dweber34

As a former college player, coach and parent of a college player, I tend to be hyper picky about the details in any portrayal of basketball on screen.

Within the constraints of its budget, My Many Sons did well on that count. Getting permission to film on the Lipscomb and Northern campuses helped it feel genuine. The screenplay, though, seemed like a collection of people's favorite Don Meyer stories, rather than a truly cohesive plot. In being honest enough to show his negatives the film makers also came dangerously close to not making Meyer a likable character.

I had the chance to coach against Meyer in Nashville when the Bison were at the peak of their powers, bringing in a small Christian college from out of state that had no real chance to win, but accepted an invite to their tournament because we had some big time alums in Tennessee. Conversing with Don was enjoyable. I got why he won, brought a million kids to his camps and sold tons of his videotapes. But he had a little con running beneath the surface. We were standing outdoors, the skyscrapers of downtown Nashville visible and he insisted he was nothing but a good old country boy who could never hack it in California. 😂

The absolute autocrat shown I the movie seemed a little more humble in real life. After we played Lipscomb in the first round and, as expected, got thumped, I asked him if I could observe their shoot around the next day. At one point, he began correcting a player's mistake as they ran through a play, but an assistant coach interrupted, saying "Coach, remember we changed that last week." He thought for a second and said "Yeah, you're right. Sorry, Joe."

My Many Sons was, in the end, worth watching but could've benefitted from smoother development of the main character.

Ava Cota does a nice job in her first lead role, making Jodi as written come to life. Her emotions rang true and her personality underwent no drastic changes despite a spectacularly unrealistic ending.

Also, I give the film makers credit for doing a high school movie sans jocks and cheerleaders. However, therein also lies a chunk of the false premise the script is built on: that tall girls in 2019 are outcasts.

Since the advent of Title IX in the 1970s, as opportunities for girls to play sports increased and female students were drawn to taking part, height became a desired trait to many at any high school. Basketball -- Jodi does reference people calling her "Lebron" but doesn't seem to be on the Ruby Bridges High team -- volleyball, swimming, track and field all prize height at certain positions or events. As girls and boys grow up together watching each other in sports, there is nothing "freakish" about a 6-1 or 6-2 girl.

My late wife (high school class of '82) was 6-1, our daughter (class of '12) 6-feet even. Neither took any crap for their height. Both played basketball. but I think their acceptance came more from being part of a team which also featured other tall girls than the fact they were both pretty good.

I realize not all girls, tall or short, play sports, but Jodi's one professed interest -- playing piano -- is said to be something she is suited for because of her wide hands. The current reduction -- I would never say elimination because people at schools all across the country are still bullied for many traits -- in harassment of tall girls is partially a product of many taking part in activities where their height is a plus. Tall girls who are "ordinary students" aren't automatically thought of as freaks if those who do play sports or model or whatever all else fields are now more open to tall women are not.