Champion 2018

The story begins with Marcus Marakovich, played by Woody Harrelson, deeply entrenched in the exhilarating yet tumultuous realm of college basketball. His relationship with Alex, portrayed by Kaitlin Olson, becomes strained as Marcus’s obsession with the game overshadows their connection. After a night marked by neglect, Alex feels undervalued, leading to her heartbreaking exit from his life.

The following day, Marcus reports to his role as an assistant coach, where he finds his friend Phil waiting for him. Tensions flare between them over a controversial game strategy, and their discussion escalates into a physical confrontation, shocking those around them. Marcus’s aggression sends Phil crashing down, and he quickly faces the consequences of his actions as he is fired from his coaching position.

As Marcus’s standing in the basketball community deteriorates, he becomes a target for ridicule. Seeking relief in alcohol, his night takes a disastrous turn when he rear-ends a police car, landing him in jail. Phil bails him out but delivers the harsh truth: Marcus’s coaching career is essentially over. Determined not to give up, Marcus consults a lawyer and braces himself for a stern judge known for her unforgiving stance on drunk driving. In court, he is faced with a crucial decision: serve 18 months in prison or complete 90 days of community service by coaching a team of special needs individuals.

Opting for community service, Marcus arrives at the rec center where he meets Julio, played by Cheech Marin, and his new squad, humorously dubbed The Friends. This eclectic group includes an array of unique characters: Johnny (Kevin Ianucci), Benny (James Day Keith), Darius (Joshua Felder), and several others, each presenting their own challenges. The standout player, Darius, remains skeptical about Marcus’s coaching abilities.

Initially, Marcus struggles to bond with his team, but as he navigates early frustrations, he begins to connect with them on a deeper level. His interactions with Sonny (Matt Cook) highlight his desire for a better coaching opportunity intertwined with the dynamics of his new role. An unexpected reunion with Alex, the woman who ended their relationship mere days prior, complicates matters further during a chance encounter with Johnny.

The team faces various humorous mishaps, including dealing with Johnny’s hygiene issues, leading Marcus to orchestrate a comedic intervention that ultimately results in cheers for Johnny when he finally showers. As the crucial game day nears, Marcus encounters the savvy Consentino (Madison Tevlin), whose sharp tongue leaves him feeling deflated. The journey to the game becomes chaotic, with misadventures on the bus resulting in penalties for the whole team.

Fortunately, Alex comes to their rescue, driving them in a van to the match, where Marcus learns about Johnny’s aversion to showers stemming from childhood trauma. Amidst the ups and downs of training, Marcus and Alex embark on a romantic fling, only to face tension when Marcus confronts Sonny about a previous fabrication regarding an NBA position. This confrontation leads to feelings of betrayal, prompting Marcus to reevaluate his relationships.

The story further delves into Marcus’s dinner invitation at Johnny’s family home, where he inadvertently causes friction by discussing potential teammates’ offers to Johnny. Alex, protective of her brother due to his past bullying, confronts Marcus about his impact on Johnny’s life, leading to their temporary separation.

The emotional journey continues as Marcus shares a poignant lunch with Phil, recalling fond memories and discussing the challenges they face. Darius’s backstory of overcoming a traumatic brain injury adds further depth, and Marcus’s heartfelt apology allows Darius to choose his own fate on the team. With the team striving to rally around Marcus, they face yet another blow when Benny experiences setbacks with his job.

The pivotal moment arrives when Darius returns to the team, offering a morale boost. After completing his community service, Marcus receives surprising news of a possible NBA coaching opportunity. However, as he musters the strength to reveal this to his team before their finals, the atmosphere shifts; anxiety mounts about being left behind, a concern that resonates with their collective past experiences.

Feeling the weight of responsibility, Marcus and Alex concoct a clever scheme, posing as authoritative figures confronting Benny’s former bully in an attempt to secure funding for their trip to Winnipeg. This ruse proves effective, ultimately reigniting the team’s hopes and dreams as they prepare to compete in the finals.