ReView: The Joy of Small-Town Sports Lives On In ‘Hoosiers’

The dreams of small-town underdogs are never out of reach in “Hoosiers,” where the struggle for basketball glory is intertwined with the grievances of daily life.

Directed by David Anspaugh, the 1986 film has stood the test of time as one of the most beloved sports stories due to its genuine characters, thrilling portrayal of amateur basketball and the valuable advice it lends viewers. 

Critics praised Gene Hackman’s performance as the determined protagonist coach Norman Dale. After Hackman (“The French Connection,” “Unforgiven”) died in February, viewers expressed sentimental reflections on his exemplary role in the film.

The backdrop of “Hoosiers” is Hickory, Ind. — a fictional, drab town whose daily gossip centers around all things basketball. 

Hackman’s character, affectionately referred to as coach by players, arrives in Hickory in 1951 as the high school’s new history teacher and coach for their Huskers basketball team. Formerly a famed basketball coach at Ithaca College, Coach resigns to Hickory after receiving a lifetime ban from the NCAA for punching one of his own players. 

Coach meets Jimmy Chitwood, played by Maris Valainis, a reserved young man who withdrew from the high school team after the death of their prior coach. The Huskers now consist of six players — Strap, Merle, Buddy, Everett, Rade and Whit — and one team manager, Ollie.  

Taking charge of the team, Coach leads the players through rigorous physical drills closer to ROTC training then typical game preparation. Coach preaches basketball as a sport built on fundamentals more complex than basic shooting skills — including proper footwork, controlled dribbling and purposeful passing. 

Shooter, played by Dennis Hopper, plays a former Hickory basketball player and college basketball coach struggling with alcoholism and homelessness after losing his position. 

Hopper’s emotional depth and commanding performance as Shooter shed light on a character most films would’ve left in the shadows, earning him an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor in 1987. 

Coach notices Shooter’s invaluable knowledge of the game, offering him the position of assistant coach as long as he agrees to remain sober. 

The only things preventing Coach from being pushed out of his role are the players he’s imprinted wisdom on. Jimmy returns to the team, and Hickory quiets their calls for his resignation when the Huskers’ losing streak takes a positive turn.

With Coach’s support and Jimmy’s mentorship, individual players begin to improve and the team grows closer. Everett rebuilds a relationship with Shooter, his dad, while Strap brings his relationship with God to the court and Merle vies for victory to repay the sacrifices Coach has made for them.  

The Huskers’ perseverance is a testament to the film’s uplifting message to underdogs — with meaningful teamwork and a culture built on hope, no dream is too far out of reach to achieve. 

Hackman depicts the kind of coach everyone deserves in their life. His mentorship in teamwork, perseverance and fond passion for the game aren’t just keys to success in basketball — they’re invaluable life lessons.

In an iconic moment upon their arrival to famed Hinkle Fieldhouse for the state final, Coach insists his players measure the free-throw line as well as the distance from the rim to the floor, knowing they’ll find it to be the exact same measurements as their hometown court. 

Coach’s measuring exercise serves as a purposeful reminder that the finish line holds the same intrinsic value as the starting line. 

The Loyola Ramblers men’s basketball team made their own “Hoosiers” run through the 2025 National Invitational Tournament, held by the National Collegiate Athletic Association. Their journey culminated at the very same Hinkle Fieldhouse where, 39 years earlier, “Hoosiers” filmed its final game. 

Similar to watching one’s own college team make it to a semifinal game, the film’s compelling direction and exhilarating music during the championship climax bring viewers into the shoes of those playing on one of basketball’s biggest stages.

From the initial losses to the final game, “Hoosiers” breathes life into a town searching for glory and gives voice to noble characters continuing to live in the hearts of sports fans nearly 40 years later. 

“Hoosiers” is available to rent or buy on Amazon Prime, YouTube and Apple TV+.