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The best possible fictional basketball team
New Line Cinema

The best possible fictional basketball team

It's not easy putting together a team of fictional basketball players. There have been many memorable made-up hoop stars on TV or the big screen. Our team includes 15 players, one head coach, and three assistant coaches. The starting five are listed first. 

 
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Swingman: Jimmy Chitwood ('Hoosiers') / Starter

Swingman: Jimmy Chitwood ('Hoosiers') / Starter
Orion Pictures

Perhaps the best pure shooter on this team. The quiet Chitwood (Maris Valainis) likes to do his talking on the court, as seen at Hickory High. When we need a bucket in the clutch or defensive stop, Jimmy is our man. As we'll see, this squad is filled with plenty of swollen egos and attitudes, so having a soft-spoken yet confident performer who knows how to win big games is refreshing.

 
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Swingman: Scott Howard/Teen Wolf ('Teen Wolf') / Starter

Swingman: Scott Howard/Teen Wolf ('Teen Wolf') / Starter
Atlantic Releasing Corporation

In human form, Scott (Michael J. Fox) was nothing more than an undersized, mediocre high school basketball player for the Beacontown Beavers. But after transforming into his alter ego "Teen Wolf," there might not be a more dominant player on this team. He's a terrific ball-handler, vicious defender, and can easily play about the rim. "Teen Wolf" would be the heavy favorite if we're also holding a dunk contest.

 
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Center: Neon Boudeaux ('Blue Chips') / Starter

Center: Neon Boudeaux ('Blue Chips') / Starter
YouTube

At 7-foot-1 and well over 300 pounds, Neon Boudeaux is a specimen of dominance. He's raw, but he also can intimidate opponents the second he walks into the gym. Neon (Shaquille O'Neal) did not spend much time playing at Western University, so there still might be some teaching to be done, especially at the defensive end of the floor. 

 
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Shooting Guard: Lewis Scott ('Celtic Pride') / Starter

Shooting Guard: Lewis Scott ('Celtic Pride') / Starter
Buena Vista Pictures

There's no denying the fact that the Utah Jazz guard is one of the best in business. Unfortunately, Scott (Damon Wayans) knows how good he is at draining jumpers and drawing attention to himself. Though Lewis can be a public relations pain, we don't want to see him get harmed or kidnapped by some crazy Boston Celtics fans. Consider yourself warned.

 
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Guard: Butch McRae ('Blue Chips') / Starter

Guard: Butch McRae ('Blue Chips') / Starter
YouTube

At 6-foot-7, McRae (Anfernee "Penny" Hardaway) can play anywhere on the floor. However, he's our starting point guard. Not many ran the floor better than the Chicago native who shined during his short time at Western University. But Butch is more than just fancy handles. He can shoot, play well above the rim, and is a strong on-ball defender, making him a serious overall threat.

 
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Forward: Warren Coolidge ('The White Shadow')

Forward: Warren Coolidge ('The White Shadow')
YouTube

The big man and star of the Carver High School basketball team during the late 1970s. Coolidge (Byron Stewart) can be a major presence off the bench for this team, which is light on frontcourt depth. One of the better rebounders around, "Cool" is at his best with his back against the basket, but his moves are strong enough to work the baseline for a tough bucket.

 
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Forward: Jackie Moon ('Semi-Pro')

Forward: Jackie Moon ('Semi-Pro')
New Line Cinema

There are 15 players on our roster, and Jackie Moon (Will Ferrell) will likely be the last man off the bench. You know, the guy who earns that huge cheer from the crowd when he gets garbage minutes at the end of a blowout. That said, the outgoing, fan-favorite Jackie is the face of the franchise when it comes to community events and in-game entertainment, even if that means wrestling a bear at halftime. 

 
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Swingman: Buddy/Old Blue ('Air Bud')

Swingman: Buddy/Old Blue ('Air Bud')
Walt Disney Pictures

Not only can Buddy serve as a go-to sub, but he will also double as the team mascot if needed. We see Bud serving as a role player, a defensive specialist to pressure the ball when down on the scoreboard. Of course, there might not be a better transition option than Buddy. Plus, we know he can drive to the hoop and will be one of the best passers on the team.

 
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Swingman: Jesus Shuttlesworth ('He Got Game')

Swingman: Jesus Shuttlesworth ('He Got Game')
Touchstone Pictures

We know there was a lot of pressure on prep star Jesus (former college and NBA star Ray Allen) from his old man, Jake (Denzel Washington), to parlay a successful collegiate hoops career into an early prison release for Jake. In terms of the game, Jesus is one of the team's best players and would probably start on any other team. He will undoubtedly add to our overall depth for the moment.

 
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Guard: Julie Connor ('Hang Time')

Guard: Julie Connor ('Hang Time')
YouTube

Julie Connor (Daniella Deutscher) is a solid shooter and might be one of the better defensive players on this roster. Just like she was as a member of the Deering High Tornadoes. She can also be a spot-starter if needed, and she will probably out-work and out-hustle most everybody on the team. Remember that time she teamed up with the late Kobe Bryant?

