The flick took you inside their story. The kids made you feel that story.

As soon as it was released in 1994, Hoop Dreams was more than just a documentary about two inner-city African American youths from Chicago who both shared dreams of making it to the NBA.

Through William Gates (pictured above) and Arthur Agee, it showed the harsh realities of what happens when those dreams are shattered by life.

Make sure to check out this must-read by the Washington Post’s Mike Wise from 2004 (“Looking Back At Broken ‘Dreams’) when you have time. You’ll be glad you did.

Gates went on to play at Marquette and had a tryout with the Washington Wizards during Michael Jordan’s comeback in 2001, before Gates injured his foot and once again derailed his hoop dream.

Today, Gates is a pastor of a new church plant, Living Faith Church, located in the heart of Cabrini Green, the neighborhood where he grew up.

Agee never came as close to reaching his hardwood heaven.

After two years at Arkansas State, Agee passed on the chance to play in the CBA for the Connecticut Pride. He now shares his story and journey with high schools around the country as a public speaker, in addition to launching a Hoop Dreams clothing line.

In those ways and the classic documentary, Hoop Dreams lives on.

The History Black Series - Honoring Black History Month:

February 1: Muhammed Ali 

February 2: Gary Payton

February 3: Bo Jackson 

February 4: Dr. J

February 5: The Junkyard Dog

February 6: John Starks

February 7: Barry Sanders

February 8: Spud Webb

February 9: Craig Hodges

February 10: The Fab Five

February 11: Ice Man

February 12: Buster Douglas

February 13: Harold Miner

February 14: Reggie Lewis

photo: hoopinside

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