Basketball or Nothing (2019) User Reviews

Plenty to Like

[laurelvanwilligen · 8/10 · 9 August 2019]

So much to like about this documentary. Having watched a slew of these, I can say that it is just so refreshing to see a coach get results without abusive language and behavior toward his players. The staff at the school seemed so good. Concerned, supportive, trying to balance academics with sports. It was impossible for me to ignore the overall atmosphere of depression in most of the players and most of their parents. And I get why they would be depressed. But the one thing that I just cannot figure out for the life of me is why you would spend 25 million dollars on a high school basketball arena when there are people in the community that don't have running water. That right there depressed me.

Moving, engrossing doc

[senor_cos · 8/10 · 7 August 2019]

This is an exciting trip with a band of teen boys and the community that supports them, as they face a David and Goliath situation. It's a short series, so quick to watch, yet you don't want the run to be over when you finish. Highly recommend

Can't wait to watch this again

[bclynch-20783 · 10/10 · 6 August 2019]

Reality shows aren't my thing, and I'm not into basketball. But I checked out this series because I have fond memories of visiting the Navajo Nation 30 years ago. Turns out you don't have to like basketball to enjoy this show - I think everybody would enjoy it. The quiet, mild-mannered coach, with his impeccable manners, is actually an unstoppable force and by the last episode you wish you could drive to Arizona just to meet this guy in person. And it's fun watching the Navajo kids, because typical of their culture, they're also very polite, even while playing an astonishing game of basketball. I mean, you just love these kids...you'll start to feel like they're your own family. You get taken into another world, and it's a world you may not want to leave. I'll watch this again; it was outstanding!!

This show has heart

[iMaas · 9/10 · 7 August 2019]

I'm into basketball films and documentaries like Hoop Dreams, Doin' it in the Park, He got game or even White men can't jump. But what I liked most about this mini series is that it has an enormous heart. You really start rooting for these guys.

A documentary not to be missed

[borowiczlucky · 9/10 · 12 August 2019]

I am a basketball fanatic my entire life. I played at collegiate high school and can understand everything these kids are going through. I was and still am 5'8. I came from a divorced family. One with money one without. Basketball is way of life in more ways than one. The lessons you learn stay with you for life. Great doc! Only issue I have is the same I have seen stated already, why spend so much on arena when the money could've been used in the community!!! Millions for basketball instead of running water? That's really the big issue I have. Other than that check it out whether you like sports or not!!!

The coach as a wise elder

[david1973 · 10/10 · 7 August 2019]

The stunningly beautiful landscape of the Navajo Nation stands in sharp contrast with the poverty and lack of opportunities that face kids on the high school basketball team in Chinle, Arizona. The coach is a wise older man who teaches the kids teamwork, patience and how to face challenges (a welcome relief from the insanely nasty coaches on other documentary films on sports). I ended up really rooting for the kids in the games and in their future lives.

Raw look at life on the reservation

[toniegarcia · 10/10 · 17 February 2020]

Definitely worth watching. A genuine look at life on the reservation. I do wish there was more footage behind the scenes of basketball. Go Wildcats

Amazing look into life on the Reservation

[jtyer13 · 10/10 · 16 June 2020]

Amazing to see a part of America little of us know about. It's amazing how much basketball means to this community and how they support this team. This show has amazing heart and you can feel it. I was pulled in immediately. God bless these kids and this community. Wish nothing but the best for them

Enjoyable even if you are not Basketball fan

[Youssef78 · 10/10 · 27 January 2022]

Watch it in January 2022 and really enjoy the whole series which show how alot of people struggle to give there boys a good education for better life than themselves. A very respectable coach who guide his young men with no abusive language that unfortunately became the trend of coaching nowadays.