This is actually a Big Ten movie now that Washington is in the league.
"White Men Can't Jump"
The original. Although I have seen the remake with Jack Harlow because ... reasons, I guess.
"Glory Road"
The based on a true story movie on the team Don Haskins built at Texas Western is always worth a watch.
"Semi-Pro"
I feel like I should buy a Jackie Moon Flint Tropics jersey. Is this Will Ferrell's best? No, but I'll still watch.
"Hustle"
Anthony Edwards as Kermit Wilts was worth the price of admission alone. (OK, admission was free. This is on Netflix).
"He Got Game"
Jesus Shuttlesworth might be the best basketball name since World B. Free.
"Coach Carter"
I'll watch anything with Samuel L. Jackson.
"Space Jam"
Also the original, although this time I don't even recognize the sequel's existence. Michael Jordan > LeBron James. Forever and always.
"Celtic Pride"
You're probably sensing a trend by now. If I'm going to include Marlon Wayans' best basketball movie, I've got to do the same for older brother, Damon.
What are your favorites? And how many of you are going to email me because I didn't include it?