Champions 2023

Marcus Marokovich, a fiery yet resourceful assistant coach with a minor league basketball team in Iowa, loses his temper during a game and makes a grave mistake by shoving his head coach, Phil. The aftermath of this impulsive decision finds Marcus drowning his sorrows at a local watering hole, only to land behind bars after a reckless DUI arrest. The next day, Phil bails him out, but their reunion is marked by a heated argument as Marcus insists he was right and that none of the previous night’s chaos would have occurred if Phil had simply listened. However, Phil’s calm demeanor belies a deeper truth: his assistant coach has been let go by the team owners.

Marcus faces a difficult choice when he appears before a judge, who offers him a stark alternative: 18 months in prison or 90 days of community service with a local community center’s intellectually challenged basketball team, The Friends. Marcus chooses the latter, and as he begins to coach this unique group, he is forced to confront his own biases and limitations. During the first practice, he accepts a ride home from one of his players, Johnny, only to discover that their driver is none other than Alex, Johnny’s sister – a former Tinder match who has become a casual acquaintance.

As Marcus navigates this new chapter in his life, he finds himself drawn into the personal struggles and triumphs of his players. The team’s growth and improvement are matched only by Marcus’s own self-discovery as he learns to connect with these individuals on a deeper level. A turning point arrives when one of his players, Darius, refuses to play alongside Marcus, prompting the coach to reevaluate his approach. Meanwhile, the introduction of Consentino, a previously injured player, adds a new dynamic to the team. As the group embarks on an away game, they are kicked off their bus after causing a commotion among fellow travelers. Johnny’s sister, Alex, offers them a lift in her quirky Shakespeare-themed travel RV, and Marcus sees an opportunity to turn this unconventional arrangement into a valuable partnership.

As Johnny’s bond with Marcus deepens, he invites his new friend over for dinner, where Marcus shares the news about moving into a group home with The Friends. However, Alex becomes increasingly protective of her family and insists that Marcus stays out of their business, leading to an argument that ultimately results in him being told they’re “over.” Johnny’s anger towards Marcus simmers as he feels betrayed by his sister’s hurt feelings and the deception surrounding it. Meanwhile, Consentino takes a moment during halftime to remind Johnny that he’s not playing for just one person - he’s playing for the entire team. This reality check helps Johnny come to terms with his emotions.

In an effort to secure a new coaching opportunity, Marcus reaches out to Sonny, an assistant coach from his former team, who has connections to the NBA through his uncle. However, Marcus’s motivations are initially misinterpreted by Sonny, who hopes to form a genuine friendship with him. When Marcus realizes his own manipulative behavior, he turns to Sonny for help with coaching The Friends instead. This newfound focus on teamwork and camaraderie helps Marcus grow as a person.

As the team advances to the semi-finals, Benny is finally able to join the game after convincing his boss to adjust his work schedule. His return proves pivotal, as he becomes one of the top scorers for The Friends. In a chance encounter at a restaurant, Phil spills the beans about Darius’s tragic past, revealing that he had a promising basketball career before a devastating car accident left him with brain damage. Marcus is shocked to learn that the accident was caused by a drunk driver and feels compelled to apologize and assure Darius that he would never drive under the influence again. This apology sparks a chain reaction of forgiveness within Darius, who ultimately decides to join Marcus at the Special Olympics finals in Winnipeg, marking an important step towards healing and redemption.

As Marcus (actor name) receives the news that he has been offered a position as third assistant coach for the Seattle NBA team, his long-time friend Alex warns him that the job may not be as it seems. Behind the façade of a feel-good story, Alex suspects the team is attempting to use Marcus’s reputation as cover for their current scandal. When Marcus shares the news with The Friends, they are unable to muster genuine enthusiasm, knowing that his departure will leave a void and Johnny once again finds himself at odds with Marcus.

Meanwhile, Julio, the community center manager, reveals to Marcus that the city and state are facing financial constraints, rendering it impossible for them to send the players to Canada. Undeterred, Marcus concocts a scheme with Alex to strong-arm the owner of Benny’s former restaurant, allowing The Friends to attend the championship finals.

As The Friends face off against their formidable opponents, The Beasts, they are intimidated by the sheer size and reputation of their adversaries. This is reflected in their playing, which falters during the first half. In a bid to rally his team, Marcus draws upon their collective experiences and reminds them of their hard-won victories, proclaiming them Champions.

In a pivotal moment, Johnny seizes his Champion moment by announcing to Alex that he will be moving in with The Friends. This declaration serves as a catalyst for the team’s resurgence during the second half, which sees them narrowly trailing but refusing to surrender.

Marcus attempts to orchestrate a play designed to culminate in Darius making the final shot, only to be cautioned by his assistant coach that it is a risky strategy. Recognizing the wisdom of his coach’s words, Marcus refrains from criticizing and instead adapts, implementing a pick-and-roll play featuring Johnny. This gambit proves successful, as Johnny finds himself poised to score before Showtime’s loud declaration alerts the opposing team.

In a stunning turn of events, Johnny passes the ball to Showtime, who attempts his signature backward shot. Although the attempt results in a missed basket that hits the rim, The Friends erupt in jubilation, acknowledging that this is a first for their teammate, even if it ultimately contributes to their team’s loss. Despite their defeat, Marcus’s pep talk has instilled a sense of pride and camaraderie within the team, solidifying their self-perception as Champions.

As the dust settles on Marcus’s professional journey, he undergoes a profound shift in perspective, ultimately choosing to forgo the allure of the Seattle opportunity. This pivotal decision is fueled by a lingering sense of intuition, which Alex had wisely forewarned him about earlier. The outcome proves to be a serendipitous turn of events as Marcus secures a local coaching position with the JV Iowa team, taking the reins from his former boss. In a fitting twist of fate, his trusted assistant assumes leadership of “The Friends,” now freed from the burdens of their previous mentorship.

Meanwhile, Marcus and Alex’s romantic relationship continues to flourish, a testament to the power of trust and mutual understanding. As their bond grows stronger, Johnny finds himself at a crossroads, opting to leave the familiar confines of his friends’ group home to strike out on his own, embarking on a new chapter in his life.