Chronicling the short but eventful life of Hank Gathers (played by Donny B. Lord as a child and Victor Love as a young adult), this fact-based drama chronicles the hoopster's rise from the inner city of Philadelphia to a starring role on Loyola Marymount's basketball team before a heart condition cut his career short. Nell Carter plays Hank's supportive mom, and George Kennedy portrays a neighborhood priest who inspired the boy.
| Actor | Role |
|---|---|
 Victor LoveHank Gathers | Hank Gathers |
| DDuane DavisBo Kimble | Bo Kimble |
 George KennedyFather Dave Hagan | Father Dave Hagan |
 Nell CarterLucille Gathers | Lucille Gathers |
| KKevin C. WhiteDerrick Gathers | Derrick Gathers |
 Sam HenningsCoach Spencer | Coach Spencer |
 Sarah TriggerTV Reporter | TV Reporter |
| BBrad ButcherYoung Hank | Young Hank |
| BBaldwin C. SykesSpecs | Specs |
| MMichael D. HallHeat Gates | Heat Gates |
 Reynaldo ReyRed | Red |
 Michole Briana WhiteTaffy | Taffy |
| AAhmad StonerYoung Derrick | Young Derrick |
| CCory CurtisYoung Heat Gates | Young Heat Gates |
| DDe'Andre AlfredNoo-Noo Gathers | Noo-Noo Gathers |
 Bart BravermanTom Talmadge | Tom Talmadge |
| DDavid NetterAaron | Aaron |
 Kimberly RussellCarole | Carole |
| EEd ArnoldSelf | Self |
| RRoger HamptonAssignment Editor | Assignment Editor |
 Ken ForeeFirst USC Coach | First USC Coach |
| DDuane TuckerSecond USC Coach | Second USC Coach |
| CCary J. PittsBooster | Booster |
| JJeff BankertForrest Palmer | Forrest Palmer |
 Molly McClureCashier | Cashier |
 Milt KoganDoctor | Doctor |
| DDick BakerReferee | Referee |
 John MahonLMU Coach | LMU Coach |
 Whitman MayoNick | Nick |