Hoop Dreams

1994 · 2h54 · Film

Directed by Steve James

Starring William Gates, Arthur Agee, Gene Pingatore, Steve James, Dick Vitale, Bobby Knight, Spike Lee, Isiah Thomas

Ideal when you feel… Curious

Every school day, African-American teenagers William Gates and Arthur Agee travel 90 minutes each way from inner-city Chicago to St. Joseph High School in Westchester, Illinois, a predominately white suburban school well-known for the excellence of its basketball program. Gates and Agee dream of NBA stardom, and with the support of their close-knit families, they battle the social and physical obstacles that stand in their way. This acclaimed documentary was shot over the course of five years.

Original language

English

Screenplay

Frederick Marx, Steve James

Cinematography

Peter Gilbert

Cast

Steve James, Dick Vitale, Bobby Knight, Spike Lee, Isiah Thomas

Updated July 22, 2026

Trailer

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