Manchild: The Schea Cotton Story

Manchild: The Schea Cotton Story is a hard-hitting 2016 documentary that paints a hauntingly honest picture of the unbearable burdens of expectation, and the strength of the human spirit. The documentary tells the story of Schea Cotton, one of the greatest basketball players to never make the NBA.

Directed by Eric 'Ptah' Herbert, the film begins with a young Schea Cotton emerging as a true teenage sensation in the world of basketball during the mid-1990s. In the sporting universe, where the fruits of fame are coveted and the futures of young athletes are wagered, the 16-year-old Cotton, at 6’6” and 210 pounds, was heralded as the "Lebron before Lebron," touted as the next Magic Johnson.

The film includes interviews with basketball heavyweights like Baron Davis and Paul Pierce, both of whom attest to Schea's prowess on the court. Its most poignant insight, however, comes from licensed marriage and family therapist Alesia A. Wesley. In her assessment, Wesley expounds on the immense pressure these young prodigies face, and the potential damaging effects of early stardom and heightened expectations on Cotton’s mental and emotional health.

The documentary takes us through Cotton's meteoric rise against the backdrop of Southern California. Visionary hip-hop artist BadLucc whose own journey parallels that of Cotton’s in many ways, provides a musical score that perfectly encapsulates the atmosphere of the film. Substantive archival footage is also used throughout the documentary, allowing audiences to see firsthand the incredible ability and physical prowess of young Cotton. As we see him dominate the court, we are also privy to the harsh reality that so many talents face - bearings the weight of other people's dreams.

Despite being courted by every major university and landing the cover of Sports Illustrated at a young age, Schea's ultimate dream to play in the NBA is continuously deferred. His journey takes him from high school prodigy to college player, facing constant scrutiny, injuries, and a shifting landscape in the world of basketball along the way. His journey occurs concurrently with a significant shift in NBA policy, which now allows high school athletes to enter its ranks, thereby increasing competition for roster spots.

Another figure that stands out is Schea's elder brother David, a former pro player himself, who also operates as both Schea’s adviser and protector. This film delves into their relationship as the two navigate the treacherous terrain of sports politics, perceptions, and prejudice. Through their story, the film explores themes of brotherhood and grit, showing the strength required to endure on the bumpy road to personal and professional success.

Despite being a sports documentary, Manchild: The Schea Cotton Story extends beyond the field of play to present an emotionally-charged human story. It chronicles the journey of a young man grappling with the weight of expectation, societal prejudice, and personal disappointments while striving to keep his dream alive. It's a movie about the power of perseverance in the face of adversity, the danger of premature fame, and the unyielding will of the human spirit to continue striving even when the world seems to be against you.

Furthermore, the film is a commentary on the darker side of the sports industry. It does not shy away from shedding light on the enormous pressure placed on young athletes and the pitfalls of the recruitment and scouting process. It serves as both a cautionary tale and an exposé of a system that can often chew up and spit out young talents once they have served their purpose.

In his subsequent life as a business owner, mentor, and family man, Cotton's story becomes a tale of redemption and resilience. The viewer is compelled to evaluate success measured not in sports stats, but in resolve, survival, and the profound ability to endure and overcome life's challenges.

Cotton reflects on his lost dreams, the setbacks, and the disappointments with raw emotion and painful honesty in this film. His narrative is laden with wisdom, encouraging the young and old alike to dream, to persevere, and to remain resilient in the face of life's disappointments while keeping their aspirations alive.

Approaching the subject within the framework of a sports documentary, Manchild: The Schea Cotton Story transcends the parameters of the genre to provide audiences with an emotionally resonant, human story - one you'll be discussing long after the credits have rolled.