The 6th Man

The 6th Man

Year: 1997

Runtime: 107 mins

Language: English

Director: Randall Miller

ComedyDramaScience FictionFantasy

They’re lifting the game to a higher level A college athlete returns from the dead to help his brother’s basketball team win the NCAA title.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – The 6th Man (1997)

Explore the full timeline and setting of The 6th Man (1997). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1986, present day

The film toggles between two eras: the 1986 youth days when the Tyler brothers first form their bond, and the present day when they are star players for the Huskies. It juxtaposes late-1980s college basketball culture with the modern era of sports media and competition. This timeline structure highlights growth, loss, and resilience across decades.

Location

Seattle, Washington, Los Angeles, California

The story unfolds across the University of Washington campus in Seattle and key West Coast venues, including a road game in Los Angeles at UCLA. It centers on college basketball life on a major Pacific Northwest campus and the broader West Coast scene. The setting emphasizes both the intimate, gym-complex atmosphere and the travel-intensive schedule of NCAA competition.

🏙️ Seattle 🏟️ University campuses 🗺️ West Coast

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 16:51

Main Characters – The 6th Man (1997)

Meet the key characters of The 6th Man (1997), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Antoine Tyler (Kadeem Hardison)

Antoine is Kenny's brother and a gifted player whose death profoundly impacts the team. After passing away, he returns as a guiding, supernatural presence that helps the Huskies win games. He struggles with the desire to stay connected to his brother while recognizing that Kenny must lead the team on his own.

🏀 Star Player 👻 Ghostly Presence

Kenny Tyler (Marlon Wayans)

Kenny is the team's charismatic guard and emotional anchor, whose leadership keeps the group together after Antoine's death. He grapples with Antoine's return influencing games and learns to balance faith in his brother with personal responsibility. His growth culminates in delivering the championship win through his own effort.

🏀 Star Player 👬 Family Loyalty

James Tyler (Harold Sylvester)

James is the father and longtime coach whose guidance frames the brothers' journey. He emphasizes unity and perseverance, pushing the team to stay together through loss. His mentorship helps Kenny navigate the line between reliance on Antoine and stepping up as a leader.

🏀 Coach 👨‍👦 Father Figure

R.C. St. John (Michael Michele)

R.C. is a UW reporter whose professional curiosity evolves into a personal connection with Kenny. She uncovers Antoine's influence on the games and challenges Kenny to confront the supernatural dynamic. Her presence adds a grounded, ethical perspective to the unfolding events.

📰 Reporter ❤️ Love Interest

Coach Pederson (David Paymer)

Coach Pederson informs the team of Antoine's death and steers the Huskies through a period of upheaval. He represents institutional authority and strategic leadership, balancing expectations with care for his players. His decisions catalyze the team's resolve to finish the season.

🏀 Coach 🎯 Authority

Nativity Watson (Octavia Spencer)

Nativity is the Tyler brothers' mother, who inspires the motto 'A&K: All the Way' and provides emotional grounding. Her influence underscores the importance of family support during both triumphs and trials. She embodies unconditional faith in her sons' bond and potential.

👩 Mother Figure 💖 Family Support

Jordy (Chris Turner)

Jordy is a teammate who contributes to the team dynamics and on-court chemistry. While not the focal point, his presence helps illustrate the collective effort behind the Huskies' success. He represents the broader squad whose unity matters in high-stakes moments.

🏀 Teammate 🤝 Squad Friend

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 16:51

Major Themes – The 6th Man (1997)

Explore the central themes of The 6th Man (1997), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🏀 Brotherhood

The core of the film is the unbreakable bond between Antoine and Kenny, forged by family and shared ambition. Their motto, 'A&K: All the Way,' embodies loyalty and mutual support on and off the court. The narrative tracks how their connection sustains the team through tragedy, doubt, and triumph.

👻 Supernatural Aid

Antoine's ghost returns to guide the Huskies, blurring the line between life and afterlife. Kenny wrestles with relying on an unseen force while trying to keep the team grounded. The supernatural intervention raises questions about free will, mentorship, and the price of success.

🏆 Redemption through Sport

Grief and loss become catalysts for growth as the team battles adversity to reach the NCAA tournament. Kenny ultimately chooses to win the championship on his own, accepting Antoine's presence but insisting on his own agency. The finale frames basketball as a path to healing, renewal, and familial victory.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 16:51

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The 6th Man Summary

Read a complete plot summary of The 6th Man, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

The 6th Man Summary

The 6th Man Timeline

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The 6th Man Timeline

The 6th Man Spoiler-Free Summary

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The 6th Man Spoiler-Free Summary

More About The 6th Man

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