The Spoils: Selling the Future of American Basketball, is set for release on June 13, 2024, on jolt.film/watch/the-spoils. The documentary film is directed by Mike Nicoll. The USC alumnus sat down with us for a full interview about his upcoming movie, which features former USC basketball stars Evan Mobley (of the Cleveland Cavaliers) and Onyeka Okongwu (of the Atlanta Hawks).
Trojans Wire: How did you get started in the sports film industry?
Mike Nicoll: My start in the sports film world was really just born from having something to say. Having traveled through the American basketball system for the first 20 years of my life as a player, that experience made a huge impression on the man I ultimately became. I think that’s the catalyst for most filmmakers I know… feeling like, “I have to make this film” or “I have to tell this story.”
After I graduated from USC’s Film School, I was drawn back to the basketball world because I felt like I had something meaningful to say about the system and how it operates.
Netflix acquired my first film, ‘At All Costs,’ and that kinda made me ‘the basketball film’ guy…so more and more opportunities in that lane started to present themselves.
Trojans Wire: How was it working with former USC Trojans Onyeka Okongwu and Evan Mobley?
Mike Nicoll: Evan and Onyeka are great dudes, really humble guys. I’ve known them both since they were about 12 or 13, when they entered the Compton Magic program.
The thing that stands out to me about both of them is how focused they were from the beginning. They’re really about the basketball, which I love and respect. They had a plan, and to watch them execute on those goals was inspiring to see. I’m so happy for all the success they’ve had.
For more information, visit TheSpoilsMovie.com.
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