Release Date: April 21, 2000
MPAA Rating: 'PG-13' for sexuality and language
LOVE AND BASKETBALL is the powerful story of two next-door neighbors in Los Angeles who grow up loving basketball and, eventually, each other. Monica (Sanaa Lathan) and Quincy (Omar Epps) have wanted to be basketball stars since they were kids. Monica has had to work hard to establish herself as a presence, while Quincy was born with natural star potential. As the two struggle to reach their goals of playing professionally, they must also deal with their feelings for each other...
ALL'S FAIR IN LOVE & BASKETBALL
From producers Spike Lee and Sam Kitt comes a love story told in four quarters. Love and Basketball follows Quincy McCall (Omar Epps) and Monica Wright (Sanaa Lathan), childhood adversaries and talented athletes who have a love for the game of basketball and each other. As each pursues their dream of competing in professional sports, they must face their own respective hurdles. Written and directed by first time feature filmmaker Gina Prince-Bythewood, Love and Basketball also stars Alfre Woodard, and Dennis Haysbert.
A story of friendship, rivalry and ultimately, the give and take of a one-on-one relationship, Monica and Quincy share a nearly unquenchable passion for basketball.
The story begins with Monica and Quincy as youngsters, when she moves in next door. Quincy is shocked to find she can play ball better than most guys. When he asks her to be his girlfriend, it lasts about a minute: She finds his eleven-year-old machismo out of control.
Cut to High school: Following in the footsteps of his famous dad, an NBA player, Quincy has his pick of colleges, and women, while Monica is appalled by his taste in the latter. She also can't understand why her coach thinks his best player has to act like a lady on the court: Monica is definitely no lady. But when Quincy sees her dolled up for the senior dance, he discovers he has fallen in love with his tomboy neighbor.
They continue pursuing their respective basketball careers as college sweethearts -- until Quincy's dad, his idol, lets him down, and Monica does, too, because she can't miss curfew before a big game to be there for him. When Quincy announces that he's dropping out of school to turn pro and their romance is off, Monica is left wondering if "being all about ball" is worth losing the love of her life.
But all's fair in love and basketball, and the game isn't over until the fourth quarter has been played.
Production Information
Quincy McCall............................ OMAR EPPS
Monica Wright............................ SANAA LATHAN
Camille Wright........................... ALFRE WOODARD
Zeke McCall.............................. DENNIS HAYSBERT
Nona McCall.............................. DEBBI MORGAN
Nathan Wright............................ HARRY J. LENNIX
Young Monica............................. KYLA PRATT
Young Quincy............................. GLENNDON CHATMAN
Directed by.............................. GINA PRINCE-BYTHEWOOD