 
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Guard: Sidney Deane ('White Men Can't Jump')

Guard: Sidney Deane ('White Men Can't Jump')
20th Century Fox

If we're looking for flash and glitz, Sidney (Wesley Snipes) is our man. Sidney is at his best when it comes to a one-on-one matchup, breaking down a defender. And we know the trash talk will linger for days. That's all value to the team. Of course, there's a chance Sidney's penchant for gambling and hustling could bring some controversy to the team that might be ripe for an in-season scandal. 

 
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Guard: Billy Hoyle ('White Men Can't Jump')

Guard: Billy Hoyle ('White Men Can't Jump')
20th Century Fox

A former friend of Sidney, the two could have some issues within the team dynamic. That said, Billy will likely produce instant offense coming off the bench. Especially from distance, considering Hoyle (Woody Harrelson) is one of the best 3-point shooters on the club. Billy also might take heat from his teammates for how he wears his uniform, and we're not sure he or Sidney will be allowed to wear a hat on the floor.

 
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Guard: Matthew Lockhart ('Heaven is a Playground')

Guard: Matthew Lockhart ('Heaven is a Playground')
YouTube

Matthew (Loyola Marymount star Bo Kimble) was a great high school player, but an injury at the hands of rising college star and prep rival Truth Harrison soured him on the game. He eventually walked away from basketball, even though UCLA showed interest in him. Matthew came back to the game and could serve as a solid sixth-man on our squad, especially when Lewis Scott starts trouble for the coaching staff. 

 
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Guard: Quincy McCall ('Love and Basketball')

Guard: Quincy McCall ('Love and Basketball')
YouTube

If we're looking for a veteran presence on this squad, look no further than Quincy (Omar Epps). He starred at USC and enjoyed a decent pro career, most notably with the Los Angeles Lakers. That type of experience, and his abilities to handle all the rigors of life, can prove valuable to this squad.

 
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Guard: Kyle Lee Watson ('Above the Rim')

Guard: Kyle Lee Watson ('Above the Rim')
New Line Cinema

We talked about personalities and attitudes on our team. Watson (Duane Martin) is certainly one. He's brash, cocky, and can be a bit volatile. Though, as we saw late in his high school career, Watson matured some and earned a scholarship to Georgetown. He's endured a tough life, but he certainly brings talent and value to this club as a potential star of our second unit. 

 
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Guard: Monica Wright ('Love and Basketball')

Guard: Monica Wright ('Love and Basketball')
YouTube

It's interesting to note that we have a husband-and-wife on the team. Monica (Sanaa Lathan) and Quincy McCall are one talented couple, and we'd love to see them running the floor together. Like her husband, Monica brings tons of experience to our team, having starred at Crenshaw High, USC, and overseas before playing for the Sparks during the early days of the WNBA. We'd also like to think she'd be a good role model for somebody like Julie Connor.

 
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Head Coach: Norman Dale ('Hoosiers')

Head Coach: Norman Dale ('Hoosiers')
Orion Pictures

This team is full of talent and personalities, good or bad. We need a coach to rein all that in and get them to play as one cohesive unit. Norman Dale (Gene Hackman) did that on the prep level with tiny Hickory High School. Norman is just the right man for the job. He won't take any lip from his players. He's rough but fair, and there is a reason for the move in everything he does.

 
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Assistant Coach: Pete Bell ('Blue Chips')

Assistant Coach: Pete Bell ('Blue Chips')
Paramount Pictures

Bell (Nick Nolte) won two national titles and got used to winning during his years guiding Western University. The only concern with Coach Bell is that he has a temper. That said, he knows the game and is a quality Xs and Os instructor. Though he endured a recruiting controversy at the end of his career, this seems like a good way for him to get back as a teacher of the game.

 
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Assistant Coach: Ken Reeves ('The White Shadow')

Assistant Coach: Ken Reeves ('The White Shadow')
MTM Enterprises

A former NBA player with the Chicago Bulls, Reeves (Ken Howard) made a decent living as a high school hoops coach in his second career. Reeves' Carver High teams were highly competitive in the Los Angeles area. In addition to being a solid game coach, Howard will always be there for his players on and off the court. In many ways, he's a father figure that's often needed by those on the roster.

 
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Assistant coach: Bobby Finstock ('Teen Wolf')

Assistant coach: Bobby Finstock ('Teen Wolf')
YouTube

Full disclosure: The bench boss of the Beacontown Beavers is not very good at his job. However, Finstock (Jay Tarses) can be valuable when any player needs some advice about personal issues. He's willing to lend an ear or offer some fried chicken to soothe the soul. Plus, when things get rough, he can lighten the mood and take some pressure off the team.

A Chicago native, Jeff Mezydlo has professionally written about sports, entertainment and pop culture for nearly 30 years. If he could do it again, he'd attend Degrassi Junior High, Ampipe High and Grand Lakes University.

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