Hoop Dreams vs. Hoop Reality

by Barking Carnival Staff on Feb 27, 2010 1:17 AM CST in Texas Longhorns and Other Basketball

If you're a fan of Big 10 basketball or college basketball in general you know about Evan Turner, the stud wing and bellcow for a top 10 Ohio State Buckeye club.

Additionally, if you're a Big 10 hoops fan you've probably heard of Demetri McCamey as well. McCamey is a star for the Illinois Illini and a classic pass first point guard in every sense of the term.

What you may or may not know is that these two elite collegiate players played in the same backcourt for one of the most famous, or infamous depending on your slant, high school prep schools in America, the Saint Joseph's Chargers of Chicago, Illinois. Coached by hall of fame coach Gene Pingatore, St. Joe's is one of the premier magnet basketball prep schools in America, proudly claiming Isiah Thomas as its most famous alumnus.

St. Joe's fame is all well and good if you're a Chicago area baller looking to take the next step, but for a high school player growing up in west Texas like myself, St. Joe's might as well have been Larry, Curly, and Moe's School for the Arts. That is, until two independent filmmakers decided to expose the dark and often exploitative underworld of scholarship high school basketball with their movie Hoop Dreams. This film, which was a Sundance Film Festival award winner and instant cult classic featured the divergent high school career paths of two of Chicago-land's many talented high school basketball players--William Gates and Arthur Agee.

In 1992 William Gates was everyone's all-American backed by whispers of being the next Isiah Thomas prior to blowing out a knee his junior year. Arthur Agee was a rough around the edges inner city talent that had to jump through all kinds of academic and financial aid hoops, pardon the pun, to get into St. Joe's, before "falling through the cracks" when it was deemed he wasn't good enough to play. That was the unofficial reason anyway.

"Hoop Dreams", which was released in 1994, was an expose providing a glimpse into the shady business of scholariship high school basketball. This talent acquisition model served as a precursor to all of today's shenanigans with respect to AAU rackets, street agents, and quid pro quo backroom deals going on in high school and college basketball. Call it the gateway drug to the dark under-belly of contemporary college basketball recruiting we carp abut in 2010.

As for the film and "where they are today", William Gates went on to have an undistinguished post-injury career at Marquette, but was still able to earn his degree. In one of the most prescient and poignant moments of the film William Gates had this to say, remember he was 17 years old at the time:

"People say, 'When you make it to the NBA, don't forget about me.' I feel like telling them, 'Well, if I don't make it, make sure you don't forget about me."

Gates didn't forget about himself as he's now providing for his family after going back to school to finish his degree. He did get his shot at the ultimate hoop dream when Michael Jordan called him and asked him to come try out for the Wizards.

Gates committed to giving the game one more try at the outset of 2001. He put his ministry on hold and began working out with Michael Jordan during early preparation for Jordan's second comeback.

When Jordan began inviting NBA players to ratchet up the level of competition, Gates stayed home. Until Jordan called and insisted he come down.

"Will, we got your spot," Jordan told him. "I didn't give it away just because these guys showed up."

Gates held his own against NBA players, and Jordan promised him a tryout with the Wizards. He was all set to play in the team's summer league when he fractured a bone in his foot. The youngster in the film whose knee betrayed him was suddenly cursed again.

"That was my NBA dream," he said. "I never put that uniform on, but I knew I was good enough to play."

Arthur Agee, on the other hand, was still trying to live the dream when he bypassed a chance to play for the CBA and instead took a bit part in a TNT film about interracial basketball in Lousiana called "Passing Glory." When the role didn't bear Hollywood fruit, Arthur Agee tried to start a Hoop Dream clothing and apparel line, which is now a defunct venture.

Agee also finds himself hamstrung by having 4 kids from 4 different mothers.

The stark contrast in this pair's respective hoops career paths cannot be better illustrated than in one final exchange between the two as described in the Chicago Tribune's "Hoop Dreams Ten Years Later" piece.

"What's up, A-gee," William said, affectionately.

"What up, dawg?" They clasped hands, embraced and laughed long and hard.

The family man and the class cutup, together again.

They were supposed to hang out on Saturday, but Agee forgot to call Gates back.

"What happened?" Gates said, laying on the guilt. "I keep tryin' to tell you, man, you my only outlet. You the only cat who can get me out of my element."

