Everything You Need To Know About ‘Last Chance U: Basketball’ on Netflix

Looking for a refresh, Netflix has pivoted to basketball—and that, as you will see when the "Last Chance U: Basketball" series hits the streaming service.

Last Chance U: Basketball 2021 Netflix Locker Room
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Last Chance U: Basketball 2021 Netflix Locker Room

Last Chance U: Basketball 2021 Netflix Locker Room

Last Chance U is one of Netflix’s greatest hits, striking a chord among both sports fans and viewers simply seeking entertainment and good storytelling. 

Since its debut in 2016, the documentary series has developed a loyal fan base. It spent five seasons chronicling the emotional terrain of junior college football, with student-athletes attempting to overcome adversity and rise up from the bottom, resurrecting their NFL dreams.

The show constructed its audience by following East Mississippi Community College (with coach Buddy Stephens) for two seasons, then made its way to Independence, Kansas, (with Jason Brown) for two more, before wrapping up its final season on the gridiron in Oakland, California (with John Beam). After the fifth season, it seemed the show’s approach had grown a bit stale, even for the most avid fans of the franchise.

Looking for a refresh, Netflix pivoted to basketball—and that, as you will see, is a good thing. The sixth season of Last Chance U launches with eight one-hour episodes March 10, with the East Los Angeles College hoops program serving up the material. 

We got a sneak peek at the excellent new season. Here’s everything you need to know about Last Chance U: Basketball.

New setting, same formula

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If you’ve seen the football version of Last Chance U and you’re hoping for something similar, you won’t be disappointed. The show’s directors—Greg Whitely, Adam Leibowitz, and Daniel George McDonald—did make some adaptations, but the overall show feels the same.

The players are playing JUCO ball for a number of reasons—referred to as the ‘three A’s’: either they need academic help, they’re athletically limited, or they’re assholes. These hoopers’ struggles are documented in detail. Viewers are treated to practically a psychoanalysis of the featured characters. 

It’s hard to imagine going through some of these players’ life challenges at their age, and it’s easy to empathize with them. You’ll find yourself rooting for them to make it to the next level.

Additionally, this show offers the moments we’ve come to expect from the franchise: the memorable, emotional outbursts; the unique development of a team culture; the undying pursuit of a clearly defined goal; the salient role of the local community; and the coach serving as the true star.

Keep an eye on DeShaun Highler

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The second key player this show puts in the spotlight: DeShaun Highler. A former UTEP point guard from Riverside, California, Highler has had quite a tough lot in life for reasons differing from Hampton’s.

Both of Highler’s parents died in a one-year period. When his mother was facing cancer, Mosley promised her he would take care of Highler. The episode offers a gut-wrenching exploration of Highler’s battles.

“He has nobody to guide him,” Mosley says. The coach and player have a special bond.

Highler is undersized (6’2”, 180), but described as the team’s “alpha.” He’s the glue that holds everything together. 

Despite having a light-hearted, cheery personality and being well-liked by his teammates Highler is a bit of a paradox. He chews out referees and can show real abrasiveness. He says people have told him he’s angry. As you’d expect, he’s coping with a lot of pain. “I for sure got a lack of peace,” he shares. Highler struggles to sleep at night.

Last Chance U: Basketball offers a deep dive into Highler’s trying journey back to Division I. 

Though Hampton and Highler are the two most central players in the show, a number of others—including Malik Muhammad and KJ Allen—receive extensive attention as well. You won’t find yourself bored with this roster.

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