A high school junior fights to protect his best friend from the dark side of college athletics Tyron has finally shed his baby fat, and he's starting to look like a star. He moves with grace on the basketball court, showing the brilliance that eludes him everywhere else. He has the talent to win himself a college scholarship that could change his life—but he might not be strong enough academically to take full advantage of it. His best friend, T.J., is committed to making sure Tyron doesn't squander his shot at an education. A basketball player himself, he has none of Tyron's talent, but he's smart enough to look out for his friend. At a one-week summer basketball camp, Tyron is overwhelmed by scouts, sportswriters, and recruiters. To keep Tyron out of trouble, T.J. will have to move quicker than he ever has on the court.

Sonny lives for basketball, and if he's not careful, he might die for it Sonny Youngblood stands in the darkened fraternity house, a pledge bracing for another round of hazing. As he watches his fellow freshmen endure humiliation, Sonny's mind is elsewhere. He's not thinking about school, or women, or the relief that will come when the hazing is through. In his mind, Sonny is on the basketball court—the only place where things have ever made sense. A high school all-American, Sonny was talented enough to win a scholarship to play for the legendary program at Southern Illinois University. But when the season starts, he will learn this legend is built on lies. Beyond the glare of the courtside lights lies a corrupt administration that treats its unpaid athletes like cattle. All Sonny wants to do is play, but he's getting played instead.