For my money, Hoop Dreams is one of the best documentary films ever made. It tells the story of two teenage boys from inner city Chicago who hope to become professional basketball players. What makes it such a compelling story is that it’s not about basketball, its about two kids who see their athletic talent as a ticket out of poverty. I’m not spoiling anything by telling you that neither one makes it to the NBA.
Earlier this month, Sarah Olkon of the Chicago Tribune followed up with William Gates and Arthur Agee, the stars of the 1994 documentary, to see how their lives have turned out. Now 35, the two have remained close through the ups and downs the followed the end of the film.