Later, when Arthur leaves for family court to make sure his child-support payments are current, Gates reflected on his bond with Agee, a bond transcending the film 10 years later.

"Arthur was always doing the things I wanted to do," he said. "I think we need each other. I keep his feet on the ground and he keeps mine off of it."

For Gene Pingatore and the St. Joe's program, they finally realized their hoop dream reality post Isiah Thomas driven by the on court successes of Evan Turner and Demetri McCamey.

"What the heck, they've been so much fun to watch that I wish they could stay in college for 10 years," Pingatore said. "It's awesome. I'm really proud of them. They've had an excellent year so far, and hopefully they'll continue it."

It's funny how things can come full circle. The dreams of one pair are reality for another.

If you haven't already, you need to check out this movie.

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Comments

Wow. Great article.

by St. Emilion on Feb 27, 2010 5:15 AM CST reply actions

Great write up, Trips. Anyone who hasn’t seen this movie needs to do so. Gates was such a tragic figure especially his senior year in high school. Agee was very likeable in that class clown kind of way.

Trips, you know your hoops. Baltimore Dunbar had Reggie Lewis, Reggie Williams, David Wingate and Muggsy Bogues on the same team. Can you think of another team that had four future NBA players on the same high school team?

by Groundhog Day on Feb 27, 2010 9:06 AM CST reply actions

Pretty good Movie, better Article and a deep and talented writer !
Outstanding.
Here the Barkers and the other deviants stand and clap.
I know you saw a little of yourself there , Partner. I sure many others will also share a common thought.

by SkyMonkeyHorn on Feb 27, 2010 9:07 AM CST reply actions

Hoops Dreams was classic. Fantastic movie making. Takes Hoosiers off the dribble and Posterizes it.

by Art Vandelay on Feb 27, 2010 10:37 AM CST reply actions

As a middle school kid that still thought he could be something as a basketball player, this movie was the biggest thing since sliced bread for me when it came out. I think my two favorite scenes are when Arthur plays one-on-one against his dad, and when William is hanging out with Juwan Howard and some other guys at the McDonald’s All-American game. Great article, and great write up, Trips. It’s really amazing how relevant this movie still is today. One of my favorites, still to this day.

by Steve Nebraska on Feb 27, 2010 10:50 AM CST reply actions

Good article, Trips. Unfortunately, high school and college basketball recruiting has only gotten dirtier and uglier since that film. No one seems to care as long as the product sees the court every March. Great film that is a must see for anyone that loves hoops. It’s so emotional.

Groundhog,

As a kid that grew up in Austin and DC. I can tell you that team is still talked about in the DC/B’more area. Reggie Lewis, RIP, came off the bench on that Dunbar team and didn’t really get substantial time. Amazing stuff. They ended up with about 9 guys who played D1 ball. Ridiculous amount of talent, but they weren’t that big. Center was 6’5" or something. Didn’t matter, they ran everyone out of the gym with Mugsy running the break.

by Patrick Bateman on Feb 27, 2010 10:51 AM CST reply actions

Somewhat related to Reggie Lewis, ESPN showed a segment this morning from an upcoming “30 for 30” movie about Loyola Marymount and Hank Gathers. Doubt we’ll ever see a 149-115 NCAA tournament game ever again. Those guys could fucking score.

by Steve Nebraska on Feb 27, 2010 10:56 AM CST reply actions

Damn Groundhog, that is a stacked team. I always thought TJ Ford’s Willowridge team that won like 52 games in a row was loaded, but that’s just silly.

by Steve Nebraska on Feb 27, 2010 10:58 AM CST reply actions

Gates older brother was a great character in the movie as well.

by Art Vandelay on Feb 27, 2010 11:09 AM CST reply actions

Thanks for the replies guys.

Gates older brother was murdered in a crime of passion apparently.

by Trips Right on Feb 27, 2010 11:13 AM CST reply actions

That’s terrible to hear about Gates’ brother.

Decent article on that Dunbar team I found for those interested. Coached by Bob Wade, who ended up getting hired by Maryland after Lefty was forced out from Len Bias’ death. Wade proceeded to run that program through the mud before Gary Williams brought it back. Jerrod Mustaf anyone? Walt Williams?

http://www.slamonline.com/online/college-hs/high-school/2007/09/dunbar-high-brick-house/

by Patrick Bateman on Feb 27, 2010 11:22 AM CST reply actions

saw this one at the theatres in jr high. great flick.

by dick on Feb 27, 2010 11:29 AM CST reply actions

SN, I will be interested to hear Bo Kimble speak in the upcoming show. The rest of that tourney run was very touching. Made it to the Elite 8 and Kimble’s left handed free throw was a real touch of class. Did you happen to catch the ESPN Show Bias? What a tragedy, but I loved the Adrian Branch, Len Bias duo growing up. Mixed in with Tony Massenburg and I believe Gatlin.

Bateman, the unbelievable thing about Lewis is he ended up being the best pro out of all those guys and didn’t play college ball at a decorated basketball school. Do you also remember Rayful Edmond III? The reputed DC drug dealer who was a huge fan of the hoyas? He and John Turner who was in the same recruiting class as Mourning were rumored to be very tight back in the day. Let’s say he didn’t last long.

by Groundhog Day on Feb 27, 2010 11:40 AM CST reply actions

Walt Williams, the next Len Bias/Michael Jordan, allegedly. Throw him in a hat with dudes like Harold Minor and Roy Marble; guys that were huge disappointments.

Thanks for the memories guys. Good stuff.

by Kevin Berger on Feb 27, 2010 11:44 AM CST reply actions

GD, I just watched the ESPN piece on Gathers and Kimble, and one of the LMU players, maybe Peabody, said he thinks they would have won the National Championship had Gathers played. I think Vegas ran them out of the gym in the tourney, but Gathers was a badass, and everyone on that team could shoot.

by Kevin Berger on Feb 27, 2010 11:46 AM CST reply actions

Would it be safe to say that they make it to the Finals with Gathers if they were on the opposite side of the bracket as Vegas? Vegas was going to blow out anyone.

by dick on Feb 27, 2010 12:05 PM CST reply actions

GD,

Yea, I remember Captain Crack. Dangerous time in the District. Supposedly John Thompson brought the smack down on Ray Ray. Legend goes that JT told him if he got around Zo again, that he’d kill him. Kirk Fraser, the guy that did the 30 for 30 on Len Bias did a biography on him. Never seen it though. As I said, I grew up around DC at that time and really grew up on ACC and as Big East basketball exploded. IMHO, it’s the best college basketball to ever be seen mainly because of the depth of talent that can’t bee seen today with the one and dones.

KB,

Don’t forget about Jimmy Jackson, Reggie Williams, Chris Mills (coming out of HS), Jonathon Bender, Felipe Lopez had his own SI cover, etc….Great players from back in the day in college. Sherm Douglas is an all-time fave. Charles Smith from G’town. Charles Shackleford had a lot of talent. Loved Adrian Branch and Tony Massenburg from MD. Othello Wilson and Bryant Stith were nasty in college. Tom Hammonds, Brian Oliver, Bruce Dalrymple and the list goes on and on……

by Patrick Bateman on Feb 27, 2010 12:23 PM CST reply actions

Our D looks fucking good today.

by Mysterious Package on Feb 27, 2010 1:05 PM CST reply actions

Its nice to see a film that speaks to everyone. Jordan knew Gates was a star and didn’t want to lose this person. He made that crucial call to a demoralized and depressed (confused?) Gates. Jordan saw the good in Gates. It shows what a true star Jordan is-and Gates.

by Thomas Mertz on Feb 27, 2010 3:24 PM CST reply actions

yo ‘trips wrong’ when you comment on my personal life and my defunct clothing line as u call it, have the intelligent nuts to get all the real before u write some bullshit to make people read your shit.

by therealarthur agee on Mar 1, 2010 5:01 PM CST reply actions

Arthur,

Hey man, I meant no disrespect. I was just trying to bring the documentary about your lives back to the forefront. That movie was very influential in my life so I wanted to share with others.

By the way, I thought you were the better player. More athletic, better ballhandler, more confident.

What I meant by defunct was that I read your clothing line was no longer in business. If that’s not the case, I’d be happy to retract.

Hope you’re doing well.

by Trips Right on Mar 2, 2010 1:17 AM CST reply actions