Full-Court Miracle

Full-Court Miracle

Year: 2003

Runtime: 90 mins

Language: English

Director: Stuart Gillard

Family

Based on the real-life experience of University of Virginia star Lamont Carr, the story follows a group of young Jewish basketball players determined to lift their team from a losing streak. They search for a coach who can guide them, while the protagonist Alex Schlotsky draws inspiration from the true stories of Alex Barbag and Chad Korpeck.

Hopeful
Happy ending
Moderately emotional
Medium intensity
Steady pacing
Simple story

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – Full-Court Miracle (2003)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Full-Court Miracle (2003). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Early 2000s

Set in contemporary times, the events unfold in the early 2000s, reflecting urban life and the world of high school basketball. The presence of a ten-day contract with an NBA team amplifies the stakes and the sense of fleeting opportunity. The film emphasizes personal relationships and community over flashiness, with technology playing a minimal role.

Location

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, local park, school gym, apartment complex

Set in Philadelphia, the story centers on the Philadelphia Hebrew Academy and its neighborhood. The Lions train in a school gym and practice at a nearby local park, with the apartment complex providing a potential living arrangement for Lamont. The city’s close-knit communities and everyday spaces become a backdrop for resilience, teamwork, and hope.

🏙️ City setting 🏫 School environment 🗺️ Urban landscape 🧱 Community spaces

Last Updated: October 03, 2025 at 14:15

Main Characters – Full-Court Miracle (2003)

Meet the key characters of Full-Court Miracle (2003), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Mrs. Klein (Sheila McCarthy)

The cautious school principal who watches over the team and Lamont, balancing concern for safety with a willingness to support something that could unite the students. Her stance adds tension but ultimately anchors the narrative in responsibility and care.

🎒 School authority 🛡️ Protective 📚 Leadership

Lamont Carr (Richard T. Jones)

A former college basketball star who has become homeless after leaving his wife and son in Virginia. Schlotsky seeks him out to coach the Lions, and he must decide whether to take on the role and reclaim his connection to the game.

🏀 Mentor 🗝️ Redemption 🌧️ Struggle

Alex Schlotsky (Alex D. Linz)

The 14-year-old freshman and de facto leader who believes deeply in basketball as a source of joy and community. He drives the plan to find a coach and navigates his mother’s expectations with quiet determination.

🏀 Leadership 🎯 Ambition 🧭 Family

Julie (Cassie Steele)

A member of the Lions who contributes to the team's dynamics, offering support and friendship as the group faces challenges together.

🤝 Teamwork 🎗️ Support

Rabbi Lewis (R.H. Thomson)

The community figure whose Hanukkah story frames the film, reinforcing themes of faith, hope, and perseverance that accompany the team's journey.

🕎 Faith 📜 Tradition

Cynthia Schlotsky (Linda Kash)

Alex’s mother, torn between guiding him toward medicine and supporting his basketball passions. She wants him to shadow in a medical program, creating tension with his dreams.

👩‍⚕️ Family 🎓 Career 🧭 Balance

Marshall Schlotsky (Jason Blicker)

Alex’s father figure, whose presence supports the family as they navigate financial and emotional pressures surrounding basketball and school.

👨‍👧 Family 💼 Responsibility

Big Ben Swartz (Sean Marquette)

A teammate whose energy and camaraderie help drive practice and morale as the Lions push toward the Liberty Tournament.

🏀 Teammate 🗣️ Energy

TJ Murphy (Erik Knudsen)

Another member of the Lions, contributing to the team’s dynamics and competitive spirit as they work toward the championship.

🏀 Teammate 🧭 Ambition

Referee Bob (Sean Loucks)

An official in the Liberty Tournament who upholds the rules and adds pressure during the climactic games.

⚖️ Authority 🏁 Sports

Sarah Lewis (Gina Kash Dineen)

A character connected to the Lions’ world within the school and family dynamics, contributing to the emotional and social backdrop of the story.

👨‍👩‍👧 Family 🗣️ Community

Trey (Malik Jardine)

A member of the Lions whose participation strengthens the team’s chemistry and adds to the youthful energy of the squad.

🏀 Teammate 🧩 Youth

Last Updated: October 03, 2025 at 14:15

Major Themes – Full-Court Miracle (2003)

Explore the central themes of Full-Court Miracle (2003), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🏀 Perseverance

Schlotsky and the Lions confront obstacles such as limited coaching, family pressure, and financial constraints, choosing to prioritize the joy of basketball and teamwork. They believe in each other and the game, even when progress seems slow. The final, selfless pass in a tense finish shows perseverance as a communal virtue as much as an individual trait.

🤝 Mentorship

Lamont Carr accepts the mentoring role, guiding the players with honesty and discipline while wrestling with his own past. His involvement rekindles his love for the game and gives the team steadiness during a chaotic period. The story demonstrates how patient, faith-informed guidance can unlock potential and transform lives.

🏘️ Community

The Lions’ journey binds students, families, and staff in a shared pursuit, with the Hanukkah framing underscoring faith and tradition as pillars of resilience. Basketball acts as a catalyst for mutual support and neighborhood pride. The victory is celebrated by a broader community that witnesses the coach’s commitment and the team’s growth.

Last Updated: October 03, 2025 at 14:15

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Narrative Summary

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Full-Court Miracle Summary

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Full-Court Miracle Spoiler-Free Summary

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Full-Court Miracle Spoiler-Free Summary

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