Nickelodeon will debut the world television premiere of “Little Ballers,” a two-hour sports documentary exploring the journey of four 11-year-old basketball players in the Amateur Athletic Union and the impact of youth basketball in America. The documentary was produced by Amar’e Stoudemire and Lupe Fiasco, and directed by Crystal McCrary.
Set against the backdrop of New York City, “Little Ballers” tells the story of four diverse boys and their coach as they set out to win an AAU championship. For these young men, basketball is more than a game. It is a deep passion that holds a special meaning for each of them: escaping poverty, getting an education, living the American dream and bonding with a father. But more than anything, basketball offers them hope.
“Little Ballers” features interviews with NBA players such as Stoudemire, Carmelo Anthony, Steve Nash, Russell Westbrook, Joakim Noah, Walt Frazier, Tyson Chandler, J.R. Smith and Chamique Holdsclaw. The film also includes perspectives from New York Times columnist William C. Rhoden, award-winning journalist Roland Martin, Black Enterprise President and CEO Butch Graves, Rogue Sports agent Travis King, ESPN senior writer Pablo Torre and HBO Sports Senior Vice President Kery Davis, among others.
The documentary will air at 9 p.m. Feb. 25 during the “NickSports” programming block on Nicktoons